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The Best Color Correctors For Tackling Redness
Whatever the cause, unwanted, blotchy redness on your face can be distracting (if not genuinely uncomfortable). Luckily, the best color correctors for redness won't just address your flush in the moment—they can also help prevent it from flaring up again later on. These products come in the form of creams, lotions, masks, and gels, and usually have a greenish pigment. "The green tint plays an important role because it masks the appearance of redness, while [other] soothing ingredients [in the product] work to reduce it over time," Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medicine, tells SELF.
If you deal with redness on a regular basis, a good color corrector can help present and future you—plus, it's easy to add into your morning skin care routine. Here, we spoke to dermatologists about what makes these products so effective, how to use them, and which ones are worth a try for all skin tones.
Our top picksRedness can be triggered by cold weather, inflammatory conditions like acne, or irritation, Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York, tells SELF. He adds that it can look pink or red in lighter skin tones, and usually appears purple, brown, or muted red in darker skin tones. As SELF has previously reported, these patches can also flare up as the result of an allergic reaction or consuming alcohol and spicy foods. (When these factors cause you to flush, you can safely assume it'll be temporary.)
But some people just have a naturally redder complexion or reddish undertones, Dr. Garshick says. If you deal with redness regularly, she recommends avoiding strong chemical and harsh physical exfoliants, as well as products made with fragrances, dyes, or drying ingredients like alcohol. They can potentially irritate your skin and make the redness worse.
Dr. Garshick notes that red skin can also be a sign of the chronic skin condition rosacea. But if that's the case, it'll come along with other symptoms, like inflamed papules and pustules; an itching, stinging, or burning sensation; and very sensitive skin. Your redness will be persistent and the blood vessels in your face will likely be visible as well, Dr. Garshick says.
Rosacea has some of the same triggers as general redness, like spicy foods and weather, but it also tends to flare up in response to stress and exercise. If you think you may have rosacea, talk to a dermatologist, who can provide a diagnosis and help identify your triggers. Depending on the severity of your rosacea, they may prescribe topical or oral anti-inflammatory treatments or recommend laser treatments that can reduce the appearance of the blood vessels in your skin.
What to look for in a color corrector for redness
AccordionItemContainerButtonAs we mentioned earlier, a good color corrector has two key components: a neutralizing (usually green) pigment and soothing active ingredients. If you're put off by the idea of slathering on green face cream, you don't have to worry about looking like Shrek, all thanks to color theory: Red is opposite green on the color wheel, so green-tinted skin care products can help balance out a reddish skin tone, Dr. Garshick says.
Green color correctors can help address redness in all skin tones, Dr. Camp says—but if your redness has purple undertones, you can also try products with a yellowish tint (since yellow opposes purple on the color wheel). Dr. Garshick adds that people with darker skin tones can also try products with a darker green or orange tint. If you're not sure which is right for you, "consult the color wheel and choose the opposite color [of your redness] to conceal the discoloration," Dr. Camp says.
To keep your skin calm and less likely to flush, Dr. Camp recommends looking for products made with anti-inflammatory ingredients like allantoin, aloe vera, ceramides (which strengthen your skin barrier and keep irritants out), chamomile, licorice root, green tea, and niacinamide. Centella asiatica, a plant also known as gotu kola, is another common ingredient in redness correctors (it's often called "cica" on product labels). As SELF has previously reported, it may help with inflammation, collagen production, and hydration, although the research on its effectiveness is limited.
How to use redness-correcting products
AccordionItemContainerButtonRedness correctors come in a range of formulations, so the consistency of your product will determine the best way to use it, Dr. Camp says. For example, lightweight moisturizers are best applied at the end of your morning routine (and can potentially replace your foundation), while thick creams should cap off your bedtime skin care ritual. Color-correcting serums and gels can be layered under your regular moisturizer or primer.
Shop the best color correctors for rednessA little rosy flush is one thing, but if redness ranks as a major skin concern for you, these products can help. Check out our favorite color correctors below, including SELF Healthy Beauty Award–winners, editor faves, and expert-recommended beauty products.
