Bet you didn’t know that rosacea isn’t a skin condition just for white people—it can affect us Asians as well, so here are some great products to control angry, red skin

Confession time: I had no idea I had been living with rosacea up until I was in my late 20s. I simply thought I was a pale-faced girl who tended to flush easily. But yes, my doctor had confirmed it and even said that it likely runs in my family. (Thanks, mom and dad!)

For those unaware, rosacea is a long-term condition that basically causes skin to blush, get red, or easily gain rashes. It normally affects the face but can extend to other body parts like your ears, neck, or chest.

A common misconception is that it only affects Caucasians, but according to the US’ National Library of Medicine, it is often underdiagnosed in people of color, especially Asians. So yes, if you find yourself prone to rashes and flushing in the most inconvenient situations, you may have rosacea, and you can ask your dermatologist for an official diagnosis.

I have currently been on the hunt for more long-term treatments, especially for my stubborn red acne marks, but for now, here are some amazing skincare products that have been a huge help in calming down my angry, red face and managing my rosacea flare-ups.

Cleanse: Gentle Skin Cleanser by Cetaphil

My big issue with facial cleansers is that they can be too harsh on my sensitive skin, drying it out or leaving it with a couple of small rashes after use. When you have rosacea, your skin tends to be sensitive to fragrance, and a lot of cleansers and soaps out there are scented. Good ol’ Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser is not, and it’s gentle enough to keep your skin hydrated as well. The best part about it is that it’s affordable and accessible, found in most pharmacies and groceries nationwide. Sometimes, you gotta keep things simple to care for your skin—less is more! 

Tone: Skin Recovery Calming Toner by Paula’s Choice

This is the only product on this list I haven’t tried yet but have been hearing nothing but rave reviews about it within the local beauty and skincare community. Paula’s Choice’s Skin Recovery Calming Toner says it all in its name—this milky toner is formulated with a blend of antioxidants, skin-replenishing ingredients, and calming plant extracts that work together to reduce redness, hydrate, and comfort sensitive skin. Because it’s a moisturizing toner, it is extra perfect for people with dry skin. Being alcohol-free, this product helps decrease the likelihood of future flare-ups, leaving skin feeling refreshed and balanced. 

Hydrate: Snail Bee High Content Essence by Benton

Snail mucin extract may sound gross, but it’s actually been used in so many Korean skincare products thanks to its calming, brightening, moisturizing, and acne-fighting benefits. Benton’s Snail Bee High Content Essence has that and bee venom, which also does not sound like the most appealing thing, but it helps heal acne and prevents scarring. I first borrowed this from a friend I was traveling with in Korea, right when my face broke out in rashes due to the biting cold weather. I slapped this on, and lo and behold, my face was normal again after 30 minutes.

While essence isn’t a necessary step in your regular skincare routine, it’s nice to give your skin an extra bit of hydration and prep it further for the final products in your routine. In extra hot weather, I use this as my moisturizer since I find it hydrating enough to last me throughout the day. 

Moisturize: Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream by Dr. G

Out of all the products mentioned here—well, actually, out of all my skincare products in general, this is my holy grail moisturizer for life. I like switching up my creams every few years or so, but this has worked like a dream for me in not just calming my redness down but also keeping my skin soft and supple. Fun fact: It was actually crafted for men in the Korean military, whose skin would get red and irritated after spending hours under the sun. But it got so popular that Koreans outside the military would try and hoard it. So Dr. G made a commercial version to satiate this cream’s ultra rabid fanbase.

Made with 10 types of key cica ingredients that help calm and soothe irritated and itchy skin, Dr. G’s moisturizer is a godsend for those suffering from acne, rosacea, and sensitivity.

Mask: Mask of Magnaminty by Lush

Even if you’ve got rosacea or sensitive skin, it’s always a must to exfoliate and deep cleanse at least once a week to get rid of extra dirt and dead skin cells. Clay masks are perfect for this, and Lush’s Mask of Magnaminty is gentle enough to rid your skin of the nasty stuff. Lush is known for using natural ingredients, and the stars for this mask are honey (anti-inflammatory and oil control), kaolin (cleansing), and ground aduki beans (exfoliating). However, if your rosacea is worse than usual, use this mask sparingly since it has peppermint, which may trigger symptoms. You can also try the self-preserving formula, as it is gentler and friendlier to sensitive skin.