Blotchy Skin – and What to Do About It

What causes blotchy skin? For some of us, this is a rare occurrence, and is usually a result of sun exposure, allergies, or stress. For many, blotchy skin occurs on an ongoing basis, covering not just the face but parts of the body. Blotchy skin can be related to certain skin conditions including eczema and rosacea, but for many, the cause of their blotchy skin remains a mystery.

If you’re looking for answers to your blotchy skin symptoms, we can lead you down the path to a calmer complexion. We’ll share our ‘Blotchy Skin 101’ knowledge, and provide tips and best practices on how to clear up blotchiness for a more even skin appearance.

Some of the most common causes of blotchy skin might be hiding right under your nose. One major cause could be using products that are too harsh – so step one should be choosing products with natural, gentle ingredients. Choosing sensitive skin products may be the first step in your battle against blotchy skin, but there are a few other tips that can help.

These are the top offending causes of blotchy skin, along with recommended products for helping your skin survive them!

Extreme heat or weather conditions
A major culprit of blotchy skin is extreme heat and weather conditions. Too-hot showers and excess sun exposure are at the top of this list, since we can control these on a daily basis. We too love nothing more than a hot shower after an exhausting day, or spending a warm, clear day laid out on a towel in the bright sunshine.

While our bodies certainly need the relaxation and benefits of sun-sourced vitamin D, too much of each is harmful for blotchy skin. Excess sun, heat rash, and harmful UV rays can cause instant blotchiness in your skin. UV rays also lead to long term damage, dark patches, brown spots, uneven skin tone, early signs of aging, and skin cancer.

Extreme weather in general – like icy cold winds, high elevation, and humid weather – will also worsen the appearance of red, blotchy skin. Give skin a fighting chance against the elements by adding SPF under makeup or onto exposed skin. If you know you’re prone to blotchy skin, be sure to add an additional protective layer like a scarf, umbrella, hat and/or sunnies to shield even more of yourself from what is sure to cause a negative skin reaction.

Product Recommendation: Yerba Mate Mist SPF 30 Cover skin with a lightweight SPF that includes some of the same ingredients from your prized skin care collection. In addition to protective zinc oxide, this featherweight mist also contains ultra gentle, non-comedogenic jojoba for skin conditioning and softness.

Yerba mate might fly under the radar in the skin care world, but its vitamin A and C content is crucial in this natural sunscreen. While vitamin C deserves a round of applause for all the skin brightening #werk it provides, vitamin A is also impactful for anti-aging with regards to skin cell turnover for fresh, less blotchy skin.

Physical or emotional stress
We all know that stress shows up first in our moods, and second in our skin. Be mindful that worrying excessively over that hormonal breakout or skin rash will only make it worse. Keep stress/skin flare ups to a minimum with a modest addition to your beauty arsenal; a product that is as multi-functional as it is luxurious.

Product Recommendation: Argan Oil
This raw, unrefined oil is rich and silky, but not too heavy for daytime wear. Its non-irritating composition makes it the perfect product for redness and sensitive skin. Argan oil is a soothing treatment when you’re suffering from scaly patches, blotchy skin, or inflamed blemishes.

Poor skin maintenance
We’ve all been there. It could be a new role at work, a new workout that’s kicking your butt, or a grinding daily routine with your kids. For most of us with busy schedules, this normally means we’re spending less energy focusing on skin. Soon we notice less consistency in our skin tone and more blemishes popping up, with excess redness to boot.

Don’t worry: this blotchiness needn’t be permanent. Here’s what we use to quell a rough patch of dry, uneven skin:

Product Recommendation: Green Tea Water Bomb Mask
This mask will definitely get a giggle out of you if you glance at your reflection while wearing it, but the benefits are no joke. The green tea in this mask is antioxidant rich which means it is naturally anti-inflammatory and helps to protect from sun and environmental damage. Combined with soothing aloe and super hydrating hyaluronic acid, this mask will have you looking and feeling refreshed and renewed.

