PROVEN Team
PROVEN Team includes Stanford scientists and dermatologists who combine their expertise with cutting-edge technology to bring you the best for your skin.
Uneven skin tone? Science may have a solution. Read on to learn all about blotchy skin.
Blotchy skin is a catch-all term that can indicate discolored patches and uneven skin tone due to dilated blood vessels, underlying inflammation, or excess melanin. While allergic reactions, dermatitis, and rosacea can cause the skin to look blotchy, the most common culprits are much more mundane and easily managed.
Fortunately, you can improve the look of red patches and facial blotchiness with vigilant sun protection, gentle cosmetics, and an effective skincare routine.
Red blotchiness on the face is due to dilated capillaries or generalized inflammation. There are many potential causes behind this type of discoloration, including excessive sun damage, reaction to topical products, certain lifestyle habits, or extreme temperatures.
Here are a few of the reasons you may be experiencing blotchy or discolored skin.
It may seem that a deep tan is the perfect camouflage for blotchy skin, but this is a short-lived remedy. Sun exposure exacerbates the inflammation that causes redness and blotchy skin. Physical sunblocks (SPF 30 or higher) are excellent for protecting the skin from free radical damage and a daily essential.
They’re also important for keeping your skin from drying out or developing sunburns, both of which cause further irritation. Sunscreen helps to minimize signs of aging and protect your skin from more serious medical conditions, like skin cancer, in addition to helping you avoid blotchy and uneven skin tones.
Using abrasive or harsh cleansers can strip the skin of oils, weakening its natural barrier, and setting the stage for redness and irritation. Exfoliation is an excellent way to get your glow on, since it helps to remove the buildup of dirt and debris in the pores, but it’s important to listen to your skin when it comes to exfoliation, so you don’t further irritate it.
Moisturizers or products containing fragrances, astringent alcohols, and dyes can also cause red, bumpy patches in those with sensitive skin. To even out a blotchy complexion, keep your skincare routine simple. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which hydrate and protect the skin’s outer layer against environmental threats.
This is why it’s so important to follow a personalized skincare routine. The right products for one person may cause an overproduction of oil or dry skin for another.
When you take the PROVEN Skincare Skin Genome Quiz, you’ll have access to the information and ingredients that are best for your skin type and for managing blotchiness without causing further irritation or breakouts.
Extreme temperatures also have a way of bringing out blotchy skin. Many people are prone to bouts of redness during the winter months when exposed to icy winds or after a trip to the sauna. Even the heat from your home can cause your skin to become dry, itchy, or inflamed.
Environmental factors can also cause allergies, which means inflammation and irritation. Addressing seasonal allergies and irritants can help you to manage and treat blotchiness.
And if your beverage of choice is red wine, sulfites are likely to blame for that rosy-cheeked appearance. These preservatives cause blood vessels to expand. Alcohol sensitivity can also lead to facial flushing – even after just one drink. It is often referred to as an “alcohol flush reaction” and develops when your body struggles to fully digest the alcohol.
Drinking alcohol in moderation can be perfectly healthy, and the blush usually goes away after a short period of time. But if you notice breakouts after drinking wine, it may be best to avoid alcohol, as it can cause an unbalance in blood sugar that leads to the development of breakouts and other skin conditions.
Allergic reactions to wine may also cause flushing, so speak with your healthcare professional if you’re worried about drinking safely.
An even skin tone can also be marred by emotional and physical stress. It’s perfectly normal to have splotchy skin for a short while after a heavy bout of crying or a serious cardio workout. When you exercise, more blood is pumped to vital organs, your skin included.
There are many benefits to working out, both for your face and overall health and wellness, but it’s important to stay well-hydrated, protect your skin if you’re exercising outside, and wash your gym clothes regularly to prevent breakouts.
Excessive sun exposure can cause more than just blotchy skin, including sunburns, wrinkles, sunspots, and even an increased risk of sun cancer. When you protect your skin from too much sun exposure, using sunscreen or hats and coverups, you help to keep it well-moisturized, prevent inflammation and redness, and avoid those frustrating blotches.
Not every skincare product was made for every person. That’s why PROVEN Skincare is dedicated to bringing you a personalized and unique skincare routine with the right skincare ingredients for whatever your needs may be.
Our products are formulated to be gentle and won’t cause further irritation or inflammation no matter what your skin type.
Also try to exfoliate with gentle touch on occasion, to rid the skin of irritants that cause breakouts.
While most flushing and blotchiness is benign and goes away in a short period of time, our skin can often tell us a lot about our overall health and wellness. If you’re concerned that the blotchiness might be a sign of an allergic reaction or a fever or infection, speak to your doctor to determine the best next steps.
Regular activity may cause some flushing and blotchiness, but it’s still one the best things you can do for your body. Eating healthy and staying active can ensure your overall health and wellness, and many fruits and vegetables are chock-full of the nutrients that make your skin fresh and healthy. It’s also very important to stay hydrated, which promotes healthy skin growth, and to avoid foods and drinks that cause inflammation and irritation of the skin.
Using scientifically formulated skincare products designed for your lifestyle, environment, and other unique factors are paramount for achieving an even skin tone. Whether you have occasional bouts of red patches or consistently battle with blotchy skin, PROVEN skincare formulas can make a world of difference when it comes to calming your complexion. Complete our quick skin quiz for your personalized 3-step routine.
Personalized skincare comes with a host of benefits
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Formulated and made-to-order for you | No | |
Targeting your unique Acne needs | No | |
Optimized for your lifestyle + environment | No | |
Easy 3-step system for all your skin needs | No | |
Made by Stanford scientists and AI tech | No |
Dr. Yuan is a Computational Physicist from Stanford University
Proven co-founder, Dr. Amy Yuan, fixed her skincare woes by using her computer science background to analyze the effectiveness of more than 20,238 skincare ingredients, 100,000 products, 20 million testimonials, and more than 4,000 scientific journal articles. Now she is applying that to create the perfect skincare for you.