Sensitive Skin Support
Rosacea 101: Causes, Types, and Gentle Skincare to Calm Redness
If you’ve dealt with persistent facial redness, visible blood vessels, or acne-like bumps, you’re not alone; millions of people share this struggle because of rosacea.
Now imagine feeling confident in your skin, embracing a clear, calm, radiant complexion. With the right rosacea-friendly skincare and a gentle routine, this can be your reality. Let’s break down the causes, symptoms, types, and the best soothing products to help you regain control of your skin’s comfort and glow.
Gentle care starts here
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that commonly shows up as persistent redness on the face, especially the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. It may also include visible blood vessels and sometimes bumps or pustules that can resemble acne.
While the exact cause isn’t fully clear, rosacea is believed to be influenced by a mix of genetics and environmental triggers such as sun exposure, stress, alcohol, spicy foods, and extreme weather.
- UV exposure and heat
- Stress and intense emotions
- Alcohol (especially red wine)
- Spicy foods
- Cold wind and extreme temperature changes
What does rosacea look like on different skin tones?
Rosacea can affect all skin tones, but it doesn’t always look the same. On lighter skin tones, rosacea often presents as obvious redness and flushing, making it easier to spot.
On deeper skin tones, rosacea may appear as deeper brown discolouration, a warm sensation, dryness, or subtle texture changes rather than bright redness. Because of this, rosacea on darker skin can be underdiagnosed, so recognising the different presentations matters.
Rosacea can look different across skin tones
The 4 types of rosacea
Rosacea can show up in different forms, and understanding your subtype can help you choose more effective care and avoid unnecessary irritation.
- Erythematotelangiectatic (ETR): persistent redness + visible blood vessels, flushing, sensitivity
- Papulopustular: redness + acne-like bumps/pustules, inflammation, sensitivity
- Phymatous: thickened, uneven skin (often nose), enlarged pores; can appear with other subtypes
- Ocular: eye irritation, watering, redness, swollen lids, light sensitivity
Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea
Often referred to as “mild rosacea,” this subtype is marked by persistent redness and visible blood vessels. Prioritise gentle hydration and barrier support to reduce irritation and sensitivity.
Papulopustular rosacea
Frequently mistaken for acne, this type includes redness plus bumps and pustules. The goal is calming inflammation, minimising redness, and supporting the barrier with non-stripping products.
Phymatous rosacea
A more advanced form of rosacea, this subtype can cause thickened, uneven skin texture—most commonly affecting the nose (rhinophyma). It often affects men and may appear alongside other subtypes.
Ocular rosacea
Ocular rosacea affects the eyes and eyelids. If you suspect ocular rosacea, it’s important to consult a dermatologist or eye specialist for proper management.
Visual guide: rosacea types
Key ingredients to look for
Managing rosacea starts with a gentle routine that focuses on calming, hydrating, and protecting the skin barrier. Look for products formulated to reduce irritation and support long-term comfort.
- Anti-inflammatory: niacinamide (vitamin B3), green tea extract
- Calming: aloe vera, chamomile
- Moisturising: hyaluronic acid, glycerin
Friendly note: With rosacea, less is often more. Choose fragrance-free formulas, avoid harsh scrubs, and patch test new products whenever possible.
Why Korean skincare works well for rosacea
Korean skincare is known for gentle, hydration-first formulas and barrier repair, making it a strong match for rosacea-prone skin. Many K-beauty products feature soothing ingredients like green tea, Centella Asiatica (cica), and snail mucin to help calm irritation and support balance.
Layering lightweight hydration (toner → essence → serum → moisturiser) helps keep skin comfortable without heaviness. And Korean sunscreens, famous for elegant textures, make daily UV protection easier, which is essential because sun exposure is a common rosacea trigger.
Cleansers & face wash for rosacea
Healthy skin starts with gentle cleansing. Non-foaming cleansers help remove impurities without stripping, while micellar waters can cleanse and hydrate, both great options for sensitive, rosacea-prone skin.
Purito From Green Cleansing Oil
A soothing oil cleanser that helps remove sunscreen and makeup without that tight, stripped feeling—especially useful if you wear SPF daily.
- Best for: gentle first cleanse (makeup/SPF removal)
- Why we love it: comfort-focused cleansing without stinging
Rovectin Gentle Cleansing Gel
A gentle cleanser designed to cleanse without stripping—leaving skin feeling hydrated and comfortable.