Best Overall: Peach Slices Redness Relief Color Correcting MoisturizerPeach Slices
Redness Relief Color Correcting Moisturizer
Pros
Cons
The Redness Relief Color Correcting Moisturizer from Peach Slices won a Healthy Beauty Award in 2023, earning rapturous praise from our senior commerce writer: "This moisturizer left me breathless—it was like I was wearing full-coverage concealer," she said at the time. "I've never, ever, EVER had a moisturizer resolve my redness the way this one did." She says it's still her go-to redness corrector one year later, noting that it blends in after a little massaging, feels lightweight and dewy, and has basically replaced all her face makeup products: "My skin is beyond sensitive and flushes really easily, but you wouldn't know it when I use this stuff."
This moisturizer contains soothing hero ingredients like aloe and allantoin, and comes out of the bottle pale green. Our writer has very dry skin, so she layers it over her moisturizer, but if your skin is on the oilier side, it might be all you need.
Other notable ingredients
AccordionItemContainerButtonCentella asiatica, hydrating glycerin
Runner-Up: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30Dr. Jart+
Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30
Pros
Cons
Dr. Jart+'s Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment isn't just an internet darling—it has fans among experts and SELF editors too. Dr. Garshick recommends it for its versatility: "[It] can be used alone as a color corrector or applied underneath makeup. I love that it also incorporates SPF coverage," she says.
Our senior commerce writer uses this cream (which contains brightening niacinamide and reliable moisturizers like glycerin) all over her face on especially blotchy days, but says it also works as a buildable spot treatment. "This product goes on thick, so it's great for the extra-red patches I tend to get in smaller areas of my face, like around my nose," she says, adding that it makes it look like those red patches were never even there. "When I do use it on my whole face, I make sure to go slow and take my time blending it in—otherwise, it can end up looking a little pasty."
Other notable ingredients
AccordionItemContainerButton Best Budget: Meebak Cica Redness Solution CreamMeebak
Cica Redness Solution Cream
Pros
Cons
Fans of the makeup-as-skin-care trend (and drugstore prices), this one's for you. "The real beauty of this color corrector is how easy it is to blend in," SELF's senior commerce editor says, adding that it doesn't separate on the oilier areas of her face. "After I warm it up on my fingers, it only takes a few seconds to match my skin tone. Some days, I wear it instead of foundation and concealer."
On top of its immediate redness-neutralizing effects, Meebak's Cica Redness Solution Cream uses a blend of botanical ingredients, including centella asiatica and calendula flower extract, to address inflammation in the skin.
Other notable ingredients
AccordionItemContainerButton Best Lightweight Formula: SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective GelSkinCeuticals
Phyto Corrective Gel
Pros
Cons
Made with the all-star hydrator hyaluronic acid, this SkinCeuticals gel is surprisingly moisturizing, given its ultra-light formula. That's one of the main reasons why Dr. Garshick recommends it, but she also likes that it contains calming ingredients like cucumber extract. Plus, it's made to have a cooling effect upon application, which can give inflamed skin a little extra relief.
If you prefer a cream to a gel, Dr. Camp recommends the brand's Redness Neutralizer, which contains nourishing shea butter and leaves behind a similar cooling sensation.
Other notable ingredients
AccordionItemContainerButtonEucalyptus oil, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties
Best Shade Range: L.A. Girl HD Pro Corrector ConcealerL.A. Girl
HD Pro Corrector Concealer
Pros
Cons
Like we said earlier, green color correctors work with most skin tones and are a great place to start. But if you try some and they don't do the trick, consider looking into products with other tints, like L.A. Girl's HD Pro Corrector Concealer. It comes in 11 different colors intended to help neutralize the undertones in your skin, including mint, yellow, light yellow, peach, blue, and, yes, good old green. The brand recommends its mint and green shades for targeting redness, but Amazon reviewers also report having luck with the yellow, light yellow, and peach shades as well.
Thanks to the HD Pro Corrector Concealer's under-$10 price, you can order a couple options to see which is the best match and still spend less than you would on one of the pricier options on our list. Another option? Dr. Garshick recommends NYX's Color Correcting Palette, which has six creamy hues in one travel-friendly package.
