Red face when running

Red face while running is a common problem, especially for women and people with fair skin.

When you run, your body generates heat. Sweating helps cool you down, and your body also increases blood flow to your skin to help regulate your temperature. Your capillaries dilate so more blood can flow through them, releasing more heat through your skin. The capillaries in your cheeks are wider in diameter than elsewhere, and they are closer to the surface. So when the capillaries in your cheeks dilate, more blood is brought closer to the surface, giving your face a rosy hue.

Many runners still blush, no matter how much they improve their fitness. In fact, some studies show that athletes who are in good shape blush more often, earlier in training, than less fit athletes.

Everyone's body processes heat differently, and just as some runners sweat more than others, some people blush and others don't. Some people naturally have more capillaries.

Other people may have capillaries that naturally supply more blood to the face during exertion. Whatever the case, they may be more prone to blushing during exercise.

Facial flushing is a common symptom experienced by many runners during and after running. Photo: Popsugar — Facial flushing is a common symptom experienced by many runners during and after running. Photo: *Popsugar*

Hot weather

You may find your skin becomes redder if you run at a high intensity or in hot, humid weather. In warm weather, try running early in the morning or later in the evening, or indoors if the temperature is too high.

Make sure you stay hydrated during your run and drink water when you are thirsty. You can also splash water on your head, neck and under your arms to cool down.

If you experience symptoms other than facial flushing, such as dizziness or nausea, you may be experiencing a heat-related illness, such as dehydration, heatstroke, or heat exhaustion. Stop running immediately, drink water, and get into the shade.

Exertion

Most flushing from exertion will last no more than 15 to 20 minutes. If this happens, you can spray or dab cold water on your face, cooling down enough to slow your heart rate.

You can take a cold shower, rinse your face with cold water, or use a cold washcloth after a short break from exercise. Some cleansers containing aloe vera can also be helpful, to soothe the skin, and caffeine to constrict blood vessels.

You can then moisturize your face after cleansing, trying an anti-redness or sensitive formula. Apply a green-tinted correcting primer, followed by a tinted moisturizer.

Talk to a health professional

While flushing while running is usually harmless, you should still discuss it with a medical professional, especially if you're new to running. If you have other symptoms like diarrhea, wheezing, hives, or difficulty breathing, it could be a sign of a more serious condition.

Runners should also consider whether they experience flushing in other situations. Does it get worse when they eat certain foods or drink alcohol? Take all of this into account and consult a health professional.

If facial flushing lasts more than half an hour after exercise, or goes away and comes back later in the day, it could be a sign of rosacea. If so, the condition is treatable.

Hong Duy (according to Very Well Fit )

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