Why does my face turn red at night, and what should I do about it?

Facial redness at night may be caused by factors such as high indoor temperature, emotional fluctuations, steroid-dependent dermatitis, cholinergic urticaria, or hypertension. Depending on the specific situation, improvements can be made through environmental adjustments, daily skincare, medication, and other methods. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. High Indoor Temperature

At night, closed rooms with heating or air conditioning can become excessively warm, causing facial blood vessels to dilate and the skin to redden. Open windows for ventilation, lower the air conditioner setting, use a humidifier to maintain proper humidity, and apply a warm towel gently to the face before bedtime.

2. Emotional Fluctuations

Feeling tense, excited, or anxious before sleep activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to facial vasodilation and flushing. Listening to soothing music, soaking feet to relax, avoiding complex thoughts before bed, and maintaining emotional stability can help promote calm sleep.

3. Steroid-Dependent Dermatitis

Long-term use of skincare products or medications containing corticosteroids damages the skin barrier, making it prone to redness and burning sensations during nighttime skin metabolism. Under medical guidance, topical treatments such as tacrolimus ointment or pimecrolimus cream may be used, along with oral loratadine tablets, and all steroid-containing products should be discontinued.

4. Cholinergic Urticaria

Exercise or consuming hot food before bedtime raises body temperature, stimulating cholinergic nerves and triggering histamine release, resulting in facial redness and itching. As directed by a physician, take antihistamines such as fexofenadine hydrochloride tablets, ebastine tablets, or levocetirizine hydrochloride capsules, and avoid intense physical activity close to bedtime.

5. Hypertension

Nighttime fluctuations in blood pressure can increase peripheral vascular resistance, causing facial flushing, often accompanied by dizziness. Under medical supervision, medications such as nifedipine sustained-release tablets, valsartan capsules, or irbesartan tablets may be prescribed. Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential for timely medication adjustment.

In daily life, it's important to regulate indoor temperature and humidity and ensure good air circulation. Avoid alcohol consumption and spicy, hot foods before bedtime. Use gentle skincare products to protect the skin barrier. If facial redness occurs frequently and is accompanied by other discomforts, seek medical attention promptly to identify the underlying cause.