Why does my face turn red every time the season changes?

Generally, facial redness that occurs with seasonal changes may be caused by temporary skin barrier weakness, sudden environmental temperature fluctuations, seasonal contact dermatitis, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and other factors. If abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Temporary skin barrier weakness: During seasonal transitions, changes in environmental humidity and temperature can overwhelm the skin's ability to adapt, accelerating moisture loss and reducing resistance to external irritants, leading to blood vessel dilation and redness. No specific medication is required. Use gentle moisturizers such as ceramide repair creams or hyaluronic acid moisturizing creams. Avoid frequent exfoliation and reduce use of irritating skincare products to support skin barrier recovery.

2. Sudden environmental temperature changes: Large temperature differences between day and night during seasonal shifts, or moving from cold outdoor environments into warm indoor spaces, can cause facial blood vessels to rapidly constrict and then dilate due to thermal stimulation, resulting in redness. No drug treatment is necessary. Wear a mask outdoors to minimize thermal shock, allow gradual adaptation when entering heated indoor areas, and avoid immediate exposure to excessively hot environments.

3. Seasonal contact dermatitis: During seasonal changes, increased levels of airborne allergens such as pollen and willow catkins can trigger immune reactions upon skin contact, causing redness, itching, and possibly mild papules. Under medical guidance, topical treatments such as mometasone furoate gel or hydrocortisone butyrate cream may be used, along with oral loratadine tablets.

4. Rosacea: Fluctuations in temperature and humidity during seasonal transitions can stimulate facial blood vessels and nerves, causing persistent vasodilation and redness. This is often accompanied by sensations of burning and visible capillaries, with possible pustules in severe cases. Under medical supervision, topical metronidazole gel or azelaic acid cream may be prescribed, along with oral doxycycline tablets.

5. Seborrheic dermatitis: Seasonal shifts can disrupt sebum production, promoting overgrowth of Malassezia yeast, which triggers inflammation. Symptoms include facial redness, oily scaling, and mild itching. With medical guidance, topical ketoconazole cream or bifonazole solution may be applied, along with oral itraconazole capsules.

In daily life, if facial redness persists or worsens, seek timely medical evaluation for accurate diagnosis. Avoid self-medication, which may delay proper treatment.