The Ordinary Rosacea Routine That Calms Redness
Living with rosacea means navigating a constant battle against facial redness, sensitivity, and inflammation. The good news? You don’t need to break the bank to build an effective routine. The Ordinary offers science-backed, affordable products that can help calm reactive skin without triggering flare-ups.
Understanding Rosacea and Product Selection
Rosacea-prone skin requires a gentle, minimalist approach. The key is avoiding common triggers like fragrance, alcohol, harsh acids, and abrasive ingredients while focusing on soothing, barrier-supporting formulas.
When building a routine with The Ordinary, we’re looking for products that:
- Strengthen the skin barrier
- Reduce inflammation
- Hydrate without clogging pores
- Contain minimal irritating ingredients
The Complete Morning Routine
Step 1: Gentle Cleansing Start with The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser. This non-foaming, oil-based cleanser removes impurities without stripping your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Its gentle formula won’t exacerbate redness or cause irritation.
Step 2: Soothing Treatment Apply The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%. Despite being an acid, azelaic acid is actually one of the best ingredients for rosacea. It reduces redness, calms inflammation, and helps with bumps associated with rosacea without irritating sensitive skin.
Step 3: Hydration Layer on The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA. This simple, effective moisturizer mimics your skin’s natural hydration components, providing essential moisture without unnecessary additives that could trigger sensitivity.
Step 4: Sun Protection Always finish with a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen (SPF 30+). While The Ordinary doesn’t currently offer sunscreen, this step is non-negotiable for rosacea management, as UV exposure is a major trigger.
The Evening Routine
Step 1: Cleanse Use the Squalane Cleanser again to remove the day’s buildup, sunscreen, and impurities.
Step 2: Barrier Support On alternating nights, use either:
- The Ordinary « B » Oil (100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil): Rich in essential fatty acids and anti-inflammatory compounds that support skin repair
- The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane: A lightweight oil that mimics skin’s natural sebum, providing intense hydration without heaviness
Step 3: Deep Moisture Apply Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA to lock in hydration.
Step 4: Targeted Treatment (Optional) A few nights per week, you can add The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% before your moisturizer. Niacinamide reduces inflammation and strengthens the skin barrier. However, start slowly—some rosacea sufferers find high concentrations irritating. If you experience increased redness, reduce frequency or skip this step.
Not all products are rosacea-friendly. Skip these potential triggers:
- Vitamin C powders and suspensions (too abrasive)
- AHA/BHA peeling solutions (too harsh)
- Retinoids (can increase sensitivity and redness)
- Caffeine Solution (may temporarily worsen redness)
- Products with essential oils
Additional Tips for Managing Rosacea
Temperature Matters: Apply products at room temperature. Avoid hot water during cleansing—use lukewarm water instead.
Pat, Don’t Rub: Apply all products with gentle patting motions. Rubbing and friction can trigger flushing.
Introduce Slowly: Add only one new product every two weeks to identify potential triggers.
Keep It Simple: More isn’t better with rosacea. A minimal routine often works best.
Track Your Triggers: Keep a journal of foods, products, and environmental factors that worsen your redness.
Expected Timeline
Skincare patience is crucial. You may notice:
- Week 1-2: Reduced dryness and improved hydration
- Week 4-6: Gradual decrease in baseline redness
- Week 8-12: Noticeably calmer skin with fewer flare-ups
Remember, rosacea is a chronic condition. This routine manages symptoms but isn’t a cure.
When to See a Dermatologist
While The Ordinary products can significantly help manage rosacea, severe cases may require prescription treatments like metronidazole, azelaic acid 15-20% (stronger than OTC), or oral medications. Consult a dermatologist if:
- Your rosacea significantly impacts your quality of life
- You develop eye symptoms
- Over-the-counter approaches aren’t providing relief
- You experience severe breakouts or thickening skin
Final Thoughts
Building an effective rosacea routine doesn’t require expensive products. The Ordinary’s straightforward, science-based formulations provide exactly what sensitive skin needs: gentle yet effective ingredients that support your skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
Start slowly, listen to your skin, and remember that consistency is key. Your calmer, less reactive complexion is worth the patience.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a dermatologist for personalized treatment recommendations.
