If you struggle with redness, flushing and red bumps on your face, you may be experiencing rosacea. It often occurs on the nose and cheeks and becomes more common with age. The signs and symptoms of rosacea may flare up for weeks or months and then go away for a while, and it can lead to irritation like dryness and itchiness. Luckily, there are ways to treat rosacea naturally and with products. Ready to soothe your skin? Take a look at these rosacea remedies that work!
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a common chronic skin condition that causes redness in the face. It’s often mistaken for acne, eczema or a skin allergy and appears to be more common in fair-skinned people of north European descent.
There are four types of rosacea:
- Subtype one is called erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR) and is associated with facial redness, flushing and visible blood vessels.
- Subtype two, known as papulopustular rosacea is associated with acne-like breakouts.
- Subtype three, known as rhinophyma is a rare form of rosacea associated with thickening of the skin on your nose. Rhinophyma often affects men and is usually accompanied by another subtype of rosacea
- The fourth subtype is called ocular rosacea, which afflicts the eye area. You may notice your eyes are stinging, itchy, overly dry, and they may become sensitive to light.
What Are the Symptoms of Rosacea?
- Facial Redness. Persistent redness in the face is the most common symptom of rosacea. It usually occurs in the central part of your face, and the small blood vessels on your nose and cheeks often swell and become visible.
- Flushing. People with rosacea often have a history of frequent blushing or flushing, that may be accompanied by a sense of heat, warmth or burning. It comes and goes and is often an early symptom of rosacea.
- Red Bumps. Many people with rosacea develop swollen, red bumps on their face that resemble acne. The bumps sometimes contain pus and your skin may feel hot and tender.
What Causes Rosacea?
Although the exact cause of rosacea isn’t known, there are common factors that can contribute to the skin condition. It’s thought to be a combination of hereditary and environmental factors that lead to it. There are also some things that are known to make rosacea worse, such as eating spicy foods, eating foods that contain cinnamaldehyde, such as cinnamon, chocolate, citrus and tomatoes; drinking hot coffee or tea; and having the intestinal bacteria Helicobacter pylori.
7 Rosacea Remedies and Products
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe is an amazing natural remedy for rosacea. The gel from the inner leaf of the aloe vera plant is very moisturizing and can be used as a topical remedy. You can also try drinking aloe vera water to help you from the inside out.
2. Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser
This cleanser/makeup remover hybrid helps cleanse and calm dry, sensitive skin, which most people with rosacea have. It removes makeup, dirt and oil without drying the skin and is gentle enough for everyday use. It contains feverfew extract, which is known to decrease redness and help with irritation.
3. Bioderma Sensibio Mask
This face mask aims to intensely moisturize and soothe all skin types including sensitive, intolerant skin. It offers intense hydration with moisturizing agents that soothe and soften your skin by targeting visible redness. It improves the skin’s tolerance threshold and provides lasting comfort.
4. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is another plant that’s very soothing for the skin and can be used topically to improve rosacea. You can use it by mixing it into your daily moisturizer or diluting it in a carrier oil. Use about five drops per ounce of product.
5. Oatmeal Mask
Oatmeal is another popular home remedy for rosacea. It reduces water loss, which can make rosacea worse, and also helps with itching. Mix a couple tablespoons of oatmeal with water and apply directly to your skin.
6. Differin Restorative Night Moisturizer
This moisturizer helps to soothe and hydrate your skin overnight. Formulated with shea butter to soften the skin and liquorice extract to promote radiance, you can say goodbye to redness, dryness and flakiness overnight.
7. Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream
This extra-gentle oil-free moisturizer is perfect for those with rosacea. It’s richer than a serum and instantly calms the skin with visible redness. It also helps avert future flare-ups, which is key for those suffering from rosacea.
3 Rosacea Makeup Tips and Tutorials
1. Choose An Oil-Free, Gel-Like Foundation
If you have rosacea, an oil-free foundation is key because it won’t clog your pores and is overall more beneficial for sensitive skin. A gel-like consistency is also great for those with rosacea as it will be much more moisturizing than plain powder.
2. Make-up for Rosacea via Kristin & Co.
Watch this tutorial if you want to see tips for how to do makeup with rosacea. She shows you how to cover up the redness, all while keeping your sensitive skin in mind. You’ll learn the techniques she uses to conceal her rosacea, plus tips and tricks for accentuating the features you love about your face! She uses products like Revlon Photoready Perfecting Primer, It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness Correcting Cream, and Revlon Colorstay Pressed Powder.
3. Use Brushes Instead of a Sponge
Having a clean makeup applicator is super important especially if you have rosacea. Makeup sponges carry a lot of bacteria and are harder to clean than brushes are, so brushes are a safer bet for sensitive skin. They’re also softer on your skin, so better all around!
If you’re struggling with rosacea, we hope these tips, remedies and tutorials help you!