Face gets extremely red when biking in the cold ~5c, and then going indoors, due to temperature change maybe.
What can you wear when biking to prevent this problem, and could you link to a site? Thanks a lot.
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2Why do you label this a problem? It's a perfectly normal reaction that's visible on any light-skinned person and will go away in minutes.– Carey GregoryCommented Feb 25, 2015 at 0:37
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It is cold outside. But is your body cold? How long before the redness goes away?– paparazzoCommented Feb 25, 2015 at 14:21
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3 Answers
You can't really wear anything to solve the problem you are describing. If your face was cold, I'd recommend you purchase some sort of mask, however, that isn't your stated problem.
When you exercise you generate heat, your body tries to channel that away by dilating blood vessels and sending that heat to the surface (your cheeks) where it can radiate away. If you are cycling when it is cold, it can reinforce that effect since your body would be sending extra blood to try to heat your cold cheeks. If you have generated a lot of heat cycling, then go indoors, you may also feel extra warm now that you have a lot of generated heat, are dressed for cold weather and in a warm room. Again, flushed cheeks.
I regularly bike to work in cold temperatures. I start wearing a mask at 0F to protect both my lungs and face. It's a very normal occurrence for me to have red cheeks up to an hour or so after arriving at work. People sometimes comment, but I know it's normal for me. I only start to worry if I get white patches (frost nip or no blood flow to areas that were over exposed).
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"dilating blood vessels" -- what is academic field or topic this section would be labelled under since many people didn't know why. -- for the problem, so basically a mask would not keep your face warm, and thereby prevent this problem?– ambwCommented Feb 24, 2015 at 20:49
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No, it would likely make the problem worse since it would retain more heat, if your face is red due to the exercise. If it's due to the cold (which you should should clarify in your question), then it may help. Commented Feb 24, 2015 at 20:54
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"You can't really wear anything to solve the problem you are describing." Agreed here, I have stayed just right warm on some chilly bike rides and my chest, stomach, and legs would be red as well. My typical wear is street clothes in 3 layers up top: t-shirt, flannel, hoodie; along with 2 layers on bottom: long johns and jeans.– BPughCommented Feb 25, 2015 at 17:54
I bike year round in Minnesota where it is often below 0 Fahrenheit (-18 Celsius). A balaclava is a must. Use Shea butter on your nose. If it is very sunny, you can get sunburned. If you are a male, don't shave so much. Wear goggles or safety glasses to protect your eyes from the cold wind. By the way, I consider 0 degrees Celsius quite warm.
I use Mixa (facial cream) for winter sports (not just biking in winter). It's great every way -- for general protection of the skin in cold temperatures, as well as reducing the occasional red effect.
I wear a thin cap under the helmet also, clear glasses shaped to the face, and a generous neckscarf. That way, exposure to the elements is minimal. (I'd go mad with a mask though.)
