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15 Best Products For Rosacea And Redness In 2023, According To Dermatologists
Facial redness, irritation and small bumps can all be telltale signs of rosacea, a common skin condition affecting more than 14 million people in the U.S., most aged 30 to 50, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Similar to acne and eczema, treating rosacea can be difficult — especially when there's no real cure. Dermatologists told us that the best way to prevent flare ups is to avoid any potential triggers, including irritating ingredients found in many popular skin care products. We spoke to dermatologists about skin care products that won't aggravate rosacea, as well as treatments and ingredients that can actually help tame flare-ups.
LEARN MORE Best products for rosaceaHow to best manage rosaceaWhat type of products should you avoid with rosacea?
Our experts said that a skin routine with gentle, non-abrasive products is best for people with rosacea. Below, we compiled expert-recommended moisturizers, facial cleansers, serums, sunscreens and more to help tame redness and irritation from rosacea. All of the products listed contain gentle, hydrating and brightening ingredients that can help soothe irritated skin — including niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and aloe — and are fragrance-free to avoid further irritation.
Vanicream Gentle Facial CleanserPros: Free of harsh cleansing ingredients; Our editors say it's great for daily use
Cons: When our editors tried it, it didn't remove all makeup
"For people who are really sensitive and report that a lot of products burn or sting their skin, I'll recommend the Vanicream line of products, which are great for people who have eczema and sensitive skin in general — a lot of patients with rosacea find it to be very tolerable," said Dr. Emmy Graber, a board-certified dermatologist and president of The Dermatology Institute of Boston. The Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser boasts the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance — the program evaluates products based on the NEA's criteria of ingredients and contents to ensure they're beneficial for people with sensitive skin.
Our experts also recommend the brand's moisturizing cream for very sensitive and dry skin, which is also one of our favorite products for dry skin.
$8.99
Target
$9.29
Walgreens
$8.86
Walmart
Aveeno Calm + Restore Redness Foaming CleanserPros: Our editors found it to be good for oily skin; fragrance-free
Cons: Our editors found it may contribute to extra dryness if you're prone to drier skin
Foaming cleansers can sometimes be too harsh on the skin — they contain foaming agents that remove most of the oil on the face, which can lead to even more dryness and flaking. Though our experts recommended avoiding most foaming cleansers on the market if you have sensitive skin, there are a few that can be safe for the rosacea community, like this one from Aveeno. "It recognizes that, by adding calming and hydrating ingredients to balance the foam of the cleanser, those that need their soap to foam to feel clean can enjoy the overall experience while limiting the risk of excess dryness," Ilyas noted.
$9.69
$14.29
Amazon
$11.29
Target
$14.99
Ulta
Cetaphil Gentle Skin CleanserPros: Our editors agreed it's very gentle on the skin and doesn't dry out the skin thanks to gel-like consistency; affordable
Cons: Our editors noted it didn't remove all eye makeup
Cetaphil's Gentle Skin Cleanser is recommended by dermatologists thanks to its gentle, non-foaming formula that helps hydrate and soothe rosacea-prone skin. Select managing editor Leah Ginsberg said she's used the Cetaphil cleanser since she was 16 years old and loves that it's both affordable and gentle on her skin. "It's also great for travel because you don't have to rinse it off with water — you can massage it in and then (gently) wipe it off," she said.
$17.79
Amazon
$17.49
Ulta
$12.49
Target
Avene Redness-Relief Refreshing Cleansing LotionPros: Our editors found the no-rinse formula to be great for travel; fragrance-free; Our testers liked it for dry skin types
Cons: More expensive than other options
Both Graber and Soza recommended Avene's redness-relief line as a great option for people with rosacea who hope to calm irritation. This cleaning lotion from the brand is a no-rinse face wash that can gently remove makeup, dirt and oil — Avene recommends applying this cleansing lotion daily using a cotton pad or your fingers and wiping off any excess using a cotton pad.
$32.00
Dermstore
$37.99
Walgreens
Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty BarPros: Affordable; The brand says it can be used for face and body; fragrance-free
Cons: Our editors found it to not work well for travel due to the storage of the bar
Bodemer noted that the Dove Beauty Bar can be "a really good, easy cleanser that people can find inexpensively." The hypoallergenic formula is safe to use as both a facial cleanser and body soap, and it contains mild and moisturizing ingredients like glycerin that can help maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier, according to the brand.
