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The South African
13 hours ago
- Health
- The South African
5 ways to fix your dry skin this winter
If you're looking for ways to fix dry skin that winter often causes, you're not alone. Cold air, indoor heating, and harsh winds can make my skin feel tight, flaky, and uncomfortable too. However, with a few simple tips, I keep my skin soft and healthy all winter long. Here are five easy ways I fix dry skin every winter that really work for me: Sunscreen is not just for summer. Protecting my skin from UV rays in winter is important to prevent dryness and damage. Many sunscreens are thick and moisturising. They create a protective layer that locks in hydration and shields my skin from harsh weather. Tip: I look for sunscreens with hydrating ingredients like glycerine or squalane. For stubborn dry patches, I put a thin layer of Vaseline or a rich balm on top of my moisturiser before bed. This technique, called 'slugging,' helps to lock in moisture and keeps my skin from losing hydration overnight. It works especially well in areas that tend to flake, like under my eyes, on my nose, and on my chin. When my skin feels dry and tight, I use my night cream during the day. Night creams are thicker and more nourishing, which helps my skin regain moisture. Even the oily or combination areas on my face benefit from hydrating ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or niacinamide. Dry air in winter can make skin problems worse. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, helping my skin stay hydrated. Using one in my bedroom or workspace really helps how my skin feels. Hot water takes away my skin's natural oils, making it drier and flakier. I wash my face with lukewarm water and pat it dry gently. I also drink warm water all day to keep my skin hydrated from the inside. Dry winter skin can be annoying, but I use these five tips to keep my skin soft and comfortable all winter long. Please note. These are my personal suggestions for skin care based on my own experience. For any specific concerns, please consult a dermatologist or skin care professional. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Why You Need To Be Extra Careful If You're Sitting In A Window Seat On A Plane
Earlier this year, TikTok user FindingFiona uploaded a travel video that got serious attention, garnering more than 2 million views and 1,000 comments. In the post, she emphasized the importance of wearing sunscreen on flights, citing reports of people incurring more sun damage when they're at higher altitudes. 'Even though you're inside the aircraft, because of the high altitudes, you're actually experiencing stronger UV radiation, especially if you're in the window seat,' she says in the video. According to dermatologists, the TikToker's claim is partially correct — but it's also a little wrong. 'The good news is that the true risk from one flight, or somebody who flies occasionally, is probably low,' said Dr. Elizabeth Jones, an assistant professor of dermatology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. But Jones noted that for flight crew members and pilots, the risk is higher. 'People who are flying occupationally, they're going to be exposed much more to ultraviolet light given — especially, if they're in the cockpit — the size of the windshield,' and given all the time they spend at a higher altitude, she said. Jones pointed to a 2015 study that found pilots and cabin crew have roughly twice the incidence of melanoma, a less common but more serious form of skin cancer, when compared to the general population. So, there is a connection between flying and sun damage. Below, dermatologists explain what you should know about your sun damage risk when you're at cruising altitude. 'Airplane windows effectively block out most of the UVB rays,' Jones said, referring to the rays that can cause sunburn and skin cancer. So even if you're sitting in the window seat, you likely won't end up with sunburn after a flight. But that doesn't mean other damage can't occur. This is also true for non-airplane windows, said Dr. Jennifer Holman, a dermatologist with U.S. Dermatology Partners Tyler in Texas. 'Most typical windows in a house or a car are going to filter out ... like 97%, 98% of the UVB radiation, which is typically the wavelength that people think of that causes sunburns,' she said. While windows block these rays, they don't block all rays. According to Jones, airplane windows don't fully keep out UVA rays, which can 'cause premature aging, wrinkles and ultimately can contribute to skin cancer as well.' (Jones did note, however, that 'some of the older windows block out about 50% of UVA rays' and 'some of the newer models are more effective at even blocking out UVA.') Again, this goes beyond airplanes: Holman said most glass windows, including your car windows and the windows at your local coffee shop, also don't offer UVA protection. In general, 'most glass does not filter out UVA,' she noted. Wearing sunscreen on a plane can protect you from these harmful rays, which Holman said penetrate 'more deeply into the skin' and put you 'at risk for different types of skin cancer, including the most deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma.' The short answer: everyone. Sunscreen is important for folks to wear daily, whether or not you're taking a flight. 