How to Get Rid of Rosy Cheeks

Last Updated: January 15, 2023 References

If you have a condition called rosacea or just have very rosy cheeks, you know it can be embarrassing at times. Fortunately, you can take some steps to correct the issue with makeup. In addition, if you have rosacea or another medical condition, you can find ways to address the issue medically, as well.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Getting Rid of Rosy Cheeks Caused by Rosacea

1
Wash your face twice a day. This step helps remove any irritants from your face, including your makeup, dirt and grime, bacteria, and microorganisms, which can help your skin to heal. Pick a gentle cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type, whether you have oily, dry, or mid-range skin. Most cleansers say what skin type they are designed for.^{[1]
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- After blotting your skin dry, wait half an hour before applying makeup or medication. If you're applying both, put the medication on first and wait an additional 10 minutes before moving on to your makeup, sunscreen, or moisturizer.^{[2]
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2
Avoid common triggers. Certain foods and situations can cause rosacea to flare. For instance, hot foods, whether through temperature or spiciness, can cause flareups, including soups and hot drinks. In addition, alcohol can be a problem. Heat in many forms can cause irritation, including hot baths, exercise, and hot temperatures. Finally, stress can cause flareups as well.^{[3]
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Research source}^{[4]
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Expert Source

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.}
- Also, skip facial products that use alcohol, as that can irritate your face.^{[5]
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  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
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3
Wear sunscreen. Even if you don't have rosacea, sun damage can cause your skin to become thick and leathery over time. If you do have rosacea, the sun can cause your skin to be inflamed.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.} Pick a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher, and make sure to apply it every day. Be sure to choose one for sensitive skin.
- You can find moisturizers that have sunscreen built in, which cuts out steps in your morning routine.
4
Visit your doctor. Some conditions lead to persistently red face. The primary suspect is rosacea, which can cause facial redness and inflammation.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.} However, other diseases can lead to temporary redness, such as scarlet fever. Visit your doctor if you're concerned about redness.^{[8]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
5
Ask about antibiotics. Antibiotics are a common treatment for rosacea. For a particularly bad flare-up, your doctor may recommend a round of pills. Generally, though, you will use antibiotic creams or lotions to treat this condition.^{[9]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
6
Discuss acne treatments. Your redness may also be from acne. However, certain acne treatments also help treat rosacea, such as isotretinoin. This drug lessens the appearance of lesions on the face, whether from acne or rosacea.^{[10]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
7
Ask about light and laser treatments. These treatments can help particularly bad cases of rosacea. Talk to your dermatologist about whether this treatment is viable for you.^{[11]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}^{[12]
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Expert Source

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.}
- Mainly, these treatments help lessen the appearance of redness and blood vessels. They can also help smooth out leathery skin.^{[13]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Hiding Rosy Cheeks With Makeup

1
Clean and moisturize your face. Before you start with makeup, make sure to wash your face first with a gentle cleanser. In addition, use a moisturizer to help keep your skin hydrated.^{[14]
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- It's important to be gentle with your skin, as being rough can make your skin redder or cause rosacea flareups if you have that condition. Try blotting your skin after you wash it instead of rubbing it, for instance, and try to be gentle when washing your face.^{[15]
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2
Use a primer. Primer acts as a go-between. It protects your skin from the make up, so if your cheeks are rosy from irritation, it can help lessen the effect.^{[16]
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Research source} A green primer works best to help cover redness.
- Always test any product you plan to use on your face on another area of skin, such as the back of your neck, to see if it will irritate it.^{[17]
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3
Pick a tinted concealer. Try a concealer with a hint of yellow in it to help hide redness if it's only lightly red. If you need a bit more help or you skin is flaky, opt for a green-tinted moisturizer. If you have a condition such as rosacea, it's important to choose products that are oil-free.^{[18]
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- When adding powdered concealer, a brush is best. It lets you add just as much as you need.^{[19]
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  Research source} Because bacteria can irritate conditions like rosacea, choose brushes that are antibacterial.^{[20]
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- If you use a stick concealer, use it to make small dots where you need it. Gently rub it over the areas to create an even layer.^{[21]
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4
Use a foundation. The foundation helps even out your face and the concealer. Apply it over your whole face for an even skin tone.^{[22]
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- Consider a foundation with mineral powder, as it is less likely to irritate your skin.^{[23]
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- Start by adding a bit of powder to the lid. Use your brush to pick it up, moving it around until you've picked up all the powder. To apply it, use circular motions, gradually covering your whole face.^{[24]
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5
Don't use blush. If you already have redness, you don't need to create more rosiness. Use a base that will let the natural rosiness shine through on your cheeks without looking red or irritated.