Skincare 101: How to Reduce Redness on Your Face

Rosy or flushed skin getting you down? Try these redness-calming skincare tips to boost your confidence and wellbeing

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Woman applying a skin cream to the red skin on her face

What causes redness on the face?

Facial redness has multiple potential causes including skin sensitivity, environmental factors and conditions like rosacea. If you are experiencing persistent redness, itchiness or sensitivity, it is advised that you speak to your GP to get to the bottom of it before experimenting with skincare in case it causes further irritation.

Strong weather conditions, including direct sunshine and winter winds, can inflame your skin, meaning it's important to consider your skincare year-round if you wish to minimise visible redness on the face. Redness can also become more noticeable with age as the facial skin thins, loses fat and elasticity, and vein walls weaken, making fine capillaries more prominent around the forehead, nose and cheeks.

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The best moisturising creams for rosacea

Using the correct moisturiser is of utmost importance for rosacea-prone skin. Key skincare ingredients to look out for in the best moisturising creams for rosacea include niacinamide, ceramides and hyaluronic acid.

Avoid alcohol, fragrance and harsh exfoliating acids which can further inflame sensitive red skin on the face. Oat-based skincare is also your friend thanks to its gentle and naturally anti-inflammatory properties that actively help repair the skin barrier, making it ideal for psoriasis and eczema, in addition to rosacea. Try Neal's Yard Remedies' Oat & Ceramide Skin Barrier Cream if you have dry skin to tick two boxes.

Reach for a lighter lotion or cream if you have oily or combination skin. Clinique's Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream gets your vote: "I cannot live without this moisturiser" says just one of over a hundred glowing five-star reviews. "It makes my skin smooth, even though my skin is not due to menopause and rosacea."

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What helps with redness on the face?

How to get rid of redness around the nose and cheeks

You might have noticed that your facial redness is more prominent around the nose and cheeks where there is a higher concentration of capillaries. These areas can be particularly sensitive and may require extra care.

We suggest using gentle cleansing products and techniques alongside targeted serums or treatments on these delicate areas. Try Pai's Instant Kalmer Ceramide Serum to soothe unsettled, angry and reactive skin around the nose and cheeks.

Colour-correcting make-up also offers a solution for how to reduce cheek redness and help get rid of redness around the nose. Start with a general colour-correcting primer, such as Stila's One-Step Correct which contains tones of green, pink and purple to neutralise your skin tone before you apply foundation.

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Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Pressed Powder

How to soothe a rosacea flare-up

Rosacea flare-ups can be caused by anything from eating spicy food, drinking caffeine or alcohol, exposure to cold weather or having a hot bath, so it's worth learning your unique triggers if you have been diagnosed with the skin conditon. In short, anything that leads your blood vessels to dilate can result in increased redness, itchiness and bumpiness for rosacea sufferers.

Emotional stress is also a known trigger so it's worth prioritisng self-care during a flare-up by paying special attention to your wellbeing routines.

Practical tips for calming an active flare-up include using cool compresses and simplifying your skincare routine. SPF suncream is a must, regardless of the time of year. For managing your rosacea long-term, we recommend using gentle cleansers, sunscreens and other suitable products.

Clinique has formulated a complete skincare and make-up range for rosacea if you're looking for a one-and-done bathroom cabinet overhaul.

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How to help reduce redness