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If you have rosacea, you know how much a flare-up and leave you feeling deflated and self-consious. Sometimes a dark flush of redness can appear out of nowhere, other times it can triggered by factors out of my control – like the weather, sitting in a particularly warm restaurant, or trying a new product that you thought was safe.
For me, it appears in blotchy patches across my cheeks, nose and chin, but for others, it can also develop into spots, bumps, texture, dryness and facial swelling, with burning, stinging sensations also possible.
The reality of rosacea is there’s no miracle cure, instead you need a soothing, uncomplicated skincare routine that won’t exacerbate any redness, but calm inflammation and strengthen your skin barrier.
From pharmacy staples to viral favourites, my bathroom shelf has been a revolving door of soothing serums, gentle cleansers and barrier creams, all in the hope of finding something that actually makes a visible difference.
For years, I threw everything at it, serums, masks, scrubs, toners, you name it, but it wasn’t until I landed on a handful of key products that I actually saw a difference, and understood, less is best.
So if you’re struggling with rosacea, these are the products that I reach for when my skin is playing up; they don’t sting, trigger further flare-ups, but instead reduces the redness and leave my skin feeling healthier, happier and comfortable.
Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with rosacea or have long been dealing with persistent redness without relief, consider this a tried-and-tested, beauty-editor-approved edit of what’s worth your time.
The best rosacea-friendly skincare
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
A good cleanser is the benchmark for any effective skincare routine, but if you are prone to rosacea flare-ups, bouts of redness, and sensitivity, this creamy, lotion-like product is the best place to start.
It’s instantly soothing, calms my redness, and leaves my skin feeling like it’s had a fresh start.
I love that it doesn’t leave behind any residue either, and it’s effective as a gentle makeup remover too.
The formula features a cocktail of ingredients such as glycerin, niacinamide and panthenol, which hydrate and soothe to keep irritation at tightness at bay, while supporting a compromised skin barrier that’s desperately in need of some TLC.
Erborian’s CC Red Correct
This is my favourite product for tackling redness in my make-up routine. It has a green, creamy texture that, when blended in, adapts to your skin tone for an even-toned, luminous finish.
It conceals inflammation, blemishes and dark circles all in one, but doesn’t feel like a foundation on the skin.
Skin looks smooth, with blemishes blurred, and if you want more coverage, it’s easy to layer with your chosen concealer or a fuller-coverage foundation over the top, but I find it’s enough all on its own.
BYOMA Blemish Redness Relief Soothing Toner
I cannot get enough of Byoma – its affordable cleansers and moisturisers are some of the best money can buy.
However, it’s this Blemish Redness Relief Soothing Toner that is a standout if you have sensitive skin.
It’s a lightweight, fine mist that remains in my handbag at all times during a rosacea flare-up, especially when you don’t have to rub anything in.
Simply spritz as much and as often as you need throughout the day. It doesn’t smudge makeup and immediately soothes irritated skin by reducing redness and keeping breakouts at bay.
I’m already onto my second bottle.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm
If I’m struggling to get a hold on inflammation from my rosacea and breakout, this is my holy grail product for repairing skin.
It’s a multi-purpose thick balm designed to treat irritation and can be used as often as needed on your face and body, including post-beauty treatments like chemical peels or to heal areas of dryness.
When my rosacea can’t be calmed, especially during colder months, this is the only thing I reach for as an overnight moisturiser to reduce redness.
I also like to apply a thick layer of a mask treatment on occasion when my skin feels more sensitive than usual, thanks to the cold weather.
I’m currently on my seventh tube, it’s that good.
Niod Modulating Glucosides
While the name doesn’t give much away, this milky emulsion is an anti-redness serum.
The formula contains a blend of soothing and calming ingredients – for example, synthetic oat analogues to calm irritation and a ‘bio-active glucoside’ that evens out your skin tone.
It makes the biggest difference for my rosacea, especially as you can use it morning and night, so within a week, my skin will be noticeably less red.
If you have reactive skin like mine, this fast-acting serum will remain a permanent part of my routine.
Heliocare 360° A-R Emulsion SPF50+
This 2-in-1 SPF will be right up your street if you want to conceal redness and even out skin tone, but ditch the heavy, thick, full-coverage foundations.
Not only does it provide broad-spectrum, high-protection, but it also has a slight tint that evens out your skin tone and conceals redness.
It’s one of the few tinted sunscreens we love, because it doesn’t feel or look like makeup, but leaves your skin radiant and comfortable.
Apply with your fingers and use a fluffy brush to make sure it’s in all those nooks you might have missed, like your eyelids, tops of ears and hairline.
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