SOS Sensitive Skin: How to Deal With Red Patches

There is no single reason for red patches to occur. Whether temporary or permanent, localised or spread across the body, they are triggered by a number of factors that cause the skin to over-react: stressful situations, exercise, hormonal changes, exposure to the sun, temperature fluctuations... But whatever the cause, the impact on the quality of our skin is apparent: our skin tone becomes uneven, its texture becomes rough and it can feel burning hot. Red patches can appear at any age, however, they do tend to worsen and become permanent over time.

Specific treatments to reduce the appearance of red patches on the face work to strengthen the skin via active ingredients that limit the dilation of blood vessels, as well as form a protective barrier against the elements and prevent inflammation. The first step is to calm the skin with cooling, moisturising active ingredients (like glycerine and aloe vera) alongside an anti-inflammatory product (such as thermal water and rose extract). Our tip: keep a thermal mist close to hand to soothe any red patches that suddenly appear.

Specific treatments to reduce the appearance of red patches on the face work to strengthen the skin via active ingredients that limit the dilation of blood vessels, as well as form a protective barrier against the elements and prevent inflammation. The first step is to calm the skin with cooling, moisturising active ingredients (like glycerine and aloe vera) alongside an anti-inflammatory product (such as thermal water and rose extract). Our tip: keep a thermal mist close to hand to soothe any red patches that suddenly appear.

Corrective foundations can hide red patches on the face, as they contain complementary colours designed to balance out the skin's tone. Apply a small amount of green foundation to any red patches and gently work it in using your fingertips or a sponge. Don't over do it: you'll end up with a green hue and the product won't blend in as it should. No one wants to look like the green goblin.

With age, smoking, sun and alcohol, these innocent red patches can turn into erythrose (wide-spread redness) or rosacea (visible blood vessels). If this is the case, beauty treatments and make-up won't be enough. Depending on the severity of the problem, a dermatologist can get rid of red patches by using pulsed light, a vascular laser or a technique called electrocautery.