'As a dermatologist, of course, I'm encouraging all of my patients to wear their sunscreen as a daily habit every day, just for the exposures that we face and the free radicals that are out in the world from UV radiation,' Holman said. While it is important for everyone to wear sunscreen on a plane, Jones said certain people should take particular caution. 'Who should consider wearing sunscreen on a plane?' she said. 'Certainly, someone with a personal or family history of skin cancer may want to get that added protection by using a sunscreen.' Folks with fair skin who are more sensitive to the sun should consider that added protection, too. The same goes for people with medical conditions that make them susceptible to sun damage, and people who are on medication that increases sun sensitivity, Jones noted. Holman said that when shopping for sunscreen, you should find one that's labeled 'broad-spectrum,' meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. This is always necessary, including on a plane when you aren't protected from that UVA light. Beyond sunscreen, Holman stressed that other protections are also helpful. 'The importance of physical protection, too ― wearing hats, sun protective clothing, sunglasses ― all those things continue to be important as we're protecting ourselves from ultraviolet exposure,' she said. Can A Trip To The Beach Give You Better Skin? Derms Explain The Effects Of Saltwater. 8 Dermatologist-Backed Habits For Healthy Skin — No Fancy Products Needed Is There Really A Difference Between Cheap And Expensive Sunscreen?
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Everyday Sun Safety: A Doctor-Approved Guide for Year-Round Protection
When it comes to skin health , sun protection isn't just for beach days or tropical vacations. Dermatologists consistently stress that everyday sun exposure—whether during a morning walk, a drive to work, or sitting by a sunny window—contributes to long-term skin damage. The good news? Daily sun protection can be simple, effective, and seamlessly integrated into one's routine. Srinivasa, MBBS MD, Dermatologist, Seema's Skin Care and Laser Centre Sunscreen should be applied at least 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors to ensure it fully absorbs into the skin. Many people underestimate how much is needed; a generous amount is essential for proper coverage. It's important not to miss commonly overlooked areas such as the ears, back of the neck, hands, and feet. Reapplication every two hours is key, especially during prolonged outdoor exposure or after sweating. Dr. Tarunveer Singh, MBBD MD, Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Kumars S-Thetics, Jalandhar Sun safety doesn't stop at sunscreen. Clothing also plays a significant role in shielding skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-protective sunglasses offer passive yet powerful protection. Advances in fabric technology have also introduced UPF-rated clothing that can help guard against UV radiation without compromising comfort. Dr. Prateek Nagrani, MBBD MD, Consultant Dermatologist, Super Derm, New Delhi One of the most overlooked facts is that sunscreen should be worn indoors as well. UVA rays, which are responsible for premature aging and deep skin damage, can pass through windows and glass. This makes daily sunscreen application important even for those spending most of their time inside, particularly in well-lit environments or near windows. To build consistency, sun protection should be treated as a daily habit—just like brushing one's teeth. Keeping sunscreen within reach during a morning routine or choosing skincare and makeup products that include SPF can make all the difference over time. Dr. Sumit Sethi, MBBD MD, Consultant Dermatologist, Dermastation, New Delhi Ultimately, sun protection isn't about dramatic lifestyle changes. It's about making small, sustainable choices each day. With consistent care, it's possible to halt the damage caused by invisible, cumulative UV exposure—and preserve the skin's health and appearance for years to come. Dr. Priyanka Kalyankar, MBBS, MD, Kalyankari Clinic, Aurangabad The HALT THE DAMAGE, FACE THE WORLD campaign by LUPIN addresses the growing threat of sun damage among Indian population. With rising UV exposure and rising pollution levels, contributing to Skin Damage by causing issues such as Pigmentation, Breakouts, and Premature aging. The campaign urges early education on the importance of Daily Sun Protection, and Proactive Skincare to Halt the Skin Damage, by promoting awareness and encouraging consistent use of dermatologist-backed solutions, this initiative empowers individuals to take control of their skin health before the damage becomes permanent. It's a vital step toward building a sun-smart generation that faces the world with confidence and care. Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and ET Healthworld hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content.
