Red, irritated skin is a problem for as many as half of all women, estimates dermatologist David Bank in "Marie Claire" magazine. While some irritation can be caused by environmental factors like pollution or underlying health conditions like rosacea, a lot of skin irritation is caused by ingredients in the food you eat or the products you use.
The Facts
An ingredient can make your skin turn red for one of two reasons: you're allergic to the ingredient, so your body is responding by sending your immune system into high gear, or your skin is irritated by coming into contact with that particular ingredient, causing a red, rash-like reaction. People who have allergies, eczema, rosacea or lupus may be more likely to experience this kind of ingredient-based skin irritation.
Topical Ingredients
If you're allergic to tree nuts, typically harmless ingredients like cocoa butter or shea butter in your skincare products could cause your skin to become red and irritated, explains Ellen Marmur, dermatologist and author of the book "Simple Skin Beauty," in "Marie Claire" magazine. Allergies to fragrance and a chemical called paraphenylenediamine are also common and can cause redness. Other ingredients, like retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids, are likely to cause redness because they're so strong. Triclosan, an antibacterial agent often found in hand soaps and sanitizers, can also cause redness and irritation.
Ingredients in Food
If your skin turns red or looks irritated after you eat, food allergies may be the culprit. According to National Jewish Health, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish and fish are the most common food allergies among adults. People who have food intolerances -- like gluten sensitivity or lactose intolerance -- may also experience skin redness if they consume foods with these ingredients. If you suspect you have food allergies, visit an allergist who can give you an official diagnosis and treatment recommendation. People who have rosacea may experience more redness when they eat foods that contain hot spices, like red and black pepper or paprika.
Treatment
Once you've identified a particular ingredient that causes your skin sensitivity, the best way to avoid skin redness is to avoid that ingredient, whether it's topical or food-based. In some cases, you may be able to reduce consumption -- for instance, switching to a lower concentration retinoid or limiting your intake of dairy products -- rather than cutting it out entirely. If your skin redness doesn't cause discomfort, trying to treat it with creams or lotions may only make the problem worse. If your skin redness is accompanied by irritation, ask your doctor to recommend a mild hydrocortisone cream to relieve the discomfort.
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