Facial Redness

Rosacea is a chronic condition that first appears as a flushing or subtle redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead. Rosacea progresses from intermittent mild redness to persistent ruddiness and permanent, dilated blood vessels and acne-like bumps.

Rosacea responds well to treatment, but is not curable. Treatment includes prescription topical and oral antibiotics, which help prevent pimples and redness. In severe cases, Accutane may also be prescribed. Pulsed-dye lasers such as the Vbeam (cost, $500) can treat broken capillaries and may decrease the need for topical medication. Gentle, hypoallergenic products are also in order.

To prevent redness, identify -- and then try to avoid -- what triggers your episodes of intense flushing and blushing. Common triggers are spicy or piping-hot foods, caffeine, alcohol, stress, heat, sun, wind, exercise and anything -- including facial steaming, massage and hot water -- that brings blood to the face. Switch to physical sunblocks. They're less likely to irritate skin since they contain ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that reflect UV rays and aren't absorbed into skin. To ensure complete protection from UVB rays, Maritza Perez advises one with octyl methoxycinnamate, which, she says, is the most hypoallergenic.