Something I tend to struggle with in the winter is redness on my face. As soon as the weather gets cold red splotches form on my cheeks and nose. And while there are several conditions that can cause redness on your skin – from rosacea to sun damage to allergies to acne – I’ve narrowed the cause of my redness to either sun damage or dryness. I guess it’s true that our skin can pay for what we did (or didn’t do) for it in our teens and 20s when we get to our 30s and 40s.
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I did some research and learned that there are certain skincare ingredients you can use to help reduce and fade facial redness. And while everyone’s skin type and situation is different, I wanted to share the anti-redness skincare routine that’s currently been working for me. But before I do, here’s a little info about my skin . . .
I have oily/combination skin, meaning I tend to get shiny around my nose and T-zone (especially in the summer), but in the winter my skin gets drier so I reach for hydrating products. I’ve been using the routine in this post for several weeks now and I can honestly see a difference. Gradually, my skin is looking less irritated and the redness is getting less and less. Each of the products listed below are gentle and full of soothing ingredients that help to hydrate and nourish the skin so let’s jump into it . . .
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Banila Co. Clean It Zero (Revitalizing) Cleansing Balm – $24.00
Because I wear makeup most days I normally begin my skincare routine with a cleansing balm. Some of the best cleansing balms I’ve found are the Banila Co. cleansing balms. They have different kinds (normal, purifying, nourishing, revitalizing) that target specific skin concerns but the one I use is the revitalizing one. This balmy cleanser turns into a smooth oil that melts even the most stubborn makeup away without stripping your skin of hydration. Trust me, it’s magic.
Peach Slices Redness Relief Soothing Cleanser – $16.99
Next I grab a soothing cleanser. The Peach Slices Redness Relief Soothing Cleanser is a pH-balanced, milky cleanser that gently removes all impurities from your skin barrier. It has nourishing ingredients like panthenol, green algae, allantoin, and rhodomyrtus extract which visibly reduce signs of redness over time. Also, it’s fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and cruelty-free.
Cosrx Hydrium Watery Toner – $22.00
After all that cleansing I reach for the Cosrx Hydrium Watery Toner to help put some moisture back in my skin. This toner includes vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid which protects and strengthens your skin barrier. It also leaves your skin feeling (and looking) dewy and refreshed.
Make P:rem Comfort Me Mild Soothing Mist – $17.99
For extra hydration I’ll spray my face with the Make P:rem Comfort Me Mild Soothing Mist, which is chalk full of calming ingredients such as chia seed, cica, and houttuynia cordata extracts that lock in moisture and revitalize the skin. Just give the mist a shake and spritz your face, but I must warn you the nozzle on this mist can be kind of tricky so try not to hold the bottle too close to your face.
Peach Slices Redness Relief Azelaic Acid Serum – $19.99
Cosrx Pure Fit Cica Serum – $18.99
As for serums I go back and forth between these two – the Peach Slices Redness Relief Azelaic Acid Serum at night and the Cosrx Pure Fit Cica Serum in the day. If you struggle with redness or irritation, azelaic acid will be your new best friend. This ingredient can counter free radicals (impurities) that cause inflammation. It’s known for its antibacterial properties as well as its ability to improve uneven skin tone and fight blemishes. The Peach Slices serum has 10% azelaic acid, green algae, and panthenol, making it ideal to combat redness. As for the Cosrx Cica Serum, it’s formulated with 76% cica extract which fortifies and protects your skin barrier. Also its silky texture allows the serum to sink into the skin easily.
Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Cream – $42.00
This eye cream is probably the priciest product on this list but Sephora sometimes offers it as a free sample or you can find a small jar of it in some Glow Recipe holiday gift sets (which is how I got to try it). What makes this eye cream unique is that it has encapsulated retinol, avocado, and coffeeberry which helps to smooth and firm the skin around the eyes. This eye cream is really good to use if you struggle with puffiness, dark circles, or dryness around your eyes.
Skinfood Avocado Rich Cream – $26.00
Purito Centella Green Level Recovery Cream – $19.50
Like the serums I mentioned earlier, when it comes to soothing moisturizers I reach for two – the Skinfood Avocado Rich Cream for night and the Purito Centella Green Level Recovery Cream for day. Both of these moisturizers are super lightweight creams that help to calm irritation in your skin. The Avocado cream is formulated with 35% avocado extract and nourishing oils, which helps to protect your skin from damaging UV rays and increase collagen metabolism. The Purito Centella Cream is one of my favorites because it’s formulated with centella asiatica which improves skin hydration and calms any inflammation. Neither really has a smell which I appreciate and both absorb into the skin quickly, leaving your face feeling refreshed but not sticky.
Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ – $16.00
Every skincare routine needs a good sunscreen and the Cosrx Aloe Soothing sunscreen is one of the best for good reason. It’s lightweight, absorbs smoothly, and doesn’t leave a white cast. To be honest, it kind of feels more like a moisturizer than a sunscreen. And it’s formulated with Aloe Arborescens Leaf Extract which helps to soothe and moisturize skin and reduce any redness or inflammation you may have. Also, it wears nicely under foundation, which is a plus if you’re a makeup-wearer like me.
What are some of your skin concerns? Do you struggle with redness like I do? If you do, what’s some of your go-to skincare products?
Verse of the Day: There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever. – Revelation 22:5
