Rosacea can feel like an uphill battle. The persistent redness, sensitivity, and flare-ups often make it challenging to maintain clear, calm skin.

While many turn to conventional treatments, some surprising and lesser-known remedies can also provide relief. 

Here are some unexpected yet effective ways to reduce rosacea redness—some might surprise you.

1. Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid (AA) is a naturally occurring acid found in grains like barley, wheat, and rye. It is commonly used for treating acne, hyperpigmentation, and rosacea.

How it works on rosacea: AA reduces inflammation and swelling, calms redness, and prevents the formation of pustules and papules often associated with rosacea. It also helps reverse UV-induced inflammation, making it particularly useful for individuals whose rosacea is triggered by sunlight.

Benefits: Azelaic acid offers multiple advantages, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Since it also acts as an antioxidant, it protects the skin from environmental aggressors that can worsen rosacea.

You might be interested: Is Your Skincare Routine Worsening Your Rosacea?

Other Benefits of Azelaic Acid:

  • Targets acne-causing bacteria and prevents clogged pores.
  • Regulates sebum and promotes cell turnover, minimising breakouts.
  • Reduces pigmentation and dark spots by inhibiting melanin production.
  • Aids with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
  • Encourages cell turnover for smoother skin texture.
  • Helps with combination issues such as acne + melasma or acne + seborrheic dermatitis
  • Unlike harsher actives, it’s gentle on sensitive skin.

Results: Studies have shown that azelaic acid effectively reverses UV-induced inflammatory reactions in the skin. Consistent evidence also proves Azelaic acid’s efficacy in reducing skin redness and pimple-like lesions in rosacea cases. 

With consistent use, patients typically notice visible improvements within 6-12 weeks. However, those with more severe symptoms may require longer treatment duration to achieve optimal results.

Application: Azelaic acid is typically applied once or twice daily after cleansing. Use it with a gentle moisturiser and sunscreen to minimise skin irritation. Those new to azelaic acid should start with alternate-day or once-daily applications and gradually increase usage to avoid excessive dryness and sensitivity.

Suitable for: Azelaic acid is well-tolerated by most skin types, though some individuals may experience mild irritation initially. It is a good option for those seeking an inexpensive topical treatment with minimal side effects.

Cost: Skinoren 20% Azelaic Acid Cream costs $48 (incl. GST) at our clinic.

2. Short, Lukewarm Showers Instead of Long, Hot Showers

Long showers can worsen rosacea by increasing blood flow, drying out the skin, and triggering irritation. Opt for quick 10-minute lukewarm showers to help protect your skin barrier, reduce facial flushing, and prevent excessive dryness. A simple switch can keep redness, inflammation, and sensitivity at bay, keeping rosacea-prone skin calm and balanced.

Results: Many patients report noticeable reductions in redness and discomfort by making this simple adjustment. While it might take some getting used to, avoiding hot showers is a quick and easy way to avoid triggering rosacea.

Application: Try to limit lukewarm showers to 10 minutes or less. For those trying lukewarm showers for the first time, gradually lower the heat of your shower for more comfort. Additionally, patting your skin dry rather than rubbing it with a towel can further prevent irritation.

3. Tretinoin (Use with Caution)

Tretinoin is a potent retinoid that treats acne and signs of ageing but is not typically recommended for rosacea due to its high risk of irritation. However, a study suggests that low-dose tretinoin (0.025%) may help in severe cases by improving skin texture and reducing inflammation.

If you have rosacea and are considering tretinoin, consult a doctor to assess whether it’s suitable for your skin.

Results: Results may take several months to become visible, and an initial worsening of redness and peeling could occur.

Suitable for: Those with severe rosacea, such as phymatous rosacea (thickened skin) or papulopustular rosacea (with acne-like breakouts), who have not responded to other treatments.

Cost: Prescription Retacnyl (tretinoin) costs $32.70 (incl. GST) per tube at our clinic.

4. Zinc-Based (Mineral) Sunscreen

A mineral or physical sunscreen contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, reflecting UV rays instead of absorbing them into the skin.

How it works on rosacea: Mineral sunscreens sit on the skin’s surface, reflecting UV rays to prevent heat buildup that can trigger rosacea.