$10.47
$10.99
Amazon
$10.97
Walmart
$10.99
Target
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing LotionPros: Experts have told us it's great for acne-prone skin; The brand says the hyaluronic acid provides moisture; oil-free
Cons: Our editors found that it doesn't moisturize enough for winter or extreme dry skin
One of our favorite moisturizers for acne-prone skin, this nighttime moisturizing lotion from CeraVe contains ceramides that "can help restore the skin barrier to soothe rosacea-prone skin," Ilyas said. You can also purchase the brand's AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion for the daytime, which has a gentle formula and offers SPF 30 protection.
$20.99
Ulta
$14.99
Target
Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief CreamPros: Our editors found it to be not greasy, absorbs quickly and goes on smoothly
Cons: More expensive than comparable options
Clinique's Redness Solutions skin care line offers cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreens and more that can be beneficial for those with redness and rosacea. "[The products] come out looking like a green color but don't look green on your face — they work to mask or camouflage the red color," Graber explained. She said the brand's Daily Relief Cream is a great option for those with a lot of redness: The cream not reduces the appearance of redness, but also works to gently calm irritated skin, according to the brand.
$59.00
Clinique
$59.00
Ulta
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face MoisturizerPros: Lightweight; Our editors found it to be good for nighttime use, goes on smoothly and feels luxurious
Cons: N/A
Like Avene, La Roche-Posay is a French brand that makes gentle products for sensitive skin — our experts recommended this brand for both rosacea and acne-prone skin. I use La Roche-Posay's Toleriane Double Repair moisturizer every night since it's both gentle on my rosacea and hydrating enough to keep my flaky, dry skin at bay. The moisturizer contains ceramides and niacinamide, which Ilyas said can help soothe and calm rosacea flare-ups. I pair this moisturizer with the brand's Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, which is a gel face wash that maintains my skin's moisture and doesn't irritate it (unlike most other cleansers).
$21.99
Amazon
$22.99
Ulta
$21.99
Target
Cetaphil Moisturizing LotionPros: Lightweight; The brand says it's good for face and body
Cons: Our editors found it to be not great for extreme dryness
Much like Cetaphil's gentle skin cleanser, the brand's moisturizing lotion can be a great option for those with very sensitive skin. An expert favorite, the moisturizer has a non-greasy, paraben-free formula with no added fragrance to avoid irritation for rosacea skin, the brand says. It can also provide up to 24 hours of hydration, according to the brand. If you're looking for a daytime moisturizer option from the brand, its Redness Relieving Daily Facial Moisturizer comes with SPF 20 for some sun protection and a tinted formula to reduce the appearance of redness.
$15.97
Amazon
$16.49
Target
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid SerumPros: Inexpensive compared to other similar options; Our experts say the actives help to heal acne scars; Our editors think its great under makeup
Cons: Experts say it may react with other actives like salicylic acid
Both Graber and Ilyas recommended The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Serum to help improve redness and generally even out skin tone, including any dark spots caused by bumps and blemishes. The serum contains 10% azelaic acid and is cruelty-free, vegan and gentle enough to use up to twice a day, according to The Ordinary.
$11.10
Sephora
$11.10
Target
$11.10
Nordstorm
The Inkey List Azelaic Acid SerumPros: Our editors thought that it was great under makeup; The brand says it has green-colored particles to immediately reduce the appearance of redness
Cons: May not work on all skin types
The Inkey List's Azelaic Acid Serum, which is recommended by Ilyas, is similar to The Ordinary's serum — both formulas contain 10% azelaic acid and can be applied twice a day, according to both brands. If redness is a major concern, The Inkey List's serum contains micro-fine green-colored particles that can help mask redness, as well as 0.3% allantoin, which is a chemical compound that can help soothe the skin, the brand says.
