Nectar Skincare

Hi Bridgettt29! 

I’d love to help! A reaction like yours might mean you’re allergic to something you are using or, if you have persistent redness, you may also have a condition called rosacea. Whatever it may be, I’m going to suggest possible changes to your skincare routine and some cosmetic tips for lessening redness, but first, let’s talk about rosacea. 

Defined by the National Health Institute as “a chronic skin condition involving inflammation of the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, or eyelids,” rosacea is a very common skin affliction with symptoms including “redness, prominent spider-like blood vessels, swelling, or skin eruptions similar to acne.” This is especially common to those with fair skin, and rosacea sufferers may want to see a dermatologist to treat or lessen symptoms. A dermatologist can work with you to develop a regimen that helps control redness and also help identify “triggers” that cause rosacea to flare up. For more about rosacea, take a look at this fact sheet from Rosacea.org. 

Rosacea or not, many people experience redness and irritation from their skincare products. It helps to be knowledgable about ingredients and how they work. The first few listed on the label are the ones you should be the most wary of, as ingredients are listed by amount from most to least. The dictionary over at Cosmetics Cop is a good place to start learning about ingredients. I’ve found the most commonly found irritants in over-the-counter products to be formulas with menthol, strong alcohols and fragrance. Menthol and alcohol can aggravate and dry the skin, and though it might be nice to smell good, fragrance is incredibly irritating!

In general, red skin means irritated skin. You may want to switch your products out for gentler products, especially if you are currently using products to clear up your acne. Acne-clearing products are often over-drying and may even worsen acne. I had horrible acne, and my first instinct was to use drying products that supposedly controlled oil production. Wrong way to go! Skin needs to be treated gently, starting with your cleanser. 

Use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin of its natural moisture. Don’t even bother with washcloths or scrubbing beads— the simpler your routine is, the better. Try Nectar’s Fresh Face Cleanser, it’s gentle and formulated with aloe vera gel, rosemary, and chamomile to soothe and heal skin without drying it out. 

Skin also needs to be hydrated, even if it’s oily. The key to improving oily skin is oil control, not oil removal. This can be achieved by using a moisturizer regularly, like Nectar’s Day Elixir Light, which has ingredients like seaweed extract that control oil production while moisturizing. In the long run, gentle skincare will do more to improve your skin than using strong, harsh products. 

In the meantime, makeup can provide a quick fix for your redness issue. Look for color-correcting foundations or concealers with a green tint to neutralize the redness in your skin. As always, be careful with the products you choose and wash your face regularly to avoid any further irritation. 

Hopefully this helps! I know how important it is to have healthy, clear skin— it might be frustrating, but it’ll be worth it once you find out what works for you.

-Celeste

Questions, comments or suggestions? Leave a comment on our blog at nectarskin.tumblr.com. For more from Nectar Skincare and to learn about our aloe vera gel-based products, go to http://www.nectarskincare.com. Articles and posts are not meant to replace the advice of licensed, medical professionals. If you have concerns, consult your doctor.