- Best for: daily cleansing when skin is reactive
- Why we love it: barrier-friendly feel
COSRX Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water (Sensitive Skin)
A low pH micellar water infused with niacinamide to gently remove makeup and impurities while balancing and soothing sensitive skin.
- Best for: ultra-gentle cleansing (especially mornings)
- Why it works: supports comfort + balance
Innisfree My Makeup Cleanser Micellar Oil Water
A pH-neutral cleansing water that combines oil + micellar cleansing to remove waterproof makeup without irritating the eyes.
- Best for: gentle removal of waterproof makeup
- Why we love it: comfort around the eye area
- Purito From Green Cleansing Oil
- Innisfree My Makeup Cleanser Micellar Oil Water
- Rovectin Gentle Cleansing Gel — R239 (VAT incl.)
- COSRX Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water for Sensitive Skin
Calming rosacea serums
Serums can help target redness and support skin texture, especially when formulated with soothing, hydrating ingredients. Look for calming, barrier-supportive formulas (and introduce actives slowly).
Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum (Green Tea + Panthenol)
A gentle serum featuring green tea and panthenol—ideal for calming irritation and supporting a healthier-looking barrier.
- Best for: redness, sensitivity, barrier support
- Why we love it: soothing hydration without heaviness
TIRTIR SOS Serum
A soothing serum designed to calm reactive skin and provide quick comfort when redness and irritation flare up.
- Best for: sensitive skin needing fast relief
- Feels like: comforting hydration with a soothing finish
Anua Azelaic Acid 10% + Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum
A targeted serum combining azelaic acid and hyaluronic acid to help reduce visible redness and support hydration.
- Best for: redness + uneven tone support
- Pro tip: introduce slowly and avoid layering with irritating actives
- Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum Green Tea + Panthenol
- TIRTIR SOS Serum
- Azelaic Acid 10% + Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum
Anti-redness creams
The right cream can calm, protect, and strengthen sensitive skin. Look for barrier-supportive formulas that reduce redness and keep skin comfortable throughout the day.
Holika Holika Less On Skin Redness Calming CICA Balm
A lightweight balm enriched with Centella Asiatica (Cica) to calm redness, strengthen the barrier, and provide soothing hydration.
- Best for: flare-prone skin needing comfort
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Why we love it: soothing barrier care
Shop Redness Calming CICA Balm
Kaine Green Calm Aqua Cream
A refreshing cream formulated with calming agents to reduce irritation and redness while delivering lightweight hydration.
- Best for: sensitive skin that dislikes heavy textures
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Feels like: cooling, light hydration
Shop Green Calm Aqua Cream
Anua Heartleaf 70 Intense Calming Cream
Powered by 70% heartleaf extract to soothe inflamed skin, reduce redness, and deliver deeper moisture for a healthier-looking complexion.
- Best for: redness + dehydration support
- Why we love it: calming comfort with barrier-friendly moisture
- Anua Heartleaf 70 Intense Calming Cream
- Holika Holika Less On Skin Redness Calming CICA Balm
- Kaine Green Calm Aqua Cream
Sunscreens
Sun protection is essential for managing rosacea. UV exposure can worsen symptoms, so choose formulas that are comfortable, gentle, and easy to reapply consistently.
Dr Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF30
A colour-correcting SPF that helps neutralise the look of redness while providing sun protection, powered by Tiger Grass (Centella Asiatica).
- Best for: redness + tone-evening support
- Why we love it: doubles as coverage-adjacent comfort
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Pure Mineral Relief Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++
A lightweight mineral sunscreen offering strong UV protection with a gentle finish. Infused with black rice extract to hydrate and nourish for comfortable daily wear.
- Best for: sensitive skin needing mineral protection
- Why it works: gentle feel + high protection
- Dr Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF30
- Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Pure Mineral Relief Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++
Find your calm: your go-to rosacea treatment products await
Managing rosacea doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right products and ingredients, you can soothe irritation, reduce redness, and protect your barrier while boosting your confidence.
Remember: consistency and patience matter most with sensitive skin. And if you’re unsure about your subtype or triggers, consult a dermatologist for personalised guidance.
Shop Rosacea-Friendly SkincareKey takeaway
Rosacea thrives on irritation, so your routine should be calm, consistent, and barrier-first. Choose gentle cleansers, soothing serums, anti-redness moisturisers, and daily SPF. Reduce triggers where you can, avoid harsh actives when flaring, and lean into hydration for a complexion that feels more comfortable, balanced, and resilient.
