Red facial and neck skin can come and go as symptoms of chronic skin conditions, or pop up after exposure to environmental irritants. Home remedies for damage by sun, wind or allergens can relieve painful conditions and allow them to heal. The management of chronic problems such as rosacea and eczema, however, relies on ongoing self-treatment of red facial skin syndromes. While home remedies can't cure these recurrent sensitive skin ailments, they can ease your discomfort and improve your appearance.
Rosacea
Home remedies for red facial skin brought on by occasional rosacea "blushing" are based on avoidance techniques. According to the Mayo Clinic, you can prevent or reduce redness in the face and neck by not consuming substances such as spicy foods, alcohol and heated beverages. These stimulate epidermal blood flow and cause rosacea-prone facial skin to flush.
As rosacea progresses, you will need to protect damaged, sensitive skin that reddens more often or permanently. The American Academy of Dermatology advises using SPF 30 or higher-strength sunscreen daily. Make sure that it and the other cosmetic products that you use do not contain alcohol, witch hazel, peppermint, menthol, eucalyptus or fragrances, which aggravate rosacea symptoms.
Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis
Stress often precipitates flare-ups of atopic dermatitis, a form of eczema that can affect the neck and facial skin. The AAD recommends home remedies that include regular cleansing, moisturizing and stress busting. The organization calls gentle cleansing and moisturizing of sensitive skin an essential health regimen to keep inflammation and redness at bay. Use a dermatologist-recommended cleanser and fragrance-free moisturizing cream daily.
When skin has flared, however, even cleanser can harm it, so simply wash red skin with lukewarm water and moisturize. To address stress issues, the AAD suggests that you get enough sleep regularly, pursue a hobby or join a support group. Physical exercise, meditation and relaxation stretches are more options for a stress-reduction routine.
Acute Conditions
Sunburn, windburn and allergic contact dermatitis, such as exposure to poison ivy, can all create red, sensitive skin on the face and neck. The Mayo Clinic relates that soothing lotions improve all of these conditions. Apply aloe vera for sunburn or windburn, and calamine lotion for poison ivy symptoms or other itchy rashes.
Avoidance techniques also apply here, according to the AAD. To avoid further damage to red skin, use an SPF 30 or stronger formula of sunscreen---even indoors, where some ultraviolet rays can creep. Cover up with a hat and scarf before you go outside, to avert more wind damage. Try to determine the source of an allergic rash, so you can stay away from the irritating plant, cosmetic product or piece of jewelry.
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