Daily Record
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Record
'Amazon just dropped my go-to tinted SPF to its cheapest price on the high street'
With talks of another mini heatwave across parts of the UK and summer on the horizon, it's going to get a bit sunnier. That means an SPF is an absolute essential. Now, as a beauty writer, I know the importance of wearing sunscreen all year round, but we tend to think of it a lot more when the warmer season tends to roll around. One that I have recently adopted into my own skincare routine, much like the rest of TikTok, is the cult Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Brightening Fluid Sheer Glow with SPF50 - and it's just been dropped to its cheapest price on Amazon. Usually retailing at £12.99, the online retailer has cut it to just £6.85, while rivals Boots and Superdrug still have it at full price. Considering I called it my new go-to for "a summer glow", Amazon's deal is worth bagging ahead of summer. Said to be so popular that it "sold one every minute" on the TikTok shop, this brightening fluid has become loved for its lightweight texture that has been designed to be "super blendable" for all skin tones and types. Using both vitamin C and a high sun protection of SPF50, it doesn't just keep you protected from harmful UV rays, but it can also work to reduce pigmentation and the appearance of dark spots caused by overexposure to the sun. Aside from offering high sun protection and a non-greasy formula, I loved the tinted glow that was created due to the mineral pigments that made it "look like I caught the sun in all the right ways." For anyone unsure on the 'one shade suits all skin tones', an alternative is the Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF30 (50ml), which costs £15.30 at Boots and is available in a few different shades. Meanwhile, another option that offers a sheer tint is the Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Everyday Tinted Face Fluid (50ml) that is currently available to buy for £7.99 on Lookfantastic. However, it's not just me that has been singing the praises of the Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Fluid, as it has amassed a 4.4 rating and over 4,000 reviews on Amazon alone, as shoppers say that it is "the best thing ever" and gives a "subtle, dewy look." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. A positive review read: "Bought for a holiday and it's the best thing ever! Goes on very smoothly and leaves an incredible glow. It has a very fine tint and I felt confident enough to go out and about with no makeup on plus it protected my face with it's factor 50!! I got another tube cos I think this stuff is it for me now!!" A second happy shopper added: "This should become a part of everyone's daily routine. Lightweight, but really does give you a slight glow. I apply after my vit c daily face cream, love the fact it has spf in it." Beauty deal of the week Perfume fans will be keen to hear about a deal we have just spotted at Boots. Those looking for something "timeless" and "distinctive" might already have Givenchy's Amarige Eau de Toilette on their radar. A favourite since the early 90s, it's got a bit of a cult reputation. Even better, Boots has just dropped the cost of a large 100ml from £109 to just £54.50, allowing shoppers to save an impressive 50 percent off a beloved perfume. Its scent makes up a "beautiful bouquet of white flowers", with top notes of tangerine, violet and rosewood being mixed with heart notes of gardenia, mimosa, red fruits and ylang-ylang. The scent then finishes on "vibrant yet muted" base notes of ambergris, precious woods, musks and vanilla. The bottle, which was designed by perfume legend Pierre Dinand, takes inspiration from the ruffles sleeves of a Bettina Blouse designed by Givenchy. One shopper who is a devoted fan wrote: "One five-star review read: "I bought this on offer at Boots, it was around £30 cheaper than anywhere else! It has an amazing timeless distinctive scent must be tried!" A second loyal fan said: "The best perfume of all times! So classy! I'm glad it is back for it has been my signature perfume for more than a decade. Intense. Long lasting. Amazing. Complements galore!" Shop Boots' half-price deal on the Givenchy Amarige Eau de Toilette (50ml) here. While another devoted fan wrote: "I treated myself to this for holiday and OMG you need to try it — It feels like a moisturiser, dries instantly so was able to put makeup on pretty quick, it lasted all day in the sun no problem AND the glow made it look like I had foundation on. I've decided to make it part of my daily makeup kit." Anyone with a combination skin type may find it not suitable, as one such shopper said: "Unfortunately, it is not suitable for my skin type. I have a combination type and made more oily. It is a shame." Another happy shopper said: "This is really good if you love a subtle dewy look. Makes your skin look less dull. I will be buying more once I have ran out." here.
