Why is My Face So Red? Let’s Talk Rosacea
Something funny (and not-so-funny) happens to our skin once we hit our 30s and 40s. One of the most common things I see? Rosacea. Today we’re breaking down what it is, what triggers it, and what you can do to help calm it down.
What is Rosacea?
According to rosacea.org, rosacea is a chronic skin condition that usually starts after age 30 and shows up as redness on the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead. It can flare up and calm down over time, and for some people it can spread to the neck, chest, scalp, or ears. Left untreated, it can turn into bumps, breakouts, and even visible blood vessels.
Let’s put that in plain English: Rosacea = persistent redness, sensitivity, and sometimes dryness or bumps. It’s not just “having rosy cheeks.” It’s inflammation happening under the surface of your skin.
If you think you might have rosacea, your first stop should always be your provider. They can properly diagnose it and prescribe medication if needed to help control flare-ups.
What Can I Do to Help Control Rosacea?
Once you’ve seen a professional (or while you’re waiting for that appointment), here are some things that can truly make a difference.
Rosacea loves drama. Try to limit:
Extreme heat (hot showers, saunas, steam)
Spicy foods
Caffeine and alcohol
Stress (yes, really — your skin feels it)
Drink more water, eat cleaner when you can, and listen to your skin. If something makes it red, itchy, or hot… it’s not your product.
Look for skincare with:
Chamomile – anti-inflammatory, soothing
Aloe Vera – hydrates and cools irritation
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – strengthens the skin barrier and reduces redness
Green Tea – antioxidant + calming
Centella Asiatica (Cica) – repairs stressed skin
Oat Extract (Colloidal Oatmeal) – relieves dryness and itchiness
Ceramides – rebuild the skin barrier
These ingredients won’t “cure” rosacea, but they help keep flare-ups under control.
Steer clear of:
Fragrance (even natural or essential oils)
Peppermint, eucalyptus, ginseng
Harsh exfoliants and scrubs
Strong brightening acids
Alcohol-heavy toners
The more “exciting” the ingredient list, the more likely it is to cause irritation. You don’t need luxury skincare to calm rosacea. These are gentle, affordable, and easy to find:
Gentle Cleansers
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser
Moisturizers
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer
Soothing Serums
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR Intense
Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Serum
Keep Your Routine SIMPLE. That’s it. Simple = safe. Rosacea skin does not want a 12-step routine.
Think:
Gentle cleanser
Calming serum
Moisturizer
SPF (mineral sunscreen only)
Cold air and wind dry out your skin barrier fast. Use a moisturizer daily (yes, even if you’re oily). Think of it as your skin’s winter coat. Never treat active rosacea with harsh treatments. Some doctors and naturopaths have seen good results with:
Red LED light therapy: helps reduce inflammation and boost collagen
Microdermabrasion (after a flare-up is calm): removes dry, flaky buildup
Rosacea isn’t something you caused and you’re not alone. It’s common, manageable, and totally compatible with healthy, glowing skin when you treat it gently.
Drink your water.
Lower your stress.
Stop using products that burn or tingle.
And remember: calm skin = happy skin.
Have more skin questions? Leave me a comment, I’m always happy to help. 💕