Rosacea is associated with facial redness, but it's usually more than just the "Wow, it's hot outside!" type of redness. (Though high temperatures can be a trigger, but we'll get to that later.)
It most commonly affects the center of the face, such as the nose and cheeks, Dr. According to Iris Rubin, dermatologist and founder of SEEN Skin & Hair Care, rosacea affects as many as 16 million Americans in some form.
Below, we've rounded up 12 powerful over-the-counter skin care products that can help soothe redness, smooth unevenness, and relieve other rosacea symptoms like dryness and puffiness.
1. Joanna Vargas Ritual Bar: Vargas' Ritual Bar contains soothing green tea extract that quickly reduces inflammation and is great for sensitive skin. Avocado oil also keeps your skin constantly hydrated and contains skin-nourishing vitamins A, E, and D.
If you're the type of person who prefers washing your face with a simple bar, this soap works wonders and is gentle enough that you can use it every morning and night without disrupting your skin barrier.
2. Eucerin relieves redness and swelling: Shainhouse recommends this gel-like, fragrance-free Eucerin cream to fight redness. She says licorice root extract soothes the skin and is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores. Simply apply a layer to your face before bed and wake up with a more even complexion.
3. Commonly used azelaic acid suspension 10%: Idris calls azelaic acid the "gold standard" for rosacea. On the recipe, she recommends 15%, but this $11 cream still contains 10% — not bad for the price.
She says the acid is an anti-inflammatory and also has mild antibacterial properties that can control the growth of certain bacteria on the skin. "The skin may be more susceptible to rosacea bacterial colonization, and azelaic acid may help reduce the number of bacteria present and may reduce the inflammatory response," she says. The gel-like consistency has a lightweight, non-greasy finish that brightens skin and smoothes out bumps and blemishes.
4. Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Enhancer: If you're a big fan of Paula's Choice, this azelaic acid product is also a great place to start. Shainhouse recommends this booster which you can use alone or mixed with a moisturizer or serum. It contains licorice root to combat cheek redness and a dose of salicylic acid for a visibly smoother complexion. Reviewers say it's great for removing dark spots, so you can add hyperpigmentation to the list of problems this product helps with.
5. Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream: Rosacea causes dry, flaky skin with red patches. Therefore, it is important to lock in moisture. While Vanicream Moisturizer is suitable for all sensitive skin types it's ideal for combating dryness; it applies thickly but won't clog pores. It's rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with reviewers saying it quickly eliminates irritation and redness.
6. CeraVe Moisturizing Cleanser: This cleanser is the holy grail of moisturizing. It should be used even by those who do not suffer from rosacea. If your rosacea symptoms are easily triggered by just about anything this cleanser is super gentle yet effective, with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin for all-day hydration. On top of all the benefits, it lasts forever, so for only $15, it's a no-brainer.
7. Avene Antirougeurs CLEAN Refreshing Cleanser to Reduce Redness and Swelling For a cleanser that's twice the price and targets redness, Idriss recommends this cleanser.
The formula contains thermal spring water to remove makeup, dirt and oil without over-drying the skin. If redness makes your face feel hot, just wash your face once and you'll feel immediate relief.
(By the way, she says Avène's full line of redness relief products includes great products for soothing inflammation and irritated skin.)
8. Peter Thomas Roth Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask: Sulfur helps fight acne and breakouts, so if you suffer from rosacea, which forms small pimple-like bumps on your face, sulfur is a good choice.
It also contains cooling aloe vera and bentonite clay to draw out your pores and leave you glowing (and oil-free, I might add). Apply the mask to your face for five to ten minutes, then wash it off to achieve a smoother complexion without using harsh exfoliants or physical exfoliants.
9. Hero Cosmetics Shield Ultra-Light Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30: The bright green, lustrous texture evens out skin tone and can also be used as a base when adding makeup.
The green hue penetrates your skin, leaving a breathable, fragrance-free, and reef-safe finish. Apply in the morning and reapply every two hours for sun protection while moisturizing and soothing with Green Tea Leaf Extract.
10. PillowtalkDerm: The roll-on serum from the Idriss PillowtalkDerm range is her go-to for treating red skin. It's clinically proven to reduce skin redness, and she says the botanical antioxidant Centella asiatica is an ingredient that plays a big role in this effect.
Plus, the decongestant roll-on applicator feels wonderful while applying just the right amount of serum to your face.
11. iS Clinical Cleansing Complex
A 3-in-1 product might sound too good to be true, but the ratings and reviews don't lie. The formula also contains the aforementioned amazing redness-fighting ingredient Centella Asiatica, and can be used as a cleanser, toner, and mask in a stylish blue bottle. No trace of makeup remains and pores are less visible; plus, naturally derived AHA and BHA exfoliants gently care for your skin, leaving it with a smoother texture. If you need more convincing, this cleaner has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
12. Hourglass Balance Resurfacing Retinol Treatment This is a retinol you can use every night without the hassle of peeling or burning. Of course, you should try this formula before testing it out on your own skin type, but the creamy consistency ensures a smooth complexion. It fights discoloration and uneven texture, leaving your face brighter and smoother in the morning. Some reviewers say they even use it in the morning and afternoon. There are no serious side effects of other retinols.
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