by Cynthia Lapena

Created on: August 19, 2011   Last Updated: August 20, 2011

Rosy red cheeks were fashionable in the past because people probably took it as a sign of health. Hence, women (and sometimes, even men) would find ways to color their cheeks red to achieve that healthy glow. 

Nowadays, people have realized that bright rosy red cheeks are not so much a sign of health beyond childhood as they are a sign of skin problems. Red cheeks are usually caused by sunburn, acne, allergic reactions, exhaustion, stress and rosacea.

Exhaustion only needs a bit of rest. Sunburn will go away and is better treated by keeping the skin free of make-up. If you are prone to allergic reactions or acne, the first thing you need to do is avoid whatever triggers the redness, then go see your dermatologist.

Rosacea requires dermatological attention as well, if you are overly concerned with it. Raised blood pressure from stress can also trigger flushing, as will being extremely shy or conscious of yourself. Consistently high blood pressure is a medical condition that you had best see your doctor for. You will most likely be given prescription pills to control that.

If it is a result of weight, try losing some weight. This will drop your blood pressure and the tendency to flush from weight-related stress and exhaustion. Shyness or self-consciousness can only be cured by building more confidence in yourself.

Many people with rosacea are more concerned with their appearance than anything else, but there are several ways you can deal with this, if you want to cover those red cheeks.

In most cases, if your cheeks are a bit too rosy, a light dusting of powder or talc helps mask the rosiness. If you want powder that will last longer, use pressed powder in a neutral shade that matches your skin tone or is just slightly lighter.

If you want something that lasts a little longer and appears completely natural, look for a light foundation that matches your skin tone to neutralize the redness. Powder foundations prevent the shine that usually comes with creme foundations. However, you can pick a creme-to-powder or a mousse foundation, both of which prevent your face from becoming too shiny.

For a classier, more polished look, use a gold-toned make-up base. This will look great for evenings. If you don't want the sheen, use a matte foundation.

As far as color-mixing goes, green neutralizes red, so a green concealer or primer should cover your red cheeks well. This works best if your skin has a darker tone. For those with lighter skin tones, a yellow-based concealer might work better. Don't be afraid to test different types at the make-up counter before you buy the concealer that works best for you. Whatever you pick, keep away from anything that has a pink base.

If you are not one for using make-up and still want to cover your red cheeks, look for skin-care products that might help you. 

Finally, if you don't want to put chemicals or other products on your face, you can simply resort to staying cool. Keep your body temperature low by staying in cool places. Don't walk in the sun without a hat. Chew on ice. Rub ice cubes on your cheeks. Carry around a spritzer and keep your cheeks cool by spritzing water on them every time you feel them warming up.

Learn to deal with stress, manage your weight well, and build up your self confidence and you will not even need make-up to cover anything.

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