Facial rashes occur from time to time in almost everyone; regardless of their causes, they significantly spoil life and worsen mood. It is especially unpleasant when rashes on the face appear for various reasons before an important event and are captured in photos.

However, this is not just a cosmetic defect that ruins appearance. As a rule, rashes signal some issues in the body, and their location on different areas of the face can indicate the nature of these problems.

Types of Facial Rashes

Rashes are a general term for defects with various etiologies. Based on appearance, the following main types of rashes on the skin of the face and body can be distinguished:

Comedones. They can be open or closed. They look like small bumps with a dot in the center. White comedones or those that look like white granules are called closed comedones or milium. Over time, they develop into pimples. Comedones with a black dot are open. They have an exit for the content outside, the external part of the sebaceous plug oxidizes and becomes dark. Comedones are not inflammatory elements. Other types of rashes are characterized by the presence of inflammation.

Papules — these are inflamed comedones without purulent content. They look like reddened bumps.

Pustules — these are papules in which an infection has developed and purulent content has appeared. The skin around the pustules becomes inflamed and red. The shape of pustules can be conical, spherical, or flat, and the color of the head ranges from white to yellow or greenish.

Nodules — subcutaneous hard papules, which have a bright red, purple, or violet color. They rise above the surface of the skin, can be accompanied by purulent discharge. After healing, they leave scars or pigmented spots.

Cystic Acne — inflammatory purulent formations, often connected to each other by fistulas.

Vesicles — small bubbles up to 5 mm in diameter filled with transparent fluid.

Blisters — inflamed bumps similar to a nettle burn.

Erythema — bright red small rash.

Causes of Various Facial Rashes in Adults

Before treating facial rashes, it is necessary to understand the causes of their appearance.

In some cases, the appearance of blisters, erythema, or vesicles can be associated with allergies, dermatitis, eczema, or infectious diseases (such as chickenpox, rubella, other viral infections).

The cause of small rashes on the body and face can be a reaction to excessive sweating in hot weather.

These conditions require treatment or the elimination of the irritant (allergen), after which the rash goes away.

Another matter is rashes not caused by infectious diseases and allergies; these are usually comedones, papules, pustules, and nodules, which we commonly call pimples. Statistics show that up to 90% of young people face this problem, and in adulthood, up to 40% of women and men periodically suffer from facial rashes.

Causes of Acne on the Face

The main cause of facial rashes in adults is acne, caused by hormonal imbalance.

During adolescence, the body begins to produce more male sex hormones — androgens, causing sebaceous glands to adjust their function. They begin to secrete more sebum. Under the influence of this hormone, other undesirable changes also occur: pores expand, the process of shedding horny scales intensifies. The expanded pores get clogged with sebum and epithelial scales, leading to the formation of comedones. If a bacterial infection joins, a pimple (pustule) develops.

In particular, bacteria Propionibacterium acnes participate in the pathogenesis of acne. Normally, they are present in the microflora of sebaceous glands, but if they start to multiply excessively, the skin fights them through inflammation. These bacteria feed on sebum, and their metabolic products are free fatty acids, which aggravate acne.

Other Causes of Acne on the Facial Skin

Some phenomena alone do not always cause facial skin rashes in adults, but in combination with each other, they can trigger them. They also exacerbate acne if it is present.

Bad Habits and Unhealthy Lifestyle

As boring as it sounds, imbalance of biorhythms and an unhealthy lifestyle, the presence of bad habits negatively affect the skin.

Stress and lack of sleep, which activate the synthesis of cortisol — the stress hormone, have the worst impact on the skin. Cortisol directly affects the skin, aggravating any existing problems.

Bad habits, such as smoking and alcohol abuse, contribute to hypoxia and poor absorption of vitamins and minerals, leading to deficiencies that adversely affect the skin. Also, it is worth mentioning the bad habit of scratching rashes and squeezing pimples, which increases inflammation and can introduce infection.

Improper Nutrition

The skin is one of the largest organs of our body, but it receives nutrition on a «residual» principle. That’s why deficiencies in nutrition quickly affect its condition and ability to resist harmful influences.

Some foods have pronounced inflammation-provoking properties, causing or exacerbating inflammation throughout the body, including the skin.

These products include:

• Grain and seed vegetable oils, such as corn, sunflower, rich in omega-6 fatty acid, which provokes inflammation;
• Sugar;
• Wheat flour and products made from it;
• Dairy products.

In the presence of facial rashes or a predisposition to them, these products should be limited.

It is also recommended to completely exclude food containing synthetic components (flavorings, colorings, flavor enhancers) from the diet. These are usually various confectionery products, fast food, soda, and similar food that is better ignored.

The skin needs products containing complete protein, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial fats. These are meat and offal, fatty fish varieties, olive and coconut oil, vegetables, eggs.

Diseases of the Gastrointestinal Tract

The body receives nutrients through the digestive system. Any of its failures lead to poorer absorption of nutrients, and deficiencies develop in the body.

Many people have a problem known as intestinal permeability, where toxins can enter the bloodstream, causing intoxication and inflammation, including on the skin. Thus, acne can be a symptom of intestinal problems.