NBC News
2 days ago
- Health
- NBC News
I tried 20+ foundations over two months — these are the best ones for my rosacea-prone skin
I first discovered I had rosacea almost a decade ago, and since then, finding a foundation to cover up my redness and bumps has been tricky. Every option flaked off on my flushed skin, and the redness would creep through no matter how much product I caked on. My skin is also acne-prone and dry, which makes trying out new foundations feel impossible. After years with no luck, I made it a personal goal to find a foundation that not only covered up my redness, but also created an even, smooth base. Over the last few months, I've tried more than a dozen foundations and skin tints, plus I spoke with board-certified dermatologists about what to look for in a rosacea-friendly foundation and how to apply it. Below, I highlight my findings and the best foundations I tested. How I picked the best foundations for rosacea-prone skin When shopping for a foundation, the dermatologists I spoke to recommend keeping the following in mind: Soothing ingredients: Look for foundations with niacinamide and aloe vera, which help soothe redness and irritation, says board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Nathan Newman. Also, consider foundations with mineral SPF ingredients, like zinc oxide, to protect your sensitive skin from harmful UV rays, says Newman. (Chemical sunscreen filters like avobenzone or octinoxate are fine, but keep in mind they're more likely to irritate sensitive, rosacea-prone skin, experts say). Avoid common irritants like fragrance and alcohol. Noncomedogenic formulas: This means the foundation is less likely to clog pores and cause breakouts. The label also means it's less likely to cause unwanted irritation, says Dr. Mona Gohara, a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut. Coverage: Stick with lightweight, breathable foundations, like mineral powders or serum-like consistencies with a short ingredient list, says Gohara. 'Heavy, occlusive liquid foundations can trap heat and bacteria, which may worsen flushing or breakouts,' she says. How I tested foundations for rosacea-prone skin I tested foundations on my dry, rosacea-prone skin for two months. Here's what I kept in mind: Coverage: My main consideration when testing foundations was whether it adequately covered up my redness and texture. For context, I typically go for lighter coverage during the day (usually a skin tint with SPF or a single layer of a breathable foundation), and a medium to full coverage foundation at night to cover any redness, spots or texture. I weighed the degree of coverage against the look and feel of the foundation. For example, did the foundation cover up my red spots yet looked cakey or clung to dry patches? Did some redness peak through, but was ultimately toned down? Consistency: The dermatologists I spoke with recommend foundations with a lighter, serum-like consistency. With that in mind, I considered the weight, texture and consistency of a foundation (and whether that affected coverage). All of the following foundations are lightweight and breathable, and most have a serum-like or liquid texture based on my experts' guidance. Comfort and overall feel: I considered how the formula felt on my skin and whether it was lightweight, hydrating and suitable for all-day wear. The feel of a foundation is typically called its 'finish,' which includes matte (shine-free and best for oily or combination skin types), dewy (provides a more hydrated look and best for dry skin) and natural (neither shiny or matte, and gives a more 'skin-like' look). Longevity: Ideally, a good foundation should last for eight to 12 hours before it starts flaking off or looking cakey, experts say. I looked at how long the foundation lasted on my skin, and whether it looked as good upon initial application for several hours. I tested all of these foundations both day and night (in the morning before work and at night before going out) to see how well they lasted during different times of day. Packaging: I kept in mind whether the foundation was easy to get out of the packaging, if it was comfortable to store and whether it affected how I applied it. Best foundations for rosacea I rounded up the best foundations for rosacea-prone skin, all of which were tested and reviewed by me and other rosacea-prone NBC Select editors. Best overall Of the 20+ foundations I tested, this Lancome option was the best, in my experience. It's full coverage, which means it covers up any hint of redness, but it doesn't feel cakey or heavy on my skin. Though it has a matte finish, which I usually avoid as someone with dry skin, it doesn't cause any dryness on usually flaky spots like my cheeks and sides of my nose. With the right skin prep (which, for me, usually involves a sensitive skin-friendly moisturizer and hydrating primer), the foundation