$14.39
$17.99
The Inkey List
$17.99
Sephora
Differin GelPros: The brand and experts say it is good for smoothing wrinkles and fighting acne
Cons: Takes several weeks to work
Though retinoids can often be too harsh on sensitive skin, they can still work for rosacea-prone skin if they're introduced slowly, starting with just once a week before building up tolerance. "I find the best approach is to first create a simplified routine that directly addresses the rosacea, followed by consideration of adding retinols and retinoids once inflammation in the skin is under better control," Ilyas said. She noted that adapalene gel — an OTC retinoid treatment that can be used to treat mild to moderate acne and blackheads — is considered a milder retinoid compared to other options like tretinoin and tazarotene. Because of this, both she and Soza recommended Differin Gel — which contains 0.1% adapalene— as a suitable anti-aging and acne-fighting option for people with rosacea.
$14.97
Amazon
$14.97
Walmart
$14.59
Target
EltaMD UV Clear Sunscreen with SPF 46Pros: Our editors found that it won't clog pores; great for acne-prone skin; moisturizing; great under makeup
Cons: Needs to be reapplied throughout the day
The EltaMD UV Clear Sunscreen is a favorite among our experts since it's free of heavy moisturizers that could clog pores. It also contains niacinamide, which acts as a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient for rosacea. The mineral-based sunscreen offers SPF 46 protection and includes zinc oxide, which experts previously told us provides protection against the sun's UVA and UVB rays while soothing the skin. This EltaMD sunscreen is the only one I've tried that doesn't flare up my rosacea. Similarly, Ginsberg said she uses it on her fair, sensitive skin every day following her dermatologist's recommendation because it doesn't cause flare-ups for her, either. "I [also] love the texture and it never burns my eyes if I sweat," she said.
$41.00
Amazon
$41.00
Skinstore
$41.00
Dermstore
Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted SunscreenPros: Tinted for a sheer finish; The brand says it smoothes fines lines and wrinkles; lightweight
Cons: More expensive than other sunscreen options
One of our favorite mineral sunscreens, the Isdin Eryfotona Ageless tinted sunscreen can provide some coverage to cover up redness and protect the skin against rosacea's biggest trigger, according to Soza. It also contains peptides and antioxidants to also help minimize signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, the brand says.
$70.00
Amazon
$56.00
$70.00
Isdin
$70.00
Walmart
Vanicream Sunscreen with SPF 50Pros: Affordable; water resistant; The brand says it won't clog pores
Cons: Leaves a white cast on darker skin tones, according to editors
Ilyas said she typically recommends Vanicream sunscreen to her patients because it provides broad-spectrum protection with SPF 50. The mineral sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and can be great for sensitive skin since it only contains one active ingredient (zinc oxide) and no dyes, fragrances or parabens, according to the brand.
$17.95
Amazon
$17.99
Walgreens
Rosacea is best known as an inflammatory skin condition — the skin reacts to a trigger, which results in broken blood vessels and an increased sensitivity of the skin overall, according to Dr. Erum Ilyas, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology. Unlike most people who have a baseline level of redness to their complexion, people with rosacea can experience recurrent flushing and bumps that look like acne breakouts, which can be accompanied by warmth, burning, itching and other skin sensitivities, Ilyas said.
Though rosacea breakouts may look like adult acne, they don't behave as such: "You go to pop the 'pimple,' but they don't really come to a head [and] they just get angrier at you — this is followed by the skin starting to swell or thicken, taking on an 'orange-peel' appearance with widened patulous pores," Ilyas explained.
The location of the bumps on your face can also help you figure out whether they're the result of rosacea. "Hormonal acne or other forms of adult acne tend to involve more of the lower face, whereas with rosacea we see the involvement of the nose, the central part of the cheeks and the center of the forehead," said Dr. Apple Bodemer, a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
Triggers for rosacea flare-ups vary from person to person, but the most common ones are sun exposure and heat — other triggers include alcohol, spicy foods, hot beverages and chocolate. "I like to joke with my patients that all the fun things in life can trigger rosacea," said Dr. Gabriela Soza, a board-certified dermatologist at Wexler Dermatology. Bodemer added that emotional triggers can also be a cause of rosacea for many people.
