Q.  Hi Lori and Donna!! I have embarrassingly red skin. I hate it! It goes even more red when I blush or when I’m exercising, and I’m so tired of looking like a beetroot. Help!!
Anon.

A.    With all the products available these days, there is no need to have ruddy skin! You may have a condition called Rosacea, or a lesser known evil Couperose. Let me tell you about it.
Couperose manifests itself in red patches all over the face. This is due to small, dilated blood vessels that become visible on the surface of the skin. This condition is most common in people that have thin or weak elasticity of the capillary walls of the skin. To give you an example : Normally when you blush, the blood rushes up to the face, due to the capillary walls expanding to accommodate this extra surge of blood, but they will normally contract afterwards. However, in people who have weakened capillary walls, they don’t have the strength to return to normal. Therefore the redness remains.

•    What makes it worse?
Hereditary factors play a role, as does extreme temperatures and of course people who have naturally thin, weak skin, including the capillary walls of the face. It strikes all skin types, oily, dry or sensitive skin for example, are all susceptible to this condition. It often targets the elderly as skin tends to become thinner and weaker as we age.

•    What can I do?
Well, there are products available that can strengthen the capillary walls of the skin. Look out for these. Use only products that are specifically for your skin type, to minimize irritation. Also, a good moisturizer is vital in reducing the appearance of redness. Try to get a moisturizer with anti inflammatory ingredients, that hydrate and lock in moisture. Well cared for, moisturized  skin always looks better! And, lastly, wash your face in lukewarm water and not water that is too hot nor too cold.

•    Is there any other quick fix?
Yes, As mentioned at the outset, there are lots of products available to counteract redness, so there is no need to be burdened with ruddy skin. Try Smashboxes Green Tinted Face Primer. The green tint works directly to eliminate redness, and it also smoothes the skin making way for glorious and long lasting foundation application!

Keep us posted on your makeup tip results! Mwah!