creates a near-flawless base. I wore this outside in 93 degree Florida weather for around eight hours, and my skin still looked smooth and even despite hours of sweating. This one helped me avoid all of the caveats of full coverage foundations, including dry patches and red splotches that peek through. It also has all the dermatologist-recommended features: it's free of fragrance and oil and it's noncomedogenic. When it comes to budget-friendly and effective foundations, this one from L'Oreal Paris fits the bill. It's one of the most shade-diverse drugstore options, and it's extremely buildable — when I apply the first layer, the foundation already evens out most of my redness, and I can apply one to two more layers for fuller coverage while maintaining a natural, matte finish. I also like how easily the lightweight liquid blends into my skin, whether I'm using a makeup sponge or a brush. And despite it drying down matte, I didn't notice major patchiness or it clinging to my dry spots, which is an issue I have with most matte foundations. This foundation is a favorite of NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin, who wore it during an on-air appearance. 'I only needed one layer to even out my skin tone and mattify my face, which is very important when I'm doing broadcast segments. The lights can easily make me look shiny, but when I wear this foundation on air, my skin looks smooth and matte,' says Malin. 'I barely feel it on my face, which, as someone who doesn't love wearing makeup, is a huge plus.' I wore this foundation for over 10 hours, and it stayed intact the entire time. I did see a few flaky spots around my nose and cheeks on that 10-hour mark, likely due to heat and sweat, but the majority of the base was surprisingly even. I've been using this foundation to cover up my redness for well over a year, and it's one of my favorites for a night out when I need something long wearing. It has a very natural finish, so I don't feel like I have a mask on when I wear it (which is a huge problem for me regarding foundations in general). After a few hours, there was some slight separation around my cheeks, nose and chin, but my skin still looked even and smooth by the end of the night. It did take a few tries to get my correct shade (and it's still slightly too yellow since I'm between rosy and neutral undertones), but with over 50 shades to try, there's likely one for most people. The only downside is the packaging; in my experience, the watery product leaked around the pump a few times. A full coverage foundation has its place, but I typically reach for a lighter coverage foundation for everyday. The tagline for this Jones Road foundation is 'Your Skin On Its Best Day,' and that couldn't be more true — it's the perfect balance between a good amount of coverage for redness and a lightweight feel, in my experience. The lightweight, creamy, balm-like texture feels amazing and it blends easily into my skin after rubbing it in for a few seconds. Though the coverage is very light, it's quite buildable, and I only need one or two applications to cover up redness and spots. It's also light enough to blend in with my fingers (which comes in handy when I'm in a hurry), but I can also use a sponge or brush for more precise areas of my face. Plus it's super hydrating, so it feels like I'm putting on a tinted moisturizer rather than a foundation, which my dry skin loves. The foundation smells amazing, but I found the floral scent pretty strong, so stay away if you're really sensitive to fragrance. It also has a very minimal shade range — some NBC Select staffers who have very fair skin and have tried this foundation say the lightest shade was too dark. I first used this foundation when I was a freshman in high school — it was two shades too dark and looked like a cakey mask rather than an actual skin-enhancing foundation. I gave it another try during this testing period since it's highly rated and comes recommended by Gohara, and I feel like I missed out on a gem for decades. The foundation is a very thick cream, but it creates one of the smoothest bases I've managed to get with makeup. The coverage is amazing, in my experience, and it's extremely buildable, so it comes in handy even on days when my rosacea is at its worst. It has a very natural and dewy finish without looking oily, which is great during the day when I don't want a matte finish. Plus, it has SPF 50 protection, the highest on this list. Tower 28's tinted SPF is beloved by many NBC Select staffers and it's one I reach for almost every day. It helps tame and cover up my redness without feeling heavy or cakey, and it provides SPF 30 protection, so I don't have to worry about my rosacea getting worse due to sun exposure (heat and sun are my biggest triggers). The best part is it's made specifically with sensitive skin in mind and has both the National Eczema Association and the National Rosacea Society's seals of acceptance. 