Bodemer advised keeping a symptom diary to track when you flare up and jotting down what you did before that flare-up, including what you ate. "I see people who are very sensitive to simple carbohydrates, so when they're eating more junk food and more processed sugars they will tend to flare more," Bodemer said.
Since there isn't a known cure for rosacea, Soza recommended figuring out your specific triggers and finding ways to avoid them. You should also focus on wearing a mineral-based sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to avoid further redness and irritation on sensitive skin. "I cannot emphasize the importance of sun protection and sunscreen enough," Soza said. Mineral sunscreens (also called physical blockers) contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide rather than a chemical base — they don't absorb into the skin and can be less irritating for those with sensitive, rosacea-prone skin, Soza explained.
Because people with rosacea tend to have dry and flaky skin that's both sensitive and reactive, they're more likely to have certain reactions to cosmetics and personal care products, Bodemer said. While crafting a gentle skin care routine, it's important to first see a board-certified dermatologist who can evaluate your rosacea and come up with a treatment plan, which may include one or more prescription medications like doxycycline (an oral antibiotic) and metronidazole (a topical treatment).
Medication isn't always necessary, though. There are many over-the-counter ingredients that can be beneficial for patients with rosacea, many of which can serve as anti-inflammatories before a prescription is needed, according to Ilyas.
Ilyas advised taking a "less is more" approach when crafting a skin care routine for rosacea. "Taking a closer look at your skincare products, eliminating redundancy and choosing multitasking products can reduce the volume of products used that can potentially aggravate the skin over time," she said. This means skipping out on common skin care additions like toners (including witch hazel and alcohol-based toners that can aggravate rosacea), acne treatments, anti-aging products and exfoliants.
Be mindful of certain acne treatmentsPeople may look toward acne treatments to help with rosacea bumps, but that can make rosacea worse, according to Ilyas. "Although people can get breakouts with rosacea, they are not the same — anyone with rosacea that has tried to 'pop' their pimples will tell you it doesn't work," Ilyas said. Our experts recommended avoiding acne-fighting products with harsh ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, which can be irritating on sensitive, rosacea-prone skin — both Ilyas and Soza recommended using azelaic acid to control acne instead. Ilyas also suggested avoiding fragrances and comedogenic products that clog pores, which is in line with our experts' guidance for sensitive skin.
Limit your usage of anti-aging productsGraber said that anti-aging products can dry out the skin and sometimes cause flare-ups of rosacea, so it's best to avoid them if you have moderate to severe rosacea. "Some of the retinol or retinoid products can make people with rosacea more red — same with some of the glycolic acids that are typically in a lot of popular anti-aging products," she said. However, Soza noted that people with mild rosacea don't necessarily have to stay away from anti-aging products altogether. "You should ease into it and take it slow — start applying once a week, increasing frequency as you build tolerance," she said.
Soza also recommended applying a small pea-sized amount to the full face, and using the "moisturizer sandwich technique," which means you moisturize, apply the retinoid or retinol and then moisturize again. "This will help your skin stay hydrated while still maintaining efficacy," she noted.
Avoid harsh exfoliantsWe often hear about exfoliation as a key step in any weekly skin care routine, and people with rosacea may be tempted to exfoliate to help reduce the flaky dead skin caused by the condition. However, both Bodemer and Graber said they tell their patients with rosacea to avoid exfoliating altogether. "The more you inflame the skin [with exfoliants], the more flaking you're going to have," Bodemer said, explaining that the flaking on the skin is a manifestation of the inflammation caused by rosacea. Graber added that "any products that have beads, require scrubbing or even have chemical exfoliants in them [are] just too much for somebody with rosacea." If you're really insistent on exfoliating, Graber recommended simply using water and a soft washcloth.
Ilyas also recommended limiting or avoiding the use of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), which serve as chemical exfoliants. "Although people with rosacea may use these for anti-aging benefits, care should be taken to avoid excess irritation — rosacea alone can make the skin sensitive and adding in chemical exfoliation can aggravate this irritation," she said.
At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
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Why You Shouldn't Pop Rosacea Bumps
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can cause flushing, blushing, and skin irritation. Popping the bumps can result in inflammation, redness, and scarring and increase your risk of infection.
