How to Get Rid of Redness Without Makeup

If you have a red complexion that you want to even out, chances are you have concealer handy at all times. But, you don’t necessarily need makeup to lessen the appearance of flushed cheeks, ruddiness or irritation. That’s right — a few simple tweaks to your skin-care routine can help reduce the appearance of redness. To get the scoop on best practices, we spoke with board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com expert, Dr. Dendy Engelman. Ahead, she shares tips for diminishing skin redness without having to break open your makeup bag.

First, Swap Your Face Wash

If your skin feels tight, dry and looks red after cleansing, your face wash may be to blame. Make sure you’re using a gentle, hydrating cleanser rather than a scrub. If you tend to be on the sensitive side, it’s also important to opt for a fragrance-, paraben- and silicone-free wash. We recommend La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser to get a fresh face without irritation. Wet your face with lukewarm water and then apply the cleanser in circular motions. Make sure to pat your face dry with a towel — wiping will only irritate skin. 

 

Now, Moisturize Your Skin

After washing your face, apply a hydrating face cream or moisturizer. Some moisturizers are formulated with harsh ingredients like alcohol or fragrance, which can be irritating. “Look for hydrating ingredients that will strengthen the skin barrier as well as provide a ‘shield’ from environmental stressors,” says Dr. Engelman. “Peptides, ceramides and hyaluronic acid can all help to build a barrier for the skin’s surface.” The Vichy LiftActiv Peptide C Anti-Aging Moisturizer is an excellent, gentle pick. We love stowing this away in our skin-care fridge, too. It gives the cream a refreshing, cooling effect that can help to reduce the look of redness and swelling. 

 

Say Goodbye to Harsh Ingredients

It’s extremely important to pay attention to labels — especially when your skin is easily irritated. “Avoid ingredients that can dry out the skin, like fragrance, alcohol, menthol, witch hazel and more,” says Dr. Engelman. Opt for skin-care products that offer calming properties, like green tea, cannabis extract or aloe vera. “When applied to the skin, [the ingredients] can help to reduce the look of redness,” says Dr. Engelman. The Kiehls Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate works to reduce skin’s redness and soothe any irritation. It’s especially great for acne- or blemish-prone skin. 

 

Don’t Skimp on Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen

This goes without saying, but skipping sunscreen when outdoors is a quick ticket to a sunburn, which will evidently make your skin look more red. What’s more, neglecting to protect your skin from harmful UV rays puts you at risk for premature signs of skin aging. Apply a non-comedogenic, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher prior, like the La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen before leaving the house — even if it’s rainy or cloudy. While an everyday sunscreen should be a staple in your routine, you can also use a foundation with SPF for an added layer of protection. We love IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream With SPF 50 for a full-coverage complexion that also neutralizes redness and provides protection. 

Read More:

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5 Lipo-Hydroxy Acid Products to Try if You Have Acne-Prone Skin 

How to Determine Your Skin Type, A Dermatologist’s Guide