'This is the first tinted sunscreen I really fell in love with, and it's still one I keep at home for everyday use,' says Malin. 'It instantly tones down redness, which I'm prone to since I'm on prescription acne medication, and it blurs acne and dark spots, too.' This foundation comes recommended by Gohara because it has buildable coverage and is free of common rosacea triggers, like fragrance and mineral oil. It also has titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which are gentle and anti-inflammatory SPF ingredients. (However, keep in mind it only has an SPF 15 rating, so apply another sunscreen beforehand since dermatologists generally recommend using SPF 30 or higher.) Upon initial application, the foundation is fairly sheer, but I could easily layer it to medium coverage without it getting cakey on my dry skin. It's a very versatile foundation since you can choose whether you want a very light, everyday look or a more full coverage result, plus you can wear it on top of your everyday foundation or skin tint for some extra coverage. I'm not usually a fan of powder formulas since they get messy and I prefer to apply my foundation with a makeup sponge rather than a brush, but this one was much easier to use than others I've tried in the past. Since a little goes a long way, I didn't have to worry about it not blending properly on my skin — it was quick to blend, felt light on my skin and adequately covered up all my redness after a few applications. There are few things I would splurge on in the makeup world (most drugstore options are equally as good, if not better), and foundation is one of them. Maybe it's because my skin is reactive and complicated, but I find good quality foundations with a higher price tag worth the splurge for my skin type and preferences. This one from Armani Beauty, which comes in at a whopping $69 a piece, is simply one of the very best I've tried. The texture and consistency of this oil-free foundation is very light, and that's exactly how it feels on my skin — whenever I wear this, it feels like I'm barely wearing anything at all, which is usually the vibe I get from a skin tint rather than a medium coverage foundation. Though it's not a full coverage product, it still covers up my red splotches entirely. Plus, it's buildable, so I can choose when I want a lighter coverage day (usually when my rosacea flare-ups are at their tamest) or a more flawless makeup look. I'm a big fan of the packaging, too: It's beautiful, so it looks lovely on my bathroom counter, and the pump prevents a mess. This skin tint, which has very sheer coverage for everyday wear, is a favorite of NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez, who has mild rosacea and wears this to achieve a 'no-makeup makeup' look. 'This tint is great for my sensitive rosacea-prone skin because it is so lightweight and hydrating,' she says. 'Although it only offers light coverage, I find it gives my skin a more even, natural finish.' It also has hyaluronic acid, squalane and glycerin to hydrate your skin, and tiger grass to soothe redness. Should you wear foundation if you have rosacea? Yes, it's generally okay to wear foundation if you have rosacea, as long as you're using the right formula. (I go more in depth about what to look for in a rosacea-friendly foundation below.) 'Foundation can actually help calm the emotional toll of visible redness, but it shouldn't come at the cost of more flare-ups,' says Gohara. 'The key is to treat your foundation like skin care — gentle, non-irritating and supportive of your [skin] barrier.' What to look for in a foundation for rosacea Finding the right foundation for rosacea-prone skin may require you to research and study the ingredients list more than you normally would. Remember, skin health comes first: If your skin is flaring up, it's better to skip foundation for a day or two and focus on healing with a calming skin care routine, says Newman. When shopping for a foundation, the dermatologists and skin experts I spoke to recommend keeping in mind foundation type, soothing ingredients and more. Foundation type and coverage Generally, you'll want to look for a lightweight foundation and avoid heavy, occlusive liquids that can trap heat and bacteria (which makes redness worse). Look for a mineral foundation (either powder or liquid), which has zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to provide sun protection and naturally calm inflammation, says Newman. If full coverage isn't as important as simply evening out your skin tone and making redness less noticeable, consider a tinted moisturizer or BB cream with soothing ingredients like niacinamide. 