Are you one to never post a “sweaty selfie” because you are embarrassed of how your face turns beet red after exercising? Do you ever wonder why this happens? Should you be worried? We have your answers.
WHAT CAUSES YOUR FACE TO TURN RED WHEN EXERCISING?
It has been confirmed by dermatologists that when your face turns bright red when you exercise it is a normal response to physical activity. When you work out your lungs are working harder to give your bloodstream more oxygen. Your heart rate increases which in turn increases the blood flow to your muscles. Your blood vessels and skin pores widen to allow oxygen to flow into the muscles hence causes your face to become red as more blood is being carried to the capillaries underneath your skin.
Think of it this way, when you get hot your body redirects the heat to your skin. Your blood vessels dilate, and more blood is traveling into the face helping to regulate body temperature causing the redness, flushing of the face.
SHOULD I BE CONCERNED IF MY FACE TURNS SUPER RED WHEN I EXERCISE?
When your face gets red and flushed it is just a natural effect caused by your body’s internal cooling system which is a good thing!!! There is no need to be concerned unless is it accompanied by other symptoms which could be a concern such as dehydration, nausea, trouble breathing, and rapidly increase heart rate all of which could be signs that you are overexerting yourself. Dr. Frieling explains that everyone should be careful of heat exhaustion when exercising and to ensure that you have the proper hydration before, during, and after workouts to prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion.
WHY DOESN’T EVERYONE’S FACE TURN RED WHEN EXERCISING?
If your skin tone is fair you are more likely to get red faced and flush. This is because your skin pigment is not dark enough to cover up the redness. On the other hand, if people have a high fitness level/tolerance, their body many not need to cool itself down as much at the surface. You may be more prone to redness in the face if you suffer from skin conditions such as rosacea which can be worsened by an increase in body temperature.
KEEP IN MIND that having a red face during exercise does not by any means mean you are unfit it just simply means as stated above that you have more blood supply flowing to your face. Everyone’s body and bodily reactions to exercise are different. They are uncontrollable and should be embraced! Next time you second guess that sweaty selfie, DON’T. Post that flushed face with PRIDE!
