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How do I Soothe a Ruddy Complexion?

Diane Goettel
By
Updated: May 21, 2024

The best way to soothe a ruddy complexion is to identify the cause of the redness in the skin and to treat that specific cause. A ruddy complexion many be cause by skin problems such as acne and rosacea, but it may also be caused by skin irritation. There are a number of ways to define the causes of a ruddy complexion. In many cases simple analysis in one's own bathroom mirror will do the trick. If the cause of redness in the skin does not seem to be a direct result of acne or rosacea, consider consulting a dermatologist for a more professional analysis.

Once the cause of redness in the skin has been identified, start to take steps to soothe the redness. For those who are suffering from acne, there are a number of acne treatments on the market that may help to reduce the frequency and intensity of breakouts. Finding the best product may be a process of trial and error. In some severe cases, those suffering from acne may be prescribed an oral medication. When the breakouts begin to decrease and blemishes begin to heal, the ruddy complexion should also being to subside.

Those who are suffering from rosacea should also seek out a skin treatment that helps to soothe skin redness. As with acne treatments, it may take a process of trial and error to find the best treatment. Dermatologists and aestheticians can be consulted as part of this process.

A ruddy complexion may also be the result of simple skin irritation or dryness. Make sure not to use products that create a stinging or burning sensation on the face. Also, make sure that the face is properly moisturized at all times. Choosing a moisturizer that has a bit of tint to it may help to soothe the skin and cover up the redness a bit.

In some cases, a ruddy complexion may be the temporary result of certain skin treatments such as chemical peels or microdermabrasion. Be sure to give the skin proper aftercare and the redness should diminish within a few days to a few weeks, depending on the intensity of the treatment. These instructions should be collected before leaving the spa or dermatologist's office where the treatment was performed. In some cases, a special topical product will be used to treat the skin for a number of days or weeks following the treatment. Be sure to use these according to the instructions.

BeautyAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Diane Goettel
By Diane Goettel
"Diane Goettel has a BA from Sarah Lawrence College and an MA in English from Brooklyn College. Diane lives in Mount Vernon, New York with her husband, Noah. They are the proud parents of a Doberman Pinscher named Spoon. Specialties: book editing, book marketing, book publishing, freelance writing, magazine publishing, magazine writing, copywriting,"
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Discussion Comments
By John57 — On Mar 24, 2012

I tend to get a ruddy complexion in the winter when my skin gets so dry. What I have found that really works best for me is to keep it moisturized as much as possible.

If I can keep it from getting dry, I don't have to worry about it being red. One of the best products I found was a moisturizer that has a light beige color added to it.

I don't like to wear much makeup, so this is the perfect solution for me. I can moisturize my face, and yet cover up the redness at the same time.

The tinted moisturizer is also good in the summer as it helps keep my skin tone looking even and my face soft.

By julies — On Mar 23, 2012

@Mykol - It seems like a naturally ruddy complexion often goes along with light skin tones and hair color. I have had a ruddy complexion all my life, and don't like to be seen without makeup on because me cheeks are so red.

When I am out in the sun, I never get tan, but just get redder all the time. I am glad I don't have any trouble with acne, and the makeup usually does a good job of covering it up.

If I had to deal with acne on top of a face that was already red, that would really be a challenge.

By golf07 — On Mar 23, 2012

When I had bad acne as a teenager, my face was always ruddy. This can be an awkward age anyway, and when you are dealing with a red face and acne all the time, it is not a great confidence booster.

I ended up going to a dermatologist and was given some oral antibiotics and a cream. I don't know what the cream had in it, but it really irritated my face and made it worse.

The antibiotics is what worked best to soothe my complexion and get rid of the acne.

By Mykol — On Mar 22, 2012

My husband naturally has a ruddy complexion. His hair color and skin tone are fair with blue eyes, and his face is always red no matter what.

People who don't know him, will often comment that it looks like he has been out in the sun, but his complexion looks red whether he is in the sun or not.

Our daughter is the same way, but hers is not as noticeable because she wears makeup which tones it down quite a bit.