'These are less likely to irritate sensitive skin and have a more natural, skin-friendly finish,' says Newman. Ingredients and labels Look for the foundations labeled noncomedogenic, fragrance-free and, if possible, hypoallergenic (meaning it's formulated specifically for sensitive skin), says Gohara. Bonus points if it has soothing ingredients like niacinamide or mineral-based SPF, including zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. 'You want coverage that comforts, not a cover-up that clogs,' says Gohara. Avoid pore-clogging ingredients, including silicones, waxes and oils like coconut oil, isopropyl myristate or lanolin, because getting acne on top of rosacea can lead to extreme inflammation and scarring, says clinical esthetician and acne specialist Danielle Gronich. SPF protection Look for foundations with SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin from sun exposure, which is a common rosacea trigger, says Newman. Ideally, consider a foundation with mineral-based active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide because they're less likely to cause irritation on sensitive skin, experts say. If your foundation doesn't have SPF, always apply one beforehand if you're in the sun. 'Sunscreens with a high concentration of zinc [oxide] are ideal because it's a calming ingredient, and those dealing with rosacea are suffering from inflammation,' says Gronich. Chemical sunscreen ingredients, like avobenzone and octinoxate, can often cause more irritation, which is why I always recommend a mineral-based (preferably zinc) sunscreen.' Can foundation make rosacea worse? Yes, some foundations can worsen rosacea. 'Using the wrong formula can be like throwing gasoline on a campfire,' says Gohara. Avoid common irritants like fragrance and drying alcohols like SD alcohol or denatured alcohol, which can aggravate the skin and intensify redness. Also, don't reach for anything with a long list of silicones, waxes or pore-clogging oils like isopropyl myristate or lanolin, and avoid essential oils such as peppermint, citrus or tea tree — all common triggers for burning and redness, says Gohara. What's the best way to prep rosacea-prone skin for foundation? Here's a step-by-step guide to prepping your skin before foundation, according to the experts I spoke to. Cleanse your skin with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser. Avoid foaming cleansers because harsh foaming agents will usually remove most of the oil on your face, which can lead to even more dryness, flaking and irritation, experts say. Opt for a gel or cream cleanser instead. Follow your cleanser with a hydrating water mist, which helps calm your skin and cool inflammation, says Gohara. Apply a soothing serum to help reduce breakouts and redness, and hydrate your skin, says Newman. Moisturize with a lightweight moisturizer to help lock in moisture and give foundation a smooth, even canvas to work with, says Gohara. Apply a mineral-based sunscreen with SPF 30+ to protect your skin from sun-induced flare-ups, says Newman. Apply a hydrating and/or green-tinted primer to help neutralize red and pink hues. 'Think color correction without the cakiness,' says Gohara. However, primer is optional — if you already have a solid, hydrating skin care routine, it might be best to skip adding a new product to the mix. How to apply foundation on rosacea-prone skin Below, Newman shares their tips and recommendations for applying foundation on rosacea-prone skin: Keep your skin well hydrated using a gentle moisturizer, especially since rosacea-prone skin is usually dry and sensitive. Keep your makeup routine simple and avoid layering too many products to prevent irritation. Apply a green-tinted primer before you apply your foundation to help neutralize redness and create a smoother canvas, says Newman. Use a clean makeup brush or sponge to apply makeup, and be gentle when applying products to avoid further irritation. 'A soft brush or damp sponge is better than fingers to minimize friction,' says Newman. Dab, don't rub. Gently press or stipple the foundation onto the skin rather than rubbing it in. Build coverage slowly. Apply thin layers and build up coverage only where you need it to avoid cakeyness. Use a gentle cleanser to remove makeup that doesn't involve rubbing or irritating your skin, says Newman. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Dr. Mona Gohara is a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut. Dr. Nathan Newman is a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon. He is the founder and medical director of Orchid Surgery Center in Beverly Hills, California. Danielle Gronich Why trust NBC Select? I'm an updates editor at NBC Select who has covered beauty and personal care for over five years. For this article, I spoke to two board-certified dermatologists and a clinical esthetician about what to look for in foundations for rosacea-prone skin. I also tested over 20 foundations on my own rosacea-prone skin for two months to find the best ones to recommend.
