SKN.COACH
Calm Skin Guide

Understanding Rosacea & Redness

Redness is not one problem. For some people it's flushing. For others it's bumps that look like acne. For others it's a damaged barrier that feels like rosacea. This guide helps you self-sort fast, then follow the right plan.

Start a skin scan See what we analyze
Gentle-first approach Track redness weekly Evidence-based

Find your path

Answer a few quick questions to get personalized recommendations.

Question 1 of 3

What's your main concern right now?

Question 2 of 3

How reactive is your skin currently?

Question 3 of 3

Have you used actives for rosacea before?

Start with the baseline routine

You need a stable, non-irritating foundation before adding any actives. This guide gives you the exact AM/PM routine to follow.

Get the Rosacea Routine Guide →

Ready for azelaic acid

With a stable baseline, azelaic acid can help reduce both redness and bumps. This guide shows you exactly how to introduce it without flaring.

Start Azelaic Acid Safely →

Barrier reset first

Your skin barrier needs to heal before any actives. Follow this 2-week reset protocol, then come back for next steps.

Start the Barrier Reset →

Time to level up

If metronidazole didn't work (or you've plateaued), there are other options: azelaic, ivermectin, lasers, and more. This guide walks through what to try next.

See What to Try Next →

Let's find your triggers

Heat, food, stress, skincare—everyone's triggers are different. This guide helps you identify yours and build strategies to avoid or manage them.

Find Your Triggers →

All guides & resources

Browse by topic, or use the quiz above to find your starting point.

Getting Started

Rosacea Routine for Sensitive Skin Complete AM/PM guide + what to stop first Barrier Reset: If Everything Stings 2-week recovery before actives Flushing Triggers: What Sets You Off Identify & avoid your personal triggers Best Sunscreens for Rosacea Mineral vs chemical + what to avoid Is Niacinamide OK for Rosacea? The right concentration + when to use it

Active Treatments

Azelaic Acid for Rosacea How to start without burning Metronidazole Not Working? What to try next Azelaic Acid vs Metronidazole Which one for your rosacea subtype?

Track Your Progress

AI Skin Scan Track redness week to week Skin Analysis Understand what we measure

Soothing ingredients to look for

When your skin is reactive, reach for ingredients that repair and soothe.

Soothing skincare ingredients: aloe vera, chamomile, cucumber, centella asiatica, green tea, oats

Calm, don't inflame

These are the gold-standard calmers—reach for them instead of aggressive actives while your skin is reactive:

  • Centella asiatica (cica)
  • Aloe vera
  • Chamomile
  • Green tea
  • Oat extract
  • Cucumber
  • Niacinamide (low %)
  • Ceramides

Starter routine

Keep it boring until your skin stops reacting.

Simple skincare routine: gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen
AM (3 steps)
  1. Rinse or gentle cleanse Lukewarm water only
  2. Moisturizer Fragrance-free, simple formula
  3. Sunscreen SPF 30+ Mineral formulas often tolerated better
PM (2–3 steps)
  1. Gentle cleanse No scrubs, no acids
  2. Moisturizer Same as AM
  3. Optional: Azelaic acid Only if stable, start 2–3 nights/week

What not to do

Common mistakes that make rosacea worse.

Don't "power through" burning—stinging is a stop sign.

Don't stack actives (AHA/BHA + retinoid + vitamin C) while inflamed.

Don't use hot water, steam, or aggressive face massages during flares.

Don't chase instant redness fixes that rebound (if something works in hours but worsens later, be cautious).

When to see a derm

Some things need professional evaluation.

See a dermatologist if you have:
  • Eye symptoms (dryness, grittiness, redness) or eyelid inflammation
  • New/worsening redness that doesn't improve after 6–8 weeks of gentle care
  • Painful burning, swelling, or rapidly spreading bumps
  • You suspect perioral dermatitis, seb derm, or allergic contact dermatitis (overlap is common)

Common questions

Honest answers, in plain language.

How do I know if I have rosacea or just sensitive skin?
Rosacea typically involves persistent redness in the center of the face, visible blood vessels, and often acne-like bumps. Sensitive skin may react to products but doesn't usually have persistent central facial redness. If you're unsure, consult a dermatologist.
Can rosacea be cured?
Rosacea is a chronic condition that can be managed but not cured. With the right skincare routine, trigger avoidance, and sometimes prescription treatments, most people can significantly reduce flares and maintain calmer skin.
What ingredients should I avoid with rosacea?
Common irritants include alcohol (in skincare), fragrance, menthol, witch hazel, essential oils, and strong exfoliating acids like glycolic acid. Start with fragrance-free, minimal-ingredient products.
Is azelaic acid good for rosacea?
Yes, azelaic acid is one of the most recommended ingredients for rosacea. It helps reduce redness and bumps while being gentle on sensitive skin. Start with lower concentrations (10%) and use 2-3 nights per week initially.

Get clarity fast

Do a quick skin scan, get an analysis, then follow a minimal routine that won't trigger flares.

Start a skin scan Learn about the analysis