Other Chronic Diseases

Chronic diseases of internal organs negatively affect the skin and can cause rashes and inflammatory elements on the face in both women and men. Upon recovery from these diseases, the skin also improves.

Hyperkeratosis

This is a thickening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis due to accelerated cell division. With hyperkeratosis, sebaceous glands become clogged, and acne forms.

Hyperkeratosis can develop due to excessive tanning, constant friction or pressure on a specific area of the skin, exposure to chemicals.

It can also be caused by internal imbalance, for example, data suggests that hyperkeratosis can develop against the background of omega-3 deficiency in the body.

Poor Skin Care

Surprisingly, poor skin care can also cause rashes.

Skin care mistakes include:

• Poor cleansing;
• Using poor-quality cosmetics;
• Using products that excessively dry or damage the skin (such as those with high ethanol content or other irritating components).

How Acne Localization Relates to Internal Body Problems

There is a theory that the location of rashes on the face can indicate the cause of their appearance. This theory originates from the principles of reflexology, which state that each organ has several projections on our body:

• Rashes on the forehead may indicate problems with the bladder and gastrointestinal tract;
• Around the eyes — liver diseases;
• On the temples — gallbladder issues;
• On the cheekbones — lung problems;
• On the chin — poor stomach function;
• On the nose — heart and pancreas problems;
• On the cheeks — gastrointestinal diseases.

Additionally, in women, rashes on the neck and face, in the chin area, indicate issues with the pelvic organs.

What to Do If Rashes Appear on the Face

Before treating facial rashes, it is necessary to understand why they appeared. If they are consequences of diseases, you should consult a doctor and treat these diseases first, and the skin will clear up on its own.

If skin problems are caused by poor nutrition, an unhealthy lifestyle, and bad habits, these areas of your life need to be corrected.

For acne caused by hormonal imbalances, specialized skin treatment and proper home care are required, which does not negate the need to pay attention to your lifestyle.

Acne Treatment

Treating facial rashes caused by acne is a marathon. It’s worth preparing for a long struggle and consulting a cosmetologist who will diagnose and prescribe treatment.

How to Treat Facial Rashes in Men and Women

Modern cosmetologists have a wide range of tools and products to treat acne. They are quite effective with proper and regular use.

Salon Skin Care

One of the main procedures a cosmetologist will suggest for facial acne is cleansing. The type of cleansing and its frequency is determined by a specialist with medical education.

Properly performed cleansing not only frees the face from excess sebum and accumulation of dead cells but also normalizes sebum secretion, improves blood circulation and skin nutrition, activates collagen synthesis, strengthening the «framework» of the face.

The cosmetologist will also suggest masks and physiotherapy procedures to improve the skin condition.

Antibiotics

Since bacterial activity is one of the significant causes of acne development, cosmetologists often prescribe antibiotics for treatment.

However, they should be used cautiously. Bacteria resistant to antibiotics are constantly present on human skin. For example, patients who have not undergone antibiotic therapy have about 85% of such bacterial strains; after a course of antibiotics, their number increases to almost 100%. As a result, we cultivate antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains with our own hands. Subsequently, dealing with acne becomes increasingly difficult.

Therefore, although antibiotics are a reliable means to combat inflammation, they should be used cautiously:

• Only when necessary and under a doctor’s supervision;
• Do not use the same drug for a long time;
• Do not interrupt the course of the drug if prescribed.

Sebum Regulation Products

One of the main causes of acne is excessive sebum production. In such a situation, using oil-removing products based on alcohol or acetone may seem obvious.

However, research proves that these substances can cause more harm than good.

People suffering from acne have more sensitive nerve endings in their skin than those with healthy skin. The nerve endings are surrounded by cells that release inflammatory mediators in response to even the slightest irritation, such as wiping with a cotton pad.

Harsh measures, like wiping with alcohol-based products, only exacerbate and provoke inflammation on the skin.

Today, advanced recommendations lean towards using gentle facial cleansing products and sebum-regulating preparations based on sulfur, clay, zinc, and other non-irritating substances.

Retinoid Therapy

Retinoids are compounds based on retinol, known as vitamin A. They have been used in cosmetology since the 1970s and have proven their effectiveness over more than 50 years of use.

Retinoids interact with skin receptors, allowing them to reduce sebaceous gland activity, decrease the thickness of the stratum corneum, improve the shedding of dead cells, and eliminate pore blockages. They also have antimicrobial action, thus affecting the skin comprehensively and improving its condition in a short time.

However, they should not be used uncontrollably as they have teratogenic effects and several other side effects.

Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids (AHA and BHA)

One of the most effective treatments for pimples and comedones is acid peels.

Alpha hydroxy acids (fruit acids) include lactic, malic, tartaric, citric, succinic, and other acids. Glycolic acid, belonging to the AHA group, and salicylic acid, belonging to the BHA group, are most commonly used for peels.

Acids are effective and safe. They improve skin exfoliation, eliminate pore blockages, and regulate sebum secretion. The only problem they can cause is skin irritation and increased sensitivity to sunlight. Therefore, during acid therapy, sunscreen should be used, and these procedures are best performed from late autumn to the end of winter when sun activity is low.