For those battling extreme redness or recently sun-scorched skin, opt for a complexion calming Caffeine Mask. Caffeine is known to stimulate circulation in the skin, to return healthy color to your complexion. It also gently constricts blood vessels to effectively calm redness, and minimize the appearance of pores.

Allergies and new or existing skin conditions
If you’re living with blotchy skin as a result of a skin condition like rosacea or an unknown allergy, the first step is to simplify your cosmetic routine. This means using more natural, wholesome ingredients, less of those that clog your skin, and opting for lighter makeup.

Skin problems like contact dermatitis, allergic reactions, and broken blood vessels are also major contributors to blotchy skin. Avoid harsh treatments like chemical peels and strong retinoids can help, but overall you’ll need to ensure that the products going on your skin are extra gentle. You don’t want to use anything that might exacerbate existing sensitive skin conditions.

Product Recommendation: BB Cream
Why do we recommend this as your new favorite foundation? This beauty balm is light and feels weightless on the skin. It has a hydrating and healthy aloe base, to nourish your skin all throughout wear. It’s also infused with calming lavender oil – a botanical friend for blotchy skin.

PRO TIP: Need a little more coverage than a BB cream usually provides? Start with a layer of green color corrector, to conceal stubborn blotchy skin and red spots under your foundation.

Alcohol consumption
One thing that you can probably guess causes blotchy skin are spirits and adult beverages. While that single glass of red wine with your daily evening dinner may be doing your heart and blood good, it is doing a disservice for blotchy skin. Alcohol can cause increased blood flow, which will worsen the appearance of redness in your skin. It can also introduce toxins into the body that aren’t beneficial for clear, even skin.

Product Recommendation: Does It All Sheet Mask
This mask is a quick fix to a night of fun with unexpected consequences (and we’re not talking about those tipsy texts to your ex). This mask contains some of the ingredients we mentioned above like vitamins A and C, with other helpful heroes like aloe, chamomile, and rose. These ingredients will have an immediate soothing and smoothing effect, so if your blotchy skin is caused by the sauce, enjoy a calmer complexion in 20 minutes or less.

Want more recommendations for sensitive skin products? Check out our post for sensitive skin care products, and even the best foundation for sensitive skin! We wish you the best in your battle against blotchy skin, and remember – if you go easy on your skin and treat it gently, your chances for redness will be significantly lower!

What are the common causes of blotchy skin?

Blotchy skin can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergic reactions, skin conditions like rosacea or eczema, sun exposure, extreme weather conditions, hormonal changes, and stress. It can also be a reaction to certain skincare products or medications. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment.

How can I prevent blotchy skin from occurring?

Preventing blotchy skin involves a combination of skincare practices and lifestyle adjustments. Use gentle, hypoallergenic skincare products, and always apply sunscreen to protect against UV rays. Avoid extreme temperatures and harsh weather conditions, and try to manage stress effectively. Additionally, stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support overall skin health.

What skincare ingredients are effective in treating blotchy skin?

Skincare ingredients that can be effective in treating blotchy skin include niacinamide, which reduces inflammation, and green tea extracts, known for their soothing properties. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides can help in hydrating the skin and strengthening the skin barrier. For skin discoloration, ingredients like vitamin C and licorice root extract can be beneficial. It’s important to avoid harsh ingredients like alcohol and fragrances that might aggravate the skin.

Can lifestyle changes help improve blotchy skin?

Yes, lifestyle changes can significantly improve blotchy skin. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants can protect the skin. Regular exercise improves circulation, which can help even out skin tone. Adequate sleep and stress management are also important, as stress can trigger or worsen skin conditions. Additionally, avoiding excessive alcohol and smoking, which can exacerbate blotchiness, is crucial.

When should I see a dermatologist for blotchy skin?

You should see a dermatologist for blotchy skin if the condition persists despite over-the-counter treatments, worsens, or significantly affects your quality of life. A dermatologist can diagnose the underlying cause of blotchiness and recommend appropriate treatments, which may include prescription creams, laser therapy, or other medical interventions depending on the cause and severity of the skin condition.