If your skin constantly feels red, hot, or reactive know this: you’re not alone. Facial redness is one of the most common skin concerns we see in our clinic, and it can feel like no matter what you try, your skin is always “on edge.”
But the good news? The triggers might not be as mysterious as they seem, and often, small daily tweaks can make a big difference.
Here are 5 often-overlooked causes of skin redness we want you to know about:
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Heat and Friction (from face masks, pillowcases, or workouts)
Let’s start with the obvious that often gets missed: friction. Whether it’s from wearing a face mask, a sweaty gym towel, or a pillowcase, repetitive rubbing and trapped heat can aggravate already-sensitive, redness-prone skin.
Materials matter. Cotton holds onto bacteria and moisture (hello, overnight breakouts), while synthetic blends can increase sweating and chafing. If your skin’s feeling inflamed, try switching to pure mulberry silk or bamboo fibres they’re softer, more breathable, and naturally hypoallergenic.
And that post-workout redness? It’s often your skin crying out for a cool-down and a gentle cleanse.
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Hidden Irritants in “Natural” Products
We love a clean label as much as you do after all, it’s the foundation that Fresh Face Skin has been built upon but just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s right for sensitive skin.
Fragrance (even “natural” or essential oil-based fragrance) can be a huge trigger for facial redness, sensitivity, and barrier disruption. Citrus oils, menthols, or potent botanicals like cinnamon bark can seem refreshing but often leave skin more inflamed than before. This is why our Soother range, Recovery Mask, and Hydration Booster are fragrance-free what you may be able to smell comes from natural plant extracts alone.
Also watch for exfoliants marketed as “brightening” too many enzymes, acids, or physical exfoliant ingredients (such as jojoba beads) can strip the skin and cause micro-tears, leaving it sensitised and prone to moisture loss.
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Emotional + Environmental Stress
Stress doesn’t just impact your mind it impacts your skin too. When cortisol (your main stress hormone) spikes, it can lead to inflammation, redness, and flare-ups.
Factor in temperature changes (think going from indoor heating to outdoor cold), wind, or overexposure to the sun (even in winter) and your skin’s barrier takes a hit.
Our tip: Create a calming routine that allows you to slow down this is where skincare is so much more than just caring for your skin. Focus on a slow cleanse and facial massage while applying your products, taking a few deep, intentional breaths. Your skincare routine should be your time to stop and reconnect.
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Gut–Skin Connection
Redness isn’t always skin-deep. The gut plays a huge role in skin health, especially with inflammatory conditions like rosacea or perioral dermatitis.
Food intolerances, histamine sensitivity, or an imbalanced microbiome can quietly contribute to external skin flare-ups. As our in-salon naturopath, Chloe, often says, “When the gut’s inflamed, the skin will speak for it.” Learn more via Woven Wisdom Naturopathy.
If you suspect an internal link, work with a qualified practitioner to assess your digestion, stress, and nutrient status. Remember the skin’s job is to show us internal imbalances; we just have to observe and listen.
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Overdoing It With Skincare
We get it you’re trying everything to calm your skin. But sometimes, less really is more.
Overusing actives (like acids, Vitamin C, or retinoids), double-cleansing too aggressively with gel-based cleansers, or layering too many products can chip away at the health of your skin barrier.
Aim to simplify. Your skin thrives when it feels safe and supported—not overwhelmed. Our Barrier pack was created exactly for this: to soothe, strengthen, and rebuild without causing further skin stress.
Redness is complex but it can be manageable. Start by tuning in. What’s touching your skin? What are you feeding it topically and internally? And most importantly, are you being gentle with it?
Skin can be complicated—if you feel like you need extra skin support, we’re here to help. Book a free online skin consult with one of our skin therapists to have your questions answered and get recommendations that fit your lifestyle and budget, or head straight to our Sensitive skin page for products best suited to your skin.
