Extreme Red Face from Running

KatVarley

Does anyone get so extremely red and/or have any idea how to minimize this side-effect of a hard workout? I have fair skin, so I blush easily anyway... but this is so much - I never see anyone as red as me in the gym.

kmkgurl

I feel the same exact way. lol its kind of embarrassing. I wonder what other people have to say to this cause I don't really know how to avoid it, but I don't think you can.

hurleycutie142

wet towel! take ur work out towel and wet half... that way when ur running it cools u down... sometimes i even put it on the back of my neck... but i take it as a throphy... u worked out hard being red means u pushed urself... u should be proud of it... who cares what others think...

tl_dr

I think it's genetic, at least for me. Even when I was a scrawny little kid, my face always flushed if I ran or got hot. I have a lot of friends that are in good shape but still turn red when they work out. I don't know if there's much you can do about it.

bc2ct

It's genetic. I stay red for about 30 minutes after a really hard workout. If I work out with friends I usually warn them that I am going to look like I am dying and in fact I am fine.

meerkat70

Genetic. judging from your pic, we have similar skin types - it happens to me too.

Just have to suck it up, I suspect.

3dogsrunning

I have been asked by a trainer if I was holding my breath during exercise. I am also often asked if I am ok. Not only do I turn really red, I sweat a ton too. I've just learned to embrace it, maybe crack a joke or two if I am around someone I know.
I am also very fair and blush easily. I do not believe there is anything you can do to stop it. I will wear a powder foundation to the gym to try to balance it a little. For running, forget it, I sweat it off (I will pack some to apply after the race though).

ETA - I also stay red for awhile afterwards too.

Jesygfbaker

In the same boat! I flush easily at any time, but esp working out. I've heard it's a histamine reaction taking place in overactive MAST cells of the skin. I would guess that a histamine blocker would help, but who knows how that may affect your energy! Red wine does it to me like crazy!

onefortyone

I'm exactly the same - any kind of exertion and I'm beet red for a LONG time afterwards. It has happened since PE class in school. I also go severely red when I drink alcohol, or get embarrassed (e.g if more than one person looks at me). I don't know how to stop it happening, but I am starting to stop caring. Yes, I come out of the gym with a red face - I worked hard! Then I stay inside and drink water until I'm not as red any more lol.

KatVarley

Thanks guys... nice not to feel so different from others :blushing:

Josalinn

I turn pink. But when i get a good cry on, my face flushes really hard. I splash cold water over my face 10 mins, and no only does that calm me down it get s the red out.

Yes I know crying and a good work out are not the same thing, but cool water may still help in this situation.

nurssassy

OMG me too! It's not uncommon for the cart of shame to pull up during a race and ask if I need a ride :blushing: