Blushing is a normal physiological response that tends to appear at the most inopportune times. People blush for many reasons, but it usually happens when we feel uncomfortable, embarrassed or shy. The rush of blood flow that comes from these emotions makes its way to the capillaries of the face, making it redden. Blushing isn't dangerous, but it can be embarrassing for some people, especially if they turn particularly red. There are ways, however, to hide your blushing from others so that they aren't aware of your discomfort.
Step 1
Learn how to breathe yourself into relaxation (see Resources). Teaching yourself to become aware of how you breathe will allow you to focus on calming yourself in situations when you are uncomfortable and more likely to blush as a result. Paying attention to your breathing will also draw your attention away from feelings of anxiety and allow you to focus more on the conversation rather than your reaction. Your body can be in a state of anxiety or calm, but not both, because each state is controlled by different parts of the nervous system.
Step 2
Use makeup to conceal your blushing. Lighten up your skin a bit with some concealer or foundation, and no one will even know you are blushing. Use makeup that is hypoallergenic because an allergic reaction to the ingredients can make you look as if you are blushing even if you aren't. If you are unsure what makeup is right for your skin tone, talk with a makeup consultant at your local department store.
Step 3
Talk to your doctor about the possibility of using anti-anxiety or antidepressant medication. For some individuals, overcoming the strong emotions that cause blushing requires medical intervention. Medication is most effective when combined with some kind of counseling or psychotherapy. Medication may help you work through awkward situations, and counseling helps you build coping techniques and behavioral changes so that you react differently than you had previously. This will, ideally, lead to a change in your emotional state and less blushing.
Step 4
If you've tried most if not all of the above named techniques, consider a surgical procedure known as endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy or ETS (see Resources). This procedure, in which the sympathetic nerves are clamped or cut, interrupts the message to the nervous system and prevents blushing. This surgery is often used to stop excessive sweating but has also been found to be effective for excessive facial blushing. ETS is performed under general anesthesia and carries with it the risks of minor surgery, including infection and bleeding. Overall, however, ETS has been found to be both safe and effective in stopping unwanted blushing.
