When you exercise, your body performs many functions to support your muscles. The lungs expand to take in more oxygen and the heart, blood vessels and lungs work together to carry blood and oxygen as well as waste in and out of the body. As your body temperature starts to rise, your body finds way to release heat. This occurs through sweating as well as bringing warm blood to the surface of your skin.
Exercise and the Body
To support an increase in aerobic activity, your body responds in many ways. You breathe deeper and faster, the heart beats quicker and blood flows more quickly around your body, moving oxygen and blood to your muscles and removing waste products such as lactic acid. As a result, your inner core may start to heat up exponentially. To prevent dizzy spells and fainting, the body must find ways to cool itself.
Flushed Face
Flushed skin is your body's way of regulating body temperature, bringing warm blood up to the surface of the skin to radiate heat away from your core. Flushed skin is also a result of expanding capillaries, to accommodate the increase in blood flow. Facial skin contains many capillaries, therefore it is one of the first areas that turns red as a result of exercise. Other areas of the body may turn red too including the chest. A flushed face tends to be more noticeable for those with fair skin.
Other Symptoms
A flushed face is not worrisome unless it comes with other symptoms. If you feel dizzy, fatigued or like you are going to be sick, then you may be at risk of overheating. Take a 15-minute break and drink some water. Try not to guzzle it down, as it may lead to stomach pain. A flushed face may also be caused by diseases and other medical conditions such as rosacea, carcinoid syndrome, certain medications, lupus and perimenopause. If you believe an underlying medical condition is causing your facial redness, keep a journal of everything you eat, products you use and activities you participate in and speak with your doctor.
How to Reduce Redness
To prevent a flushed face, work out at a medium-intensity level. Alternate one- or two-minute breaks throughout your workout to keep yourself from overheating as well as to keep your heart rate from spiking. Wear clothing that promotes air circulation such as cotton, and drink plenty of water. If you enjoy working out outside, choose to work either before dawn or after sunset. Air temperatures tend to be cooler before sunrise and after sunset. Wear protective gear such as a hat to prevent further aggravation of flushed skin.
References
- BBC: Science & Nature, Human Body & Mind: Exercise
- Fit Sugar; Why Does My Face Turn Red When I Exercise?; May 10, 2007
- Mayo Clinic; Aerobic Exercise: Top 10 Reasons To Get Physical; Feb. 12, 2011
- Fit Sugar; Dr. Sugar Answers: What To Do About Red Face After Exercise; Dec. 29, 2010
- 3 Fat Chicks; How to Prevent a Flushed Face During Exercise; Mar. 9, 2010
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