What to Do About Blotchy Skin
It’s no secret that our self-esteem is often tied to our appearance. We tend to feel our best when we look our best. Uneven skin can detract from how you perceive yourself, but the good news is that there are simple ways to achieve healthy skin.
Having a solid skincare routine goes a long way, and we created a guide full of key tips you can leverage to achieve your desired results. Let’s explore what to do about blotchy skin so you can achieve the radiance you desire.
Try a Different Soap
If you wash your face with harsh soap, you’ll strip your skin of its natural oils and healthy fatty acids. This creates the perfect conditions for dry and irritated skin. It’s best to use hydrating, pH-neutral cleansers.
They should also be free of soap to avoid irritation. Some people choose to use skin-cleansing facial wipes due to their convenience and low impact.
Don’t Use Fragranced Moisturizer
Many people are unaware that fragranced moisturizers can lead to skin irritation. Redness and blotchiness are the most common reactions. It may be difficult to part with your favorite fragrance, but it’s recommended so you can keep your skin in better shape.
Wear Sunscreen
While sun exposure doesn’t always lead to skin irritation, it can cause an uneven skin tone. You should wear sunscreen every time you enter direct sunlight, even if you’re only going outside for 15 minutes. There is no safe amount of UV exposure, and this damage adds up over time.
If you already have skin damage, you should take extra care to avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Keep in mind that blue light exposure from phone and computer screens can exacerbate existing issues. It’s best to use a blue light filter to reduce the amount of blue light that reaches your skin.
This is especially important for people who use computers for their jobs. If your skin doesn’t even out on its own, you have a few options at your disposal. The prescription-strength retinol serum can help clear your skin.
You can also use chemical peels or laser therapy, although these options are more intensive and costly. A dermatologist can help you determine the best course of action.
Exercise Could Be the Problem
Some people are prone to skin blotchiness when their body temperature increases. It only takes a few minutes for smooth skin to turn into a red, uneven mess. Physical exercise will dilate your blood vessels, making skin issues more common.
A simple fix involves placing an ice cube in the back of your mouth. While this might seem strange at first, it will help your body cool down.
You can also place an ice pack on the side or back of your neck to achieve a similar effect. Exercising in a cooler environment can prevent this issue altogether, so avoid running sprints outdoors during the summertime.
Causes of Blotchy Skin
There is no shortage of reasons why people develop blotchy skin, and knowing how to navigate them will help you clear things up in the future. In most circumstances, handling these situations is straightforward. Listed below are some of the most notable.
Sun Overexposure
Exposure to the sun over long periods can cause patches of red, blotchy skin. These will take a substantial amount of time to fade, causing an uneven appearance. Prevention is always better than response regarding this skin issue.
Use sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 to help ensure you protect your skin. Some people need products with additional protections in place, which is particularly true for those who are fair-skinned.
Over-Exfoliating
Many people overlook that exfoliating too much can cause uneven skin. This tends to occur when you frequently exfoliate or use a product that’s too harsh for your skin.
These situations lead to micro-tears that give your skin an inflamed, blotchy appearance. It’s best to use a gentle product a few times per week. If you notice skincare issues after exfoliating, consider switching up your routine.
Weather Conditions
Extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) and windy conditions can lead to uneven skin tone. This occurs due to your skin reacting to its environment and trying to counter the effects of the weather.
The best way to handle these situations is by taking action to prevent adverse effects from weather conditions. For example, you should seek shade if the weather is unconventionally hot.
In windy conditions, do your best to create a barrier between your skin and the wind. If you take action soon enough, you shouldn’t encounter additional issues.
Stress
Stress can manifest physically instead of mentally. High levels of stress cause chemical responses in your body that make your skin more reactive. In periods of high stress, you could notice you break out more often.
There’s a good chance your skin tone will become uneven, as well. Do your best to keep your stress to a minimum, even if it seems difficult. For example, if you’re overwhelmed by your financial obligations, create a bare-bones budget and strive to save as much money as possible.
Allergies
Allergies can quickly lead to skin issues. They tend to arise when you use products that are too harsh on your skin.
However, you could also be allergic to household products you wouldn’t initially think were the culprit. A common scenario is switching to a new laundry detergent that you’re unknowingly allergic to.
If you suspect you’re dealing with an allergic reaction, it’s recommended to seek medical attention. Your doctor can pinpoint the cause and provide treatment recommendations.
Understand What to Do About Blotchy Skin
The above information will help ensure you understand what to do about blotchy skin. From here, you should have no trouble getting the intended results and taking your appearance to the next level. Just be sure you research the products you purchase.
Looking for other lifestyle information that can help you improve your daily habits? Our blog has plenty of self-care articles like this one. Be sure to check them out today!