Papulopustular rosacea is a subtype of rosacea characterized by inflamed, pus-filled bumps. Often called inflammatory rosacea or acne rosacea, it's sometimes mistaken for acne.
Rosacea bumps are typically found on the:
Dermatologists recommend not squeezing or popping rosacea bumps for several reasons, including increased inflammation and risk of infection.
Before you touch your rosacea bumps, here's what to know.
Popping rosacea bumps can cause many of the same problems caused by popping acne pimples, including:
According to the National Rosacea Society, popping rosacea bumps may also cause a stinging or burning sensation.
If you have papulopustular rosacea, there are proven ways to treat it without any popping or squeezing.
Topical treatments include:
Oral treatments include:
Laser therapy is another treatment for redness and pustules. Keep in mind: You may need up to five treatments to see results.
Looking for more things to try? Learn about natural remedies for rosacea.
Dermatologists advise against popping rosacea pustules because it can lead to further irritation, infections, and scarring.
Instead, experts recommend treatments like the topical gel azelaic acid or ivermectin, which are proven to get papulopustular rosacea under control. In extreme cases, doctors may prescribe antibiotics or isotretinoin to minimize symptoms.
Before you touch your rosacea bumps, visiting an expert is always recommended.
The 20 Very Best Skin-Care Products For Redness And Rosacea
Photo-Illustration: The Strategist
It takes careful curation to build a skincare routine for red, reactive skin and rosacea — a chronic condition in which skin is overly sensitive, often with visible blood vessels and raised bumps on the face. That's because, frustratingly, virtually "anything that makes the face flush can cause a rosacea flare," says dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. Some of those triggers may seem obvious — stress, extreme temperatures, spicy foods, fragrance, alcohol in skin care, and alcoholic drinks (especially wine) — but something as simple as a hot shower or friction from wearing a mask can cause a flare-up, says dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman, an assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai's Icahn School of Medicine.
While no over-the- counter product can truly claim to treat rosacea, "there are plenty that can help," says Dr. Shereene Idriss, aka the Pillow Talk Derm, a board-certified dermatologist. So, to find products to help tame outbreaks and lessen their effects, I asked dermatologists and aestheticians for their advice. Read on for their recommendations — from creams and cleansers to tinted primers and sunscreen — as well as some tips and ingredients to keep a look out for.
Having rosacea classifies you as a sensitive-skin type, so I'm looking for soothing, calming ingredients that won't inflame your skin. The key word here is gentle. That means avoiding products with fragrances or alcohols and being careful with potential irritants such as acids and physical exfoliants. Instead, stock up on skin care that contains hyaluronic acid, azelaic acid, and niacinamide, which hydrate and brighten skin without making matters worse.
Skin care is available at a range of price points, so I noted how much you get with each bottle, jar, and tube as well as how much it costs per ounce.
Active ingredients: Glycolic and salicylic acidPrice point: 6 ounces ($7.5 / ounce)
It's common for people with rosacea to also deal with acne, but it can be difficult to find a cleanser that'll clear out pores without further irritating or drying out the skin. If you're hoping to deal with both simultaneously, look for something that gently exfoliates like this cleanser, which comes recommended by aesthetician Candace Marino. "This cleanser does an excellent deep clean without foaming up and drying out the skin," she says. It uses botanical-derived lactic, glycolic, and salicylic acid, which work together to gently exfoliate without further irritating the skin. "It's so gentle it's recommended for clients post-laser or peel," she says.
Active ingredients: FeverfewPrice point: 6 ounces ($2.66 / ounce)
This foaming cleanser from Aveeno comes recommended by Zeichner because it contains feverfew, a calming ingredient associated with chamomile, which has been clinically proven to reduce redness and irritation. Other perks: It's free of fragrances and hypoallergenic.
Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramidesPrice: 16 ounces ($1 / ounce)
If you're familiar with our site, you won't be surprised to see this hydrating, non-foaming cleanser here; we've already recommended it for dry skin, accutane users, overexfoliated skin. It's a great choice because it's non-comedogenic, so shouldn't clog pores or exacerbate acne. Dr Anjali Mahto, dermatologist and author of The Skincare Bible, says the cleanser is one of her staples. "It's fragrance-free, and is very gentle on the skin," she says. She likes that it's packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, both "great for helping to maintain the skin's barrier function."
