Redness can be caused by various factors, such as irritation, rosacea, or even just environmental stress. Whatever the cause, dealing with persistent redness can be frustrating. Luckily, you can reduce inflammation and soothe your skin with a few simple steps. Here’s how to calm redness and restore your skin’s natural balance in three easy steps.

1. Use a Gentle, Hydrating Oil Cleanser

Why It Works: Redness is often a sign of an irritated or compromised skin barrier, so using harsh cleansers can make the problem worse. A gentle, Oil cleanser will clean your skin without stripping away essential oils or causing further irritation.

• What to Look For: Opt for a sulfate-free cleanser that is formulated for sensitive skin. Ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, and aloe vera help calm and hydrate.
• How to Use It: Cleanse your skin twice a day—morning and night. Avoid hot water, which can exacerbate redness, and instead, use lukewarm water.

2. Soothe and Strengthen with Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients

Why It Works: Redness is often linked to inflammation, so using products with anti-inflammatory and soothing properties can help calm your skin. Ingredients that reduce redness while strengthening the skin’s barrier will not only offer immediate relief but also help prevent future irritation.

• What to Look For: Ingredients like niacinamide, azelaic acid, centella asiatica (cica), and green tea extract are known for reducing redness and soothing irritation. Niacinamide, in particular, helps strengthen the skin’s barrier and improves overall skin tone.
• How to Use It: Apply a serum or treatment with these ingredients after cleansing. If you have persistent redness, products with Niacinamide are especially beneficial for sensitive skin prone to rosacea or irritation.

3. Lock in Moisture with a Barrier-Repairing Moisturiser

Why It Works: A weakened skin barrier can lead to increased sensitivity and redness. A rich, barrier-repairing moisturiser will help lock in moisture and provide a protective layer, reducing irritation and calming inflamed skin.

• What to Look For: Choose a fragrance-free moisturizer with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or squalane. These ingredients help repair and restore your skin’s protective barrier, reducing sensitivity and redness.
• How to Use It: Apply your moisturiser morning and night to keep your skin hydrated and protected. For extra soothing, look for formulas that contain ingredients like oat extract or allantoin.

Bonus Step: Don’t Forget SPF

UV exposure can exacerbate redness, especially in those with sensitive skin. Always finish your morning routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Look for mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are gentle on sensitive, redness-prone skin.


By focusing on soothing and strengthening your skin barrier with these three simple steps—using a gentle cleanser, incorporating anti-inflammatory ingredients, and moisturising with barrier-repairing products—you can effectively reduce redness and calm your skin. Stick to these steps consistently, and you’ll notice your skin becoming more balanced and less reactive over time.