By turquoise — On Mar 21, 2012

@feruze-- This happens to me too! I have found something which helps considerably. It's not a product that comes to mind immediately, but it works. It's baby rash cream! The one I use has zinc oxide and BHA in it. The zinc oxide soothes my skin and BHA is an exfoliant. But it doesn't irritate or dry my skin at all.

It's really moisturizing and protective. If I have redness and irritation, I apply this before I go to bed, and my skin looks great the next day. If there is burning or pain, it stops.

Just give this a try, I think it will work for you too. Just make sure to get a good brand and look to see if it has zinc oxide and BHA in the ingredients list. Even if it doesn't have BHA, it will still help.

@turkay1-- Have you tried an anti-redness primer? These are usually green tinted and balance out the redness. You can also try blemish balm cream (BB cream). These even out complexion and whiten skin.

By candyquilt — On Mar 21, 2012

I have a ruddy complexion too, but I don't have any skin problems that I know of. It's just always red! I've tried all sorts of creams, but none have worked. Even when I wear makeup, it doesn't quite even out my skin tone. After an hour or so, it starts looking ruddy again.

I hate this, I look like I'm blushing all the time! People ask me if I'm nervous or if I have rosacea.

Please help!

By bear78 — On Mar 20, 2012

I have really sensitive skin that turns red anytime it's irritated. Usually, it happens when I try new skin products that are not suitable for my skin.

Of course, I avoid using those products again. But once my skin is irritated, it remains ruddy for several days. I try to use only lotions and creams for sensitive skin at this time. I've also noticed that it's best to avoid cleansing my face. This is because cleansers usually have alcohol in it which just irritates my skin more.

Other than this though, I have not discovered any quick fixes for this problem.

By shell4life — On Mar 19, 2012

@wavy58 – The best hair colors for fair skin like yours will probably be in the light brown to blonde range, but you will want to stick with ashy colors. Avoid ones with red or warm undertones.

I have a sandy beige ash color on my hair right now, and it has helped minimize the effect of redness in my skin when I stay out in the sun too long. Even though my skin is still red, the ash tones contradict it and just make it seem less dramatic.

If you are feeling really daring, you could go with a black color with blue undertones. This is still in the cool color range because of the blue, and the black would be very helpful at distracting people from your rosacea.

By wavy58 — On Mar 18, 2012

I have mild rosacea, and I have heard that choosing the right hair color for your skin tone can tone down a ruddy complexion. Since I never know when my rosacea will worsen, it would be great to have that hair color already on my head to work against it.

I currently have red hair, which I know accentuates the redness in my face. Does anyone have any suggestions for what hair color would work well with my fair skin and knock out some of the red in my face? I am willing to go darker or lighter, as long as it works.

I'm ready for a dramatic change. I've dealt with red hair and skin all my life, and it is time for me to take charge of my appearance.

By cloudel — On Mar 17, 2012

@OeKc05 – Since hydrocortisone is a steroid cream, it is great for quickly treating redness and even itching. I've used it on mosquito bites before, and the red spots turned flesh-colored in no time.

On the same note, since it is a steroid, you can't use it on large areas of your body, because this could make you sick. It's fine for spot treatment, but you wouldn't want to slather it over your whole face.

The most common cause of a ruddy complexion for me is a sunburn. When I need to calm the redness all over my face, I reach for something that is safe to use in large amounts. I put cooling aloe vera gel all over my face, and it seems to take some of the redness out overnight.

By OeKc05 — On Mar 17, 2012

My complexion became ruddy the first time I used an at-home chemical peel. Even the gentlest chemical peel is pretty strong, and it can irritate sensitive skin.

I felt tingling and tightness while the product was on my face. After I rinsed it off, I had red blotches all over my cheeks. It was definitely not the look I was going for, and I needed a quick fix, because I was about to go out with my friends.

Hydrocortisone cream came to mind. It is known for fading red spots, so I applied it to my blotches. Within fifteen minutes, my complexion had returned to normal, and I was able to apply my makeup.

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
"Diane Goettel has a BA from Sarah Lawrence College and an MA in English from Brooklyn College. Diane lives in Mount...
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