Why Does My Face Turn Red When I Exercise?

Does your face turn beet red during your workout? If so, there's no need to worry--this is a normal part of your body's response to heat during exercise.

  1. Skin's Structure

    • Skin turns red when the body is cooling off.

      The dermis, the deep layer of skin underneath the epidermis, contains capillaries and vessels that carry blood and fresh oxygen to cells during exercise.

    Body's Response to Exercise

    • Blood flow increases during exercise.

      During exercise, the heart pumps more frequently, and the body increases the pressure and the volume of blood that it sends to cells. It does this to meet the body's increasing demands for oxygen and nutrients necessary for increased activity.

    Temperature

    • The body regulates its internal temperature.

      Sweating and increased blood flow are two ways the body works to regulate temperature during exercise. As the body works harder, internal temperature increases. To cool itself down, the body sends blood (via the dermis) to the surface of the skin so the heat can move away from the body.

    Appearance

    • Heightened blood flow to the skin's surface presents as a red face.

    Contributing Factors

    • Weather contributes to body temperature during exercise.

      The weather, smog, and other environmental factors can influence the body's capability to cool down. Exercising in a cool environment and wearing sweat resistant clothing helps prevent overheating during exercise.