Active ingredients: GlycerinPrice point: 6 bars ($1.16/bar)
Certain ingredients found in cleansers (specifically menthol or eucalyptol) can throw off the skin's pH level, says Zeichner, making rosacea worse. His go-to recommendation is Dove's Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar. It's also a favorite of dermatologist Dr. Hadley King. It's a simple, skin-barrier-supporting, ultra-affordable option you can use to cleanse both your face and body. "It uses a gentle cleansing agent and is particularly moisturizing," Zeichner says.
$10 for 6 at Walgreens
Buy
Active ingredients: Sodium hyaluronatePrice point: 6 ounces ($6.60 / ounce)
SkinSpirit aesthetic nurse practitioner Shawna Jones likes this pH-balanced toner from Zo Skin Health, which she says will help soothe the skin and support the skin-barrier function. The formula has allantoin, which Dr. Farhaad Riyaz, a board-certified dermatologist and Docent's medical adviser, says is an "anti-inflammatory that soothes, calms, heals, and reduces the irritation, redness, and sensitivity seen with rosacea." It also has sodium hyaluronate to improve hydration, which is key for people with rosacea as they tend to have a dehydrated, compromised skin barrier.
$46 at Zo Skin Health
Buy
Active ingredients: Azelaic acid, tea extractsPrice point: 1 ounce ($95 / ounce)
"This is by far the most compelling rosacea product I have ever worked with," says Marino of this serum, a favorite of her clients with rosacea. The anti-redness treatment uses ingredients such as azelaic acid and white- and red-tea extracts, which calm and soothe skin while also helping to improve rosacea symptoms over time.
Active ingredients: AmbophenolPrice point: 1.35 ounces ($30.71 / ounce)
For some additional soothing after you tone, Jaliman suggests this serum specifically formulated for rosacea-prone skin from La Roche-Posay. "This visible redness-reducing serum does what it says. What's nice about it is that it's free of parabens, it's oil-free and fragrance-free, so it's really good for sensitive skin. It's made with an ingredient called ambophenol, which soothes skin."
$31 at La Roche-Posay
Buy
Active ingredients: Centella asiaticaPrice point: 1.69 ounces ($20.07 / ounce)
Marino recommends this skin treatment from No7, which has a similar consistency to a mask. "This is the 911 product that every rosacea client should have on hand at all times, especially during the winter months," says Marino. This overnight treatment should be the last step in your nighttime skin-care routine and uses ingredients such as centella asiatica (known for its calming properties) and ophiopogon japonicus, which helps to reinforce and maintain the skin's barrier. Be aware, too, that this product is currently low in stock.
Active ingredients: Azelaic acidPrice point: 1 ounce ($10 / ounce)
If you're dealing with other skin issues like hyperpigmentation and acne, Hartman recommends this serum from the Ordinary that will address those issues and reduce redness too. "It helps to improve brightness and reduce the appearance of blemishes and also acts as an antioxidant," he says.
Active ingredients: BakuchiolPrice point: 1 ounce ($156.75 / ounce)
Retinols can be tricky if you have rosacea because it tends to exacerbate irritation and redness, which is why Hartman recommends bakuchiol instead. Dubbed "nature's retinol," bakuchiol offers the same benefits (increased cell turnover, helps with fine lines and wrinkles) without the negative side effects. "Isdin Melatonik is my go-to bakuchiol product," he says. "It contains vitamin E, a direct antioxidant, and melatonin, an indirect antioxidant — includes two of my holy-trinity skin-care basics. It repairs oxidative damage at night and, as a bonus, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Active ingredients: Spring water, peptidesPrice point: 1.6 ounces ($20.81 / ounce)
For chronic redness, a more concentrated moisturizer can also be helpful. "Thermal spring water and calming peptides help reduce facial redness," says Zeichner of this mask from Avène's Antirougeurs (or anti-redness) line.
Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acidPrice point: 1.7 ounces ($11.05 / ounce)
For a less pricey option, Dr. David Lortscher, a board-certified dermatologist and the CEO of Curology, suggests this gel cream from Neutrogena: It's hydrating (boosted with hyaluronic acid) yet fragrance free and noncomedogenic.
