Skin redness occurs for various reasons, including disease, allergic reactions, burns, inflammation, and conditions such as rosacea. Many times there is no cure for skin redness, and you should consult a dermatologist if your condition persists. Eating the right foods, however, may help alleviate your problem. According to an article on the Better Nutrition Magazine website, certain foods can reduce redness and inflammation and keep your skin hydrated.
Fruits
Fruits and vegetables may ease skin redness. The Better Nutrition article notes that fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidants, which reduce inflammation and the damage caused by free radicals. Dark red and orange fruits and vegetables, such as cantaloupe, butternut squash, carrots and tomatoes, are high in vitamin A. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that helps the body shed old skin cells and produce new ones, keeping your skin smooth and resistant to irritants and redness. Red bell peppers, broccoli, kiwi and oranges are high in vitamin C, which builds collagen, the main component of your skin.
Fatty Acids
A study in the February 2009 "British Journal of Nutrition" found that foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids may prevent skin reddening and scaling. In the study, 45 females were given either a flaxseed and borage oil supplement or a placebo. To promote skin irritation, nicotinate was applied to the skin of the participants. After 12 weeks, the supplemented group showed less skin irritation and scaling and reduced water loss from their skin, compared to before they began the study. There were no changes in the placebo group. Add avocados, nuts or flaxseed to salad to increase your consumption of beneficial fatty acids.
Small Meals
After eating, your body produces heat while digesting and metabolizing foods. Healthy-Skin-Guide.com suggests avoiding high-calorie carbohydrates and sugars and selecting instead foods high in fiber and protein, such as whole wheat products, nuts and dried beans, which are metabolized more slowly. Nuts also contain vitamin E, which protects your skin against the damaging effects of UV rays according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Less heat is also produced with fewer calories. Eat three small meals during the day, with snacks in between. Both strategies will reduce the amount of heat your body produces and help keep redness in your skin down.
Helpful Tips
As a general rule, Healthy-Skin-Guide.com recommends drinking 10 to 12 glasses of water a day, which keeps skin hydrated and prevents itchiness and redness. Avoid warm drinks, such as coffee and tea, which increase body temperature and skin redness. On the other hand, eat vegetables cooked rather than raw because raw foods are harder to digest and therefore cause your body to produce more heat and skin redness. Avoid alcohol, as a report from Montana State University explains that alcohol consumption causes the blood vessels to dilate which leads to a red nose or flushed face. Finally, opt for bland foods instead of spicy ones, such as peppers, which act as vasodilators that open your skin cells and increase redness.
