You're Blushing Too Much? Learn How to Deal With It

Blushing is a normal physiological response usually triggered by embarrassment, shyness, guilt, or pleasure. Intense fear of blushing is called erythrophobia and can be problematic for those who suffer from it, as they can become less likely to engage in social activities. In this article, we will review blushing and erythrophobia.

Why do we blush?

Blushing is a psychological response characterized by redness in the face, neck, ears and upper chest due to increased blood flow to the skin’s surface.

Blushing is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions. When a person expresses embarrassment, shyness, guilt, or pleasure, this can trigger increased blood flow in the skin, and as this reaches the surface of the skin, it becomes visible and appears to make the skin red or pink.

Blushing is a completely natural response that varies in intensity and duration from person to person. It is normally harmless, does not cause discomfort, and subsides independently. Sometimes, however, people can develop a fear of blushing, called erythrophobia.

Erythrophobia: what is it?

Erythrophobia is a term used to describe an intense fear of blushing. It is a type of social anxiety that causes an excessive or irrational fear of blushing or blushing phobia in social situations.

People with erythrophobia often experience intense anxiety and distress about blushing in public. This can lead to decreased social interactions and fear of public speaking or interviews.

Can erythrophobia cause even more blushing?

The fear of blushing primarily characterizes erythrophobia and does not necessarily make someone blush more frequently. Blushing itself is a physiological response controlled by the nervous system and is not directly influenced by the fears associated with erythrophobia.

However, it is possible that the fears and anxiety related to erythrophobia can create a heightened self-awareness and self-consciousness in social situations, which can increase the likelihood of blushing in social settings. This can create a vicious cycle where the anticipation of blushing actually leads to more blushing in public.

Tips on how to deal with blushing

Blushing is completely normal and not something to be ashamed of; however, if you are looking for ways to try and decrease the frequency of blushing, some studies did suggest that by decreasing stress and anxiety in social settings, you can decrease the frequency of blushing.

Relaxation techniques

Practice relaxation, such as deep breathing, focusing on something else, or calm humming. These practices are shown to decrease anxiety in social settings and can help reduce the frequency of blushing. You can also use a mental health and therapy app from the comfort of your phone.

Challenge negative thoughts

Negative thoughts and beliefs about blushing can contribute to heightened self-consciousness and stimulate blushing. When you feel these thoughts come on, ask yourself if these thoughts are necessary and remind yourself that blushing is a normal, physiological response.

Gradual exposure

Gradually exposing yourself to situations that make you blush is a great way to slowly become more comfortable in social settings and help decrease the likelihood of blushing.

Focus on others instead of yourself

Blushing can be increased with the heightened awareness of your own emotions. Try focusing on the conversations around you or other people’s positive features, such as smile or hair. This can bring self-awareness down and help you decrease the chances of blushing.

Consider therapy

If blushing in social settings severely impacts your social life, discussing this with a professional, such as a therapist, who can help you work through these issues and become more comfortable in social settings, can be beneficial. Remember, overcoming blushing takes time and patience. It's essential to be kind to yourself and celebrate small victories along the way.

Why do some people blush and some do not?

Blushing can vary from person to person, and some individuals can experience blushing more than others. This can be due to a number of factors.

• Skin tone. Those with lighter skin tones or red hair can be more prone to showing signs of blushing due to the tone of their skin, which leads to more visible blushing.
• Emotional responsiveness. Blushing is associated with emotions, and those who are more emotionally reactive may be more prone to blushing.
• Social conditioning. In some cultures, society places more influence on social norms, and this can cause some people to be more aware of their social interactions. This can then cause increased, unwanted blushing. On the other hand, those who are in social settings where they feel more comfortable could blush less.
• Personality traits. Some personality traits, such as being introverted, self-conscious, or having a tendency to experience social anxiety, may be associated with a higher likelihood of blushing. These traits can make individuals more susceptible to blushing in social or self-conscious situations.

Tips on how to cover up blushing

Remember, blushing is a completely normal psychological response and covering it is not always necessary. In some cultures, blush makeup is even applied to the face to give more redness to the cheeks.

If you do want to try and cover up blushing, it can be beneficial to use light makeup, such as tinted moisturizer, to help decrease the redness in the face. There are also tinted color-correcting creams on the market that can help reduce the appearance of redness on the skin. These tinted creams normally appear green, which can minimize the appearance of redness on the skin.

It can also be beneficial to take a quick trip to the washroom and apply a cold cloth on the surface of the face. Cold can reduce the appearance of blushing by calming the nervous system and decreasing the appearance of blood flow in the veins.

Can lifestyle changes affect blushing?

Lifestyle changes can be implemented to help decrease the likelihood of blushing when out in public for some people.

• Recognize and accept it. Blushing is a natural physiological response, and trying to fight or suppress it can often make it worse. Acknowledge that blushing is a normal reaction; try not to be overly self-conscious about it.
• Stress management. Stress and anxiety can contribute to blushing. Implement stress management techniques such as exercise, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in hobbies or activities that help you relax. These techniques can help reduce overall anxiety levels, potentially minimizing blushing episodes.
• Healthy lifestyle. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and getting sufficient sleep. Taking care of your overall well-being can contribute to improved emotional and physical health, potentially reducing the frequency or intensity of blushing.
• Practice self-care. Engage in activities that promote self-care and overall well-being. Engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, getting enough sleep, and practicing stress management techniques can contribute to a calmer state of mind, potentially reducing the likelihood of blushing.

It’s important to remember that blushing is normal in the involuntary response. While some people may blush more than others, it’s ok if you notice that you blush more frequently. There are ways to decrease the chances of blushing and a few ways to cover up the redness in the face, but it’s also important to accept blushing as a normal and natural response.