Red spots on the face: how to act?

Why do red patches appear on the face?

Red patches on the face are a sign of skin inflammation. This can be triggered by a product, an allergic reaction, a change in temperature, a skin condition, or simply increased sensitivity. A closer look at these different causes...

Cause #1: a skin reaction to a product

This is probably the most obvious reason. A new makeup remover that is too abrasive, a perfume applied too close to the face, or a serum that is poorly tolerated, and the skin is irritated. When the skin barrier is weakened, water evaporates faster, the skin dehydrates, and the area becomes red, hot, and uncomfortable.

Cause #2: eczema or atopic dermatitis

People prone to eczema often develop red, dry, and irritated patches, especially during periods of stress or in winter. The skin feels tight, itchy, and can even peel. If you suffer from this condition, a simple climatic variation can then trigger a flare-up of red patches on the face.

Cause #3: rosacea or couperose

Rosacea manifests as diffuse redness and sometimes more marked patches, accompanied by small visible blood vessels. Heat, spicy foods, alcohol, sun, stress, or temperature variations are among the most common triggering factors.

Cause #4: a contact allergy

Often overlooked, contact allergy is actually common: a piece of jewelry, a detergent, a cosmetic ingredient can cause a clear red patch, sometimes swollen and itchy.

 

Cause #5: cold, heat, or wind

Winter, wind, and heating promote the appearance of temporary red patches. In summer, it is the sun and heat that can cause redness. In these cases, the skin is simply reacting to environmental stress.

Cause #6: inflammatory acne

Even when there is no visible pimple, acne can create red and sensitive areas. If you have acne-prone skin, you observe irritated inflammatory patches, which indicate an overall imbalance of the skin.

How to react immediately when a red patch appears?

When faced with a red patch on the face, the golden rule is to calm the skin above all else. There is no need to add multiple products or multiply treatments: the goal is to reduce inflammation without overloading the skin.

Stop irritating products: how to recognize them?

If redness appears after using an exfoliating product, a treatment containing acids, retinol, or a fragrance, it’s best to stop using them. Start by choosing allergen-free products that have good ratings on cosmetic analysis apps. Your main enemies? Phenoxyethanol, parabens, silicones, PEGs, irritants, allergens, comedogenic ingredients, petroleum derivatives, endocrine disruptors...

 

Return to a simple routine: a gentle cleanser and a soothing treatment are more than enough.

 

Your two best allies?

1. The Grangettes Switzerland purifying face gel and its hydrating and purifying ingredients;
2. The Grangettes Switzerland bisabolol soothing cream: a daily caress for your face. 

Gently refresh the area

A clean cloth soaked in cool water placed for a few minutes is often enough to soothe the skin. This simple gesture reduces the sensation of heat and calms inflammation. However, avoid ice-cold water, which can have the opposite effect.

Apply a soothing and repairing treatment

The right reflex is to use a treatment designed to soothe sensitive skin. Soothing creams, repairing emulsions, or products containing aloe vera, bisabolol, betaine (from beetroot), or allantoin (from comfrey) are particularly effective. Thanks to them, you strengthen your skin barrier and help the skin recover faster. Here again, the Grangettes soothing cream, applied in small touch-ups throughout the day, is an indispensable staple!

Do not touch or rub

Even if the red patch on the face itches or bothers you, it’s best to avoid touching it. Simply rubbing with your fingers or a towel can increase irritation and prolong inflammation. It’s better to pat the face rather than rub it, especially after cleansing.

 

Protect the skin from the sun

UV rays always worsen redness, even on cloudy days. Applying a sunscreen suitable for sensitive skin is essential until the red patch completely disappears: this will help you avoid persistent marks.

Focus on tips to soothe sustainably and prevent red patches

Occasional redness is often a sign that the skin needs rebalancing. A gentle, minimalist, and respectful routine of the skin barrier is generally the best solution.

A suitable routine, morning and evening

-> In the morning, a light cleansing followed by a hydrating serum and a soothing cream is enough. No need to add other steps to your routine as long as the skin remains sensitive.

 

Your 3 steps:

-> In the evening, a hydrating makeup remover lotion will be ideal, followed by a soothing reparative cream. As long as the skin shows red areas, it’s better to pause strong scrubs and acids.

 

Your 2 steps:

Limit triggering factors

Every skin has its sensitivities:

• If you suffer from rosacea, avoid overly spicy dishes, alcohol, or extreme temperature changes;
• If you suffer from eczema, make sure to hydrate your face well, especially in winter or after showering;
• If you suspect an allergy, favor skincare with a clean composition.

Bet on anti-inflammatory actives

Niacinamide, plant-based squalane, papain, and ectoine are particularly well tolerated. They strengthen your skin barrier, soothe redness, and reduce inflammation while deeply hydrating.

 

At Grangettes Switzerland, these anti-inflammatory actives hold a central place in the formulations of our products: 

• The purifying face gel contains papain;
• The soothing cream contains bisabolol;
• The eye contour gel contains ectoine;
• The body milk contains betaine and allantoin.

 

Ready to soothe your skin and say goodbye to red patches on the face?