Benefits: Mineral sunscreens provide broad-spectrum UV protection, prevent heat-induced rosacea flares, and help soothe inflamed skin. Many mineral sunscreen formulations also contain calming ingredients like Niacinamide and green tea extract, which can help reduce rosacea-related symptoms and are generally better for sensitive skin.

Results: Daily mineral sunscreen can help prevent rosacea symptoms caused by UV exposure. You can expect fewer flare-ups and reduced redness over time. Plus, zinc-based sunscreen helps maintain an even skin tone by preventing UV-induced pigmentation.

Application: Mineral sunscreen should be applied generously every morning, at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapplication every two hours is recommended, especially if you’re outdoors.

Cost: Depends on the brand. Our Liteguard SPF50+ PA+++ Antioxidant Sunscreen ($79) is a gentle, mineral-based sunscreen ideal for sensitive, rosacea-prone skin. It protects against UV triggers while brightening the visage. It does not contain parabens, alcohol, fragrances or preservatives.

5. Niacinamide

As a form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier and reduces irritation, Niacinamide can be a great addition to a daily skincare routine for those with rosacea.

How it works on rosacea: Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties that help calm redness, improve skin hydration, and reduce sensitivity. It enhances the skin’s natural barrier, making it more resilient against environmental triggers that worsen rosacea.

Benefits: Niacinamide helps strengthen the skin’s barrier, making it more resilient and reducing the frequency of rosacea flares. Meanwhile, its anti-inflammatory properties minimise irritation and sensitivity, making the skin less reactive to environmental triggers.

Niacinamide also regulates sebum production, which can help prevent acne-like breakouts, making it a well-rounded ingredient for stabilising sensitive skin.

Application: Apply a few niacinamide serum drops after cleansing and moisturising. Use twice daily for best results.

While a 2-4% concentration of Niacinamide used daily can significantly improve rosacea symptoms, higher concentrations may cause irritation.

6. Liquorice Extract

As a plant-derived ingredient known for its skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, liquorice extract is a great supporting ingredient that increases the efficacy of other rosacea treatments for rosacea.

How it works on rosacea: Licorice extract reduces redness, calms irritation, and supports the efficacy of other rosacea treatments. It also helps suppress overactive immune responses that trigger inflammation.

Benefits:

  • Soothes inflamed skin and reduces overall redness.
  • Decreases sensitivity and irritation from other active ingredients.
  • Acts as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from external aggressors.

Application: Look for liquorice extract in serums, creams, or moisturisers. Apply twice daily.

7. Indian Chrysanthemum Extract

Treatment with C. indicum extract cream can lead to significant improvements in rosacea. Indian Chrysanthemum is a natural plant extract known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

How it works on rosacea: Indian chrysanthemum extract has been clinically shown to reduce erythema (redness) and overall rosacea severity.

Benefits:

  • Helps to reduce visible redness significantly.
  • Calms inflamed skin for better comfort and appearance.
  • Antioxidants protect the skin from environmental stressors.

Application: Use a chrysanthemum-infused cream as part of your daily skincare routine.

8. Green Tea Extract

Derived from Camellia sinensis, a plant renowned for its potent skin-soothing properties, green tea extract is a natural antioxidant that helps calm inflammation, reduce redness, and alleviate rosacea symptoms.

How it works on rosacea: Green tea extract absorbs UV rays, reduces redness, and prevents the formation of abnormal blood vessels, which is a common issue in rosacea-prone skin.

Benefits:

  • Anti-inflammatory properties soothe skin irritation.
  • Reduces flushing and redness by controlling blood vessel dilation.
  • Offers photoprotection, helping the skin combat sun-induced inflammation.

Application: Apply a green tea-infused serum, cream, or sunscreen consistently.

A Rosy Future: Protecting Your Skin the Right Way

Rosacea can be challenging, but the right treatments, be it topical ingredients, lifestyle changes, or plant-based solutions, can help calm inflammation, strengthen the skin barrier, and reduce redness over time.

If you’ve tried these skincare solutions and your skin is still not responding the way you want to, contact us for personalised advice. Treatments like RF Gold Microneedling and Rosacea Laser can help – these treatments directly target inflammation that cause rosacea, reducing overall skin redness. They also stimulate your body’s natural collagen production for newer, healthier skin.