Article Objective- Review and information on OTC facial redness products
Rosacea sufferers are always on the lookout for new, promising anti-redness products and treatments. The problem with most anti-redness rosacea products is they are usually expensive and rarely deliver significant on their claims. However, recently, select over-the-counter products have been tested for redness reduction efficacy by Dermatologists in clinical settings.
We put together a list of five top redness skin care products backed by clinical studies in order to give rosacea sufferers the best treatment options with clinically-proven effectiveness.
[1] Bamboo Leaf Ultra Soothing Anti-Redness Cream With Flowering Haberlea – Cost: $$$
This calming cream is excellent for rosacea skin as it incorporates key ingredients that strengthen fragile capillaries and calm inflamed skin. This cream also helps to block damaging enzymes that break down the skin called Matrix Metalloproteinases. Together they instantly help calm irritation – redness, dryness and discomfort – while helping to rebuild the skin’s natural defense mechanism.
Ingredient Actions:
Active Ingredient: Bamboo Leaf Extract – strengthens superficial blood vessels
Active Ingredient: Haberlea Extract — Excellent anti-inflammatory with strong soothing qualities that block inflammatory enzymes involved in rosacea
Active Ingredient: Caffeine combined with Sucrose — Moderate constrictor actions while supplying the skin with calming topical sugar base
Internal Study on People with Rosacea and Red/Sensitive Skin:
- Immediately: 94% of subjects reported irritated skin was instantly calmed.
- After 4 weeks: clinical studies show a measurable reduction in