Active ingredients: Shea butter, glycerinPrice point: 1.35 ounces ($22.14 / ounce)
Dr. Mahto recommends this moisturizer to her patients with redness, rosacea, and highly sensitive skin. "This is a good one to have for when rosacea flare-ups become sore and hot," she says. "It helps cool flare-ups down and provides good hydration."
Active ingredients: Azelaic acid and salicylic acidPrice point: 1 ounce ($39 / ounce)
"Azelaic acid is my number one ingredient for tackling rosacea," says Dr Idriss. "If you can get it prescribed, around 15 percent is the sweet spot, but if you don't have access to prescriptions, Paula's Choice is a great over-the-counter substitute." As well as a 10 percent concentration of azelaic acid, the cream is enriched with salicylic acid, which is a gentle acid that penetrates the pores to smoothen away any bumpy texture. The cream also includes licorice root, which Dr Idriss says will "further soothe redness."
Active ingredients: NiacinamidePrice point: 1 ounce ($155 / ounce)
Jones recommends ditching chemical-based sunscreens for physical ones as they could trigger a rosacea flare-up. This is her favorite. "It neutralizes the appearance of redness while providing sun protection," she says. Of the ones recommended on this list, it has the highest SPF count, a green tint to neutralize redness, and niacinamide, which not only helps with inflammation but "also helps restore the skin barrier, which helps protect the skin from temperature changes and free radicals — both big rosacea triggers," says Riyaz.
Active ingredients: NiacinamidePrice point: 1.7 ounces ($24.11 / ounce)
"Even on a cloudy day, UVA rays penetrate the clouds and can trigger rosacea flares," says Jaliman, which is why she suggests wearing sunscreen every day if you have rosacea or sensitive skin. "I always recommend a physical sunscreen with a high concentration of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. It's what's used for diaper rash."
Here's one that Jaliman and other derms have recommended to us in the past, containing anti-inflammatory niacinamide.
$33 at Dermstore
Buy
with code: CHEERS
Active ingredients: Niacinamide, tiger-grassPrice point: 0.5 ounces ($42/ounce)
Idriss recommends the color-correcting power of this cream from Dr. Jart for fairer skin tones. "What's especially nice is its green tint, which helps mask and neutralize skin redness." Along with soothing the skin visually, the cream also does good: It contains healing centella asiatica, a herb that "calms inflamed skin."
Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acidPrice point: 0.47 ounces ($12.17 / ounce)
"Green tint bases can help mask the pink color of irritated or flushed skin," says Lortscher, which is why he recommends using primers or color-correcting fluids with a green tint. He suggests this one from E.L.F., which is mineral-based and inexpensive.
$8 at E.L.F. Cosmetics
Buy
Active ingredients Spring waterPrice point 10 ounces ($1.90 / ounce)
If working out tends to trigger a flare-up, Idriss recommends slipping a bottle of Avène's mist into your gym bag for some quick "post-workout relief." The spray has both "calming and anti-irritation" properties and can soothe itchiness, redness, and other forms of skin discomfort (including eczema).
Research also shows that red LED light therapy can be beneficial for reducing inflammation. This handheld device from Quasar is FDA-approved and two-sided, so you can target acne one day (the blue side) and redness another (the red side).
• Dr. Joshua Zeichner, dermatologist• Dr. Corey L. Hartman, dermatologist• Dr. Debra Jaliman, dermatologist• Dr. David Lortscher, a board-certified dermatologist and CEO of Curology• Dr. Hadley King, dermatologist• Dr. Anjali Mahto, dermatologist and author of The Skincare Bible• Candace Marino, aesthetician• Dr. Farhaad Riyaz, dermatologist and Docent medical adviser• Shawna Jones, SkinSpirit aesthetic nurse practitioner• Dr. Roberta Del Campo, dermatologist at the Del Campo Dermatology and Laser Institute• Dr. Shereene Idriss, board-certified dermatologist
Additional reporting by Tembe Denton-Hurst, Lori Keong, and Jenna Milliner-Waddell.
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