Other notable ingredients
AccordionItemContainerButton Best Night Cream: Laneige Cica Sleeping MaskLaneige
Hypoallergenic Cica Sleeping Mask
Pros
Cons
This 2020 Healthy Beauty Award–winner is one of the few night creams that keeps our senior commerce writer's skin hydrated and calm all night long. ("The only other one that even touches the Cica Sleeping Mask is Naturium's Intense Overnight Sleeping Cream," she says.) It doesn't have a green tint—instead, it works its magic from the inside out with centella asiatica extracts and a cocktail of moisturizers (including glycerin, shea butter, and squalane), which our writer says quenches her "perpetually dry" skin.
Other notable ingredients
AccordionItemContainerButtonVitamin E (a moisturizer and source of antioxidants)
Best Splurge: Colorescience All Calm Clinical Redness CorrectorColorescience
All Calm Clinical Redness Corrector
Pros
Cons
Another SPF-boosted option, Colorscience's All Calm Clinical Redness Corrector comes highly recommended by Dr. Garshick. She points out its proprietary blend of soothing and hydrating ingredients, adding that it's suitable for sensitive, irritation-prone skin (it's also fragrance-free). Reviewers say it earns its high price tag with its elegant, "polished" finish—if you deal with redness, you can think of it as an upgrade to your standard tinted sunscreen.
According to the brand, the product may look too pale when you first put it on, but it should set and sink into your skin after a few seconds.
Other notable ingredients
AccordionItemContainerButtonMoisturizing jojoba oil, vitamin E
More great optionsYou might not find your holy grail color corrector on the first try. The good thing is, there are plenty more expert- and editor-approved products to check out—see more of our faves below.
PCA Skin Dual Action Redness ReliefPCA Skin
Dual Action Redness Remover Face Serum
Pros
Cons
Dr. Camp says this treatment is a great pick for darker skin tones (or anyone who's put off by green skin care). Instead of using a tint, it contains ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, and bisabolol to address inflammation and improve your skin's appearance. Even without a neutralizing pigment, its results are impressive: "The redness is so controlled [with this product] that I don't use redness-reducing makeup anymore," one Nordstrom reviewer wrote.
Other notable ingredients
AccordionItemContainerButton La Roche-Posay Toleriane Rosaliac AR Visible Redness Reducing CreamLa Roche-Posay
Toleriane Rosaliac AR Visible Redness Reducing Cream
Pros
Cons
Both experts we spoke to mentioned La Roche Posay's Redness Reducing Cream and called out its moisturizing ingredients (glycerin and thermal spring water) as especially beneficial for dry, sensitive skin types. Dr. Garshick notes that its green pigment quickly reduces visible redness and can even take the place of foundation.
Other notable ingredients
AccordionItemContainerButtonNeurosensine (a combination of two peptides considered to have soothing properties)
Neogen Dermalogy Real Heartleaf Soothing CreamNeogen Dermalogy
Real Heartleaf Soothing Cream
Pros
Cons
When we gave Neogen's Real Heartleaf Soothing Cream a Healthy Beauty Award this year, we described it as "spa water for your face" and shouted out one of its key ingredients, calming calendula extract. Our tester loved its "bouncy, gelatinous texture" that absorbed quickly and noted that it felt cooling to boot.
Other notable ingredients
AccordionItemContainerButtonGlycerin, hyaluronic acid
RescueMD DNA Repair ComplexRescueMD
DNA Repair Complex
Pros
Cons
Dr. Garshick, a RescueMD partner, says the brand's DNA Repair Complex can help address inflammation and irritation, thanks to its derm-approved, redness-relieving ingredients like allantoin and aloe vera. It also has a seal of acceptance from the National Rosacea Society, which is awarded to products with non-irritating formulas for people with rosacea.
Other notable ingredients
AccordionItemContainerButtonGlycerin, nourishing sunflower seed oil
Avène Redness Expert Soothing Moisturizing Concentrated CreamAvene
Redness Expert Soothing Moisturizing Concentrated Cream
Pros
Cons
Here's another product with the National Rosacea's seal of acceptance, plus Dr. Camp's approval. He says it's soothing and great for reducing redness, thanks in part to the relatively unique ingredient milk thistle extract, which has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Other notable ingredients
AccordionItemContainerButtonSunflower seed oil, vitamin E, thermal spring water
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Related:
14 Best Products For Rosacea And Redness, According To Dermatologists
If you frequently experience facial redness, irritation, and small bumps, you may have rosacea, a common skin condition. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, rosacea impacts more than 14 million people in the U.S. Alone, commonly aged 30 to 50. With no cure for the condition, many are left with the difficult task of treating their own flare-ups.
