Does it look like you’re embarrassed when you’re not? Like you’ve spent a day at the beach in the dead of winter? People affected by rosacea - a condition causing facial redness - or who simply have dry, sensitive skin may struggle with ruddy complexions, especially when exposed to certain triggers. Check out our list of what may be causing your rosy complexion and what you can do about it.

Stay away from synthetic fibers. Textiles like polyester and nylon can irritate sensitive skin so make sure bedding, towels, and clothing items that touch your face and/or neck are made of natural, hypoallergenic fibers such as cotton, bamboo or hemp.

Avoid dry environments. In some cases, the cause of dry, red skin may be the climate in which you live or your indoor environment. Avoiding dry weather may be difficult - unless you’re willing to move to a more humid climate. But consider using a humidifier in the home, especially when you run your home’s heater in the wintertime. You can find a humidifier at a hardware or department store, or by simply surfing the net. Some humidifiers have the option to add scented oil, which can make the experience even more pleasant. Consider soothing lavender in the humidifier as you lay down to bed.{relatedarticles}

Use a calming moisturizer. If you live in a dry climate that is causing dry skin and redness, a moisturizer may help. Look for a light cream that meets your skincare needs. Your dermatologist may be able to recommend a moisturizer that could help target the cause of facial redness.

Protect your skin from the sun. This one might seem like a no-brainer, but in a quest for red-free skin, wear sunscreen when leaving the house. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen (UVA and UVB protection) with SPF 30. Ask your dermatologist if you should wear a higher protection. Even on a cloudy day you may be exposed to UV rays that can damage your skin.

Keep an eye on chemicals - The products we come in contact with every day may be filled with harsh chemicals, perfumes or dyes that can make skin red and irritated. Replacing your beauty products, laundry detergent and other products that come in contact with your skin (directly or indirectly) with hypoallergenic, organic or purified versions may help improve your redness issue.

Don’t pile on the makeup. You may be tempted to layer on foundation and powders in an attempt to cover up your redness, but that may just make the problem worse. Not only may you be allergic to the chemicals in the makeup, your skin also needs to breathe to be healthy.{relatedarticles}

Try a simple, milky remedy. Cold compresses may prove effective. Consider this tip provided to Allure by Diane Berson, a clinical professor of dermatology at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical College. If dealing with irritated skin, fill a small bowl with cold milk, dip a soft, cotton washcloth into it and wring it out. Apply the washcloth to the face and let sit for a few minutes. Then apply a small amount of Aquaphor to irritated areas. Aquaphor is dermatologist-recommended and is a boon for dry, cracked, and irritated skin, especially on the face. This gentle formula heals quicker than standard antibiotic creams and is far less oily.

Slow down on exfoliation. Face washes and scrubs that help exfoliate dead skin can be useful in keeping your skin clear and smooth. However, overuse of these products can irritate the skin and strip it of essential oils and moisture. In fact, if your skin is over-exfoliated and the oil all removed, your body will compensate by creating even more oil. If you exfoliate often, more than once or twice a week, ask your dermatologist how much is too much for your skin.

Check out what’s on your plate. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology notes, “Symptoms of allergic reactions [to foods] are generally seen on the skin (hives, itchiness, swelling of the skin).” Foods like eggs, soy, cow’s milk and peanuts are common culprits. If you are allergic, cut these or other foods from your diet to see if your symptoms improve.

To best determine which food items are causing the irritation - soy products, nuts, dairy - slowly cut out one of these categories over the period of a month. This transition period will allow your body to first remove all traces from your system and then to begin to repair itself once the offending category is removed. Books on holistic health often address these issues. Of course, severe allergic reactions require emergency medical attention.{relatedarticles}

Get a physical. Some health issues may cause a person’s face and skin to appear reddish. For example, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases lists red rashes on the face as a possible symptom of lupus. If you have other symptoms of medical conditions or simply suspect your red skin may be the result of a condition such as lupus, make sure you visit the doctor as soon as possible because this is an auto-immune disease and one would need to begin a lifetime preventative program to live healthfully.

Skip the hot showers and baths. If you frequently shower or bathe in steaming hot water, you could be stripping your skin of moisture and irritating already sensitive skin. Keep the water temperature lukewarm and you might find that your red skin disappears after some time.

If these at-home remedies aren’t doing the trick or your skin is becoming worse or painful, it’s time to talk to a doctor. A dermatologist can help determine what the cause of your redness issues may be. Conditions like rosacea or dermatitis may cause redness that requires medical treatment. Genetic issues may also be to blame, and you can work with your doctor to develop the right treatment for you.{relatedarticles}

You don’t have to be a prisoner to red skin, and paying attention to the environment and products to which your skin is exposed may help eliminate reddish skin.