Typically, superficial acid peels are recommended for acne, conducted in series of 4-8 procedures with intervals of 2-4 weeks between them.

The doctor may also prescribe products containing up to 10% glycolic acid or 2% salicylic acid for home use. More concentrated products are intended only for professional use by a specialist.

Preventive Home Care

Products used by cosmetologists to treat acne provide quick and pronounced effects. But if you do not engage in prevention and pay attention to facial care, there is a high risk that all problems will return very quickly.

Therefore, it is essential to carefully care for acne-prone skin at home.

Rules for Caring for Acne-Prone Skin

The main priorities in caring for problem skin should be:

• Thorough but gentle cleansing;
• Avoiding any irritating effects;
• Moisturizing and nourishing the skin;
• Using products containing anti-inflammatory components.

Cleansing and Toning

Oily skin prone to rashes is often attempted to be degreased. For this purpose, aggressive foams and alcohol tonics are used.

All this leads only to the fact that the skin becomes dehydrated, and in an attempt to protect its barrier, it secretes more sebum. Irritation from using aggressive products aggravates inflammation. In the long run, such a strategy leads to worsening acne.

For cleansing oily and acne-prone skin, foams, gels, and mousses with gentle formulations are best. Cleansing milk is better not used in this case, as it is applied with cotton pads, and friction negatively affects the condition of such skin.

You should wash with a special product at least twice a day (morning and evening), and sometimes it is also helpful in the middle of the day. But the composition should be gentle to avoid drying out the skin.

The cleansing product should not be applied directly to the face. It should be foamed in the hands or on a special sponge, the foam applied to the face, gently massaged, and rinsed off.

For washing problem skin, you should not use water that is too hot or cold; it is better to wash with warm water and rinse with cool water.

Lotions and tonics applied after washing are better applied with hands rather than cotton pads to avoid traumatizing the skin. They should not contain alcohol, acetone, and other irritating components. In extreme cases, it is permissible to use products with an ethanol content not exceeding 14%.

Moisturizing and Nourishing

Owners of oily skin often believe that since their skin is oily, it does not need moisturizing or external fats. This is fundamentally the wrong approach.

Moisturizing oily and problem skin is extremely necessary to reduce its irritation, soothe it, and normalize sebum secretion.

Moisturizing products should be applied in the morning and evening. Look for creams and serums containing safe moisturizing ingredients:

• Hyaluronic acid;
• NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor);
• Urea;
• Aloe vera.

Urea, in addition to its moisturizing effect, also promotes gentle exfoliation and has a very beneficial effect on problem skin. Aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory action in addition to moisturizing, which is also very useful for oily skin.

A controversial issue is the so-called comedogenic ingredients in cosmetics. Various lists can be found on the internet, including solid vegetable oils (cocoa, shea), some types of synthetic emollients (e.g., isopropyl myristate). In fact, this information is based on a single study and is not supported by other evidence.

Cosmetologists tend to believe that an ingredient that may be comedogenic on one skin may not show such properties on another. The so-called oil-free cosmetics, which were extremely popular some time ago, usually contain silicones, which can also be comedogenic.

Therefore, it is not worth avoiding vegetable oils in cosmetic products. The skin can use them for nourishment and as building material. Oils beneficial for problem skin include jojoba oil, black cumin oil, wheat germ oil, hazelnut oil, and baobab oil.

Masks

Masks have an extremely beneficial effect on oily and problem skin and can be done 2-3 times a week or daily in a course of 5-10 procedures.

The most beneficial are masks based on clays, plant extracts, organic acids, and enzymes.

Sun Protection

Sun exposure can temporarily improve the condition of oily skin as it dries out slightly under the influence of sunlight, but in the long run, its condition worsens as the stratum corneum thickens due to sun exposure.

Therefore, it is better to protect problem skin from the sun using sunscreen.

What Components Should Be in Products for Preventive Care of Problem Skin

Moisturizing components and beneficial vegetable oils have been mentioned earlier. Also, look for the following components in cosmetic products:

• Benzoyl peroxide. An effective acne treatment, its efficacy is confirmed by clinical trials. It has keratolytic and antibacterial effects.
• Azelaic acid. Has antimicrobial activity and keratolytic action. Combines well with retinoids.
• Glycolic acid. Belongs to the class of fruit acids. Used as an exfoliating and moisturizing agent.
• Salicylic acid. Has exfoliating and anti-inflammatory effects, can be used in home products with concentrations up to 2%, does not cause photosensitization but can dry the skin.
• Sulfur and resorcinol. Have exfoliating and antibacterial effects.
• Zinc. Normalizes the function of sebaceous glands. Especially effective in combination with sulfur and resorcinol.
• Clay. An effective means for normalizing skin oiliness. Does not damage the skin barrier.
• Plant extracts with anti-inflammatory effects — chamomile, calendula, nettle, birch buds, algae. Many plants not only have anti-inflammatory properties but also inhibit enzymes that provoke acne formation.

Although cosmetics affect the skin only externally, they are an important part of acne therapy and prevention. Specialized cleansers, tonics, creams, and masks can significantly improve the skin’s condition and prevent acne recurrence.