I have written about expert-backed solutions to common skin care concerns for over three years and suffer from moderate rosacea myself. I spoke to dermatologists about common triggers of rosacea flare-ups and how to avoid them, plus the best skin care ingredients to help tame redness and inflammation. I also compiled our experts' recommendations for the best cleansers, sunscreens, moisturizers and more to consider for rosacea, as well as NBC Select staff favorites.
SKIP AHEAD How I picked the best products for rosaceaBest cleansers for rosaceaBest moisturizers for rosaceaBest serums and treatments for rosaceaBest sunscreens for rosaceaWhy trust NBC Select?
Selected.Our top picks See 2 More
When shopping for rosacea treatments, our experts recommend considering the following key factors:
Below, I compiled expert-recommended moisturizers, facial cleansers, serums, sunscreens and more to help tame redness and irritation from rosacea.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer$23.99
Amazon
$24.99
Ulta
What we like
Something to note
Our experts recommend La Roche-Posay for people dealing with rosacea or acne-prone skin (or both). I use this moisturizer from the brand nearly every day and 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, both of which can help soothe and calm rosacea flare-ups, says Dr. Erum Ilyas, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology. 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).
Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream$50.00
$65.00
Amazon
$65.00
Clinique
What we like
Clinique's Redness Solutions product line offers cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreens and more that can be beneficial for those with redness and rosacea. Though the products typically look green when applied, experts told us the green hue goes away when it's properly blended into the skin — they work to mask or camouflage the red color. The Clinique Daily Relief Cream is a great option for those with a lot of redness: The cream not only reduces the appearance of redness, but also works to gently calm irritated skin, according to the brand.
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion$14.97
$19.99
Amazon
$14.99
Target
$14.99
$19.99
Ulta
What we like
One of our favorite moisturizers for acne-prone skin, this nighttime lotion from CeraVe has ceramides that "can help restore the skin barrier to soothe rosacea-prone skin," says Ilyas. You can also purchase the brand's AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion for the daytime, which has a gentle formula and offers SPF 30 protection (the minimum amount recommended by our experts).
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion$14.36
$15.49
Amazon
$11.99
Ulta
What we like
Much like Cetaphil's gentle skin cleanser, the brand's moisturizing lotion can be a great option for those with very sensitive skin. The NBC Select staff-favorite moisturizer has a non-greasy formula with no added fragrance to avoid irritation, according to the brand. It can also provide up to 24 hours of hydration, according to the brand. If you're looking for a daytime moisturizer option, Cetaphil's Redness Relieving Daily Facial Moisturizer has SPF 20 and a tinted formula to reduce the appearance of redness.
Aveeno Calm + Restore Redness Foaming Cleanser$9.97
$14.69
Amazon
$11.19
$15.99
Ulta
What we like
Foaming agents can often be too harsh on rosacea-prone skin because they remove most of the oil on the face, which can lead to even more dryness and flaking. Though our experts recommend avoiding most foaming cleansers 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," says Ilyas.
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser$8.86
$10.00
Amazon
$9.09
$12.99
Ulta
What we like
Something to note
For people with very sensitive skin that might feel burning or stinging when trying new products, our experts recommend Vanicream's product line. This 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. The dermatologists I spoke to also recommend the brand's moisturizing cream for very dry, sensitive skin, which is also one of our favorite moisturizers for dry skin.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser$13.97
$15.49
Amazon
$12.47
Walmart
$12.24
$17.49
Ulta
What we like
Something to note
Cetaphil's Gentle Skin Cleanser is recommended by dermatologists thanks to its gentle, non-foaming formula that hydrates and soothes rosacea-prone skin. NBC Select managing editor Leah Ginsberg says she's used this 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 says.
Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar$11.97
Amazon
$11.97
Walmart
What we like
Dove's Beauty Bar is an easy-to-use cleanser that's also budget friendly, says Dr. Apple Bodemer, a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. 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.
Differin Gel$20.81
Amazon
$23.79
CVS Pharmacy
$15.99
Walgreens
What we like
Something to note
Though retinoids can 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 retinol and retinoids once inflammation in the skin is under control," says Ilyas.
