How to Correct Red, Pale Skin

If your skin is naturally pale, redness caused by broken blood vessels, irritation or breakouts is more noticeable than it might be on someone with naturally darker skin, explains "Cosmopolitan" magazine. That increased visibility is due to both the contrast between red spots and pale skin, and because pale skin tends to be more transparent than darker skin, allowing beneath-the-surface damage to more easily show through. On the plus side, "Cosmopolitan" says, correcting redness is easier on pale skin than other skin types.

Use a gentle cleanser that contains no fragrance or color twice a day to prevent skin irritation, recommends "Cosmopolitan." If your skin tends to be dry, opt for a moisturizing cleanser to prevent dryness that can lead to redness; if your skin tends to be oily, look for an oil-free cleanser to prevent acne-causing clogs in your pores.

Use a calming cream that contains soothing ingredients like chamomile, calendula or aloe vera to reduce redness, irritation and inflammation.

Brush on green-tinted powder, then dab on concealer in the same shade as your skin tone to hide bright red spots, recommends New York City-based makeup artist Ross Burton in "Cosmopolitan" magazine.

Ask your dermatologist about laser treatments to reduce redness if your skin's redness is an ongoing problem. Typically, two or three laser sessions can reduce redness caused by broken blood vessels or sun damage, says Roy G. Geronemus, clinical professor of dermatology at the New York University Medical Center, in "O, The Oprah Magazine."

Tips

Sun exposure can make redness more noticeable on pale skin, so be sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher everyday as part of your redness-reducing regimen.

Warnings

If you opt for laser treatments, make sure your dermatologist is licensed and experienced in giving them before scheduling a session.