Red cheeks

When red cheeks annoy!

ruemmelein May 5, 2014 Read 4 min
When red cheeks annoy!

When red cheeks get on your nerves: How to treat red cheeks

Have you ever had the feeling that your red cheeks are ruining your day? You are not alone. Not only can red cheeks be annoying, they can also affect your self-confidence. But don't worry, there are steps you can take to tackle this problem.

What causes red cheeks?

Red cheeks in adults can be caused by various factors, including

  1. Rosacea: A chronic skin condition that causes persistent redness, visible blood vessels and sometimes pimples on the face. Rosacea tends to worsen over time if left untreated.
  2. Temperature fluctuations: Exposure to extreme temperatures, be it heat or cold, can cause temporary redness in the cheeks. This reaction often occurs due to the dilation of blood vessels in response to temperature fluctuations.
  3. Emotional reactions: Emotions such as embarrassment, excitement, anger or stress can cause the cheeks to redden. This is caused by the release of stress hormones, which dilate the blood vessels in the face.
  4. Alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol can cause temporary redness in the cheeks, as alcohol dilates the blood vessels and increases blood flow to the skin.
  5. Allergic reactions: Some adults may experience red cheeks as a reaction to certain foods, skin care products or environmental allergens. This reaction is often accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, swelling or hives.
  6. Side effects of medication: Certain medications such as corticosteroids or blood pressure medication can cause facial redness or flushing symptoms as a side effect.
  7. Skin irritation: Aggressive skin care products, excessive exfoliation or friction caused by frequent touching of the face can irritate the skin and lead to redness or inflammation of the cheek area.
  8. Underlying health conditions: Red cheeks can sometimes be a symptom of underlying health problems such as lupus, dermatitis or autoimmune diseases. In such cases, the redness is usually accompanied by other symptoms and requires medical examination and treatment.

Can red cheeks be treated?

Yes, red cheeks can be treated, depending on the cause and severity of the problem. Here are some ways to treat red cheeks:

  1. Skin care: A gentle skincare routine can help to reduce redness and soothe the skin. Use mild cleansing products and moisturizers that are as free from alcohols and fragrances as possible.
  2. Sun protection: Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 every day to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and minimize redness.
  3. Avoidance of trigger factors: Identify factors that could aggravate your red cheeks and try to avoid them. These may include alcohol consumption, hot spices or extreme temperatures.
  4. Medical treatments: For cases of rosacea, dermatological treatments such as prescription creams, antibiotics, laser therapy or other procedures can be very helpful. However, these should always be done under medical supervision to minimize side effects and maximize effectiveness.
  5. Lifestyle changes: A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, adequate sleep, regular exercise and stress management techniques such as meditation or yoga, can help to improve skin health and reduce redness.
  6. Make-up: If necessary, make-up products such as green tint foundations or concealers can be used to at least visually conceal redness and achieve an even complexion.

It is important to note that the treatment of red cheeks often requires a combination of approaches and can vary from person to person.

For the treatment of rosacea, we will be happy to draw up a customized treatment plan with you in the clinic.

Laser therapy for red cheeks:

What treatment options are available?

Depending on the indication, we recommend treatment with various laser and light therapies.

On the one hand, there is the option of vascular laser therapy. This involves removing telangiectasias and redness with the help of Vascular Laser such as the Clarity. Several sessions are usually required for optimal results. The laser heats the blood vessel just enough to cause it to contract. Similar to a shrink tube that contracts with a hot source. This method is particularly helpful for individual vessels that are clearly visible.

For extensive redness, we recommend the use of LED phototherapyIPL therapy and Cleresca Rosacea. These methods can help reduce redness and improve the skin. Treatments are customized depending on the skin condition and the acute nature of the disease.

How many sessions are required? The number of treatments may vary depending on factors such as the severity of the condition, the size of the area to be treated and the individual's response to the treatment. If laser treatments are considered, results are usually visible after just one treatment. If light therapy is used on large areas, several sessions at intervals of several weeks are required to achieve optimal results. Your dermatologist will assess your condition and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Is it permanent? While laser and light therapies can effectively reduce red cheeks and improve the appearance of the skin, it may not offer permanent results. Over time, new blood vessels can form, especially if the underlying condition, such as rosacea, is not properly treated. Nevertheless, with proper skin care and lifestyle changes, the results of laser and light therapies can be long-term.

Are there any side effects? Laser and light therapy for red cheeks are generally considered safe when performed by a qualified dermatologist or healthcare provider. This is especially important because the correct treatment method requires proper analysis and diagnosis. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential side effects and risks, including:

  • Temporary redness, swelling or bruising at the treatment site, which usually disappears within a few days (laser therapy).
  • Rarely, changes in skin pigmentation may occur, such as hyperpigmentation (darkening) or hypopigmentation (lightening), especially in people with darker skin.
  • In some cases, laser therapy may cause discomfort or pain during the procedure. Your dermatologist may apply a topical anesthetic or use cooling methods to minimize discomfort. Light therapies such as LED and Kleresca are completely painless.

It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of laser and light therapy with your dermatologist before undergoing treatment. They can make personalized recommendations based on your skin type, concerns and treatment goals.

In summary, treatment options for red cheeks offer a variety of options including laser therapy to reduce redness and improve the appearance of the skin. Laser therapy such as pulsed dye laser (PDL) or intense pulsed light (IPL) aim to treat dilated blood vessels that can cause redness. Laser beams are directed at the skin to selectively damage the blood vessels and cause them to collapse, reducing the redness.

The number of sessions required varies depending on the severity of the condition and the individual's response to treatment. Multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart may be required. The results of laser therapy can be long-term, but may not provide a permanent solution as new blood vessels can form over time.

Possible side effects include temporary redness, swelling or bruising at the treatment site. Rarely, changes in skin pigmentation may occur.