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, she says. Both Ilyas and Dr. Gabriela Soza, a board-certified dermatologist at Wexler Dermatology, recommend Differin Gel — which contains 0.1% adapalene— as a suitable acne-fighting option for people with rosacea.
The Inkey List Azelaic Acid Serum$18.00
Sephora
$18.00
The Inkey List
What we like
Something to note
The Inkey List's Azelaic Acid Serum, 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, according to the brand.
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Brightening Cream$12.20
Sephora
$12.20
Nordstrom
What we like
Ilyas also recommends 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.
Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur + Niacinamide Spot Treatment Mask$20.00
Amazon
$20.00
Ulta
$20.00
Sephora
What we like
Sulfur is an ingredient that helps to gently even out skin tone and reduce bumps caused by rosacea, says Ilyas. She recommends this spot treatment mask from Sunday Riley, which you can apply to blemishes or textured areas of the skin. The treatment helps remove dead skin cells, draw out impurities and reduce redness, according to the brand. After letting the mask dry on the skin, the brand recommends washing it off with warm water.
EltaMD UV Clear Sunscreen with SPF 46$43.00
Amazon
$43.00
Elta Md
$43.00
Dermstore
What we like
Something to note
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 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 says.
Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Sunscreen$78.00
Amazon
$62.40
$78.00
Isdin
$78.00
Dermstore
What we like
This Isdin tinted sunscreen can 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 fine lines and wrinkles, according to the brand.
What causes rosacea?
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 Ilyas. 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.
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," says Ilyas. "This is followed by the skin starting to swell or thicken, taking on an 'orange-peel' appearance with widened patulous pores."
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," says Bodemer.
Triggers for rosacea flare-ups vary from person to person, but the most common ones are sun exposure and heat, experts say. 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," says Soza. Emotional triggers can also be a cause of rosacea for many people, according to Bodemer.
To help manage your rosacea, keep a symptom diary to track when you flare up and jot 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," says Bodemer.
How can you best manage your rosacea?
Since there isn't a known cure for rosacea, Soza recommends figuring out your specific triggers and avoiding them when possible.
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, says Bodemer. 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, says Ilyas.
What ingredients are safe for rosacea?
Below are a few gentle, hydrating ingredients our experts recommend for people with rosacea and overall skin sensitivities:
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," says Soza. Mineral sunscreens (also called physical blockers) contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide rather than a chemical base, so they don't absorb into the skin and can be less irritating for those prone to rosacea, she says.
What type of products should you avoid with rosacea?
Take a "less is more" approach when crafting a skin care routine for rosacea, says Ilyas. Taking a closer look at your skin care products, eliminating redundancy and choosing multitasking products can reduce the possibility of using items that can potentially aggravate the skin over time, she says. 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 like retinol and exfoliants.
Be mindful of certain acne treatments
People may consider acne treatments to help with rosacea bumps, but that can only 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," she says. Avoid 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 recommend using azelaic acid to control acne instead. You should also avoid comedogenic products that clog pores, which is in line with our experts' guidance for sensitive skin.
Limit your usage of anti-aging products
Retinol and other 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. However, 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," says Soza.
If you choose to use a retinol or retinoid, apply a small pea-sized amount to the full face, and use the "moisturizer sandwich technique," which means you moisturize, apply the treatment and then moisturize again, says Soza. "This will help your skin stay hydrated while still maintaining efficacy," she says.
Avoid harsh exfoliants
Exfoliating can often be 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, you should avoid exfoliating altogether if you have rosacea.
"The more you inflame the skin [with exfoliants], the more flaking you're going to have," says Bodemer, adding that the flaking on the skin is a manifestation of the inflammation caused by rosacea. You should also avoid any products that contain beads or require scrubbing. If you're really insistent on exfoliating, experts recommend simply using water and a soft washcloth.
Ilyas recommends limiting or avoiding the use of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), which are 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 says.
At NBC 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.
I am an editor at NBC Select who has written a variety of skin care stories, including treatments for cystic acne, keratosis pilaris and dark under-eye circles. For this article, I spoke to three dermatologists about how to tame rosacea and highlighted their recommendations for the best products to consider.
Catch up on NBC Select's in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
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