Why is it that when you go out into the cold and your hands are exposed, that they turn red?

Question

As far as I knew when it was cold outside, blood moved towards your internal organs and away from the skin so that it wouldn't be exposed to the cold temperatures. Why is it though that when it is cold your hands turn red meaning their is blood rushing to them?

Answer 1

the blood vessels near the surface of the skin are constricting in order to redirect blood flow to the internal organs. With less room for blood to move around, the pressure rises, which is why your hands turn red.

Also take into consideration that hands and feet are used by the body as a radiator to remove excess heat, so when it's cold, the constricting of blood vessels implies less blood flow and therefore less heat loss. That's why hands and feet usually get numb in the cold.

Answer 2

Actually its the opposite, veins constrict so the obvious reaction is a paler tone on your skin. So when its cold, its just a skin reaction (irritation to a certain extent) because the lack of moisture and the cold temp. Nothing to do with constricted veins!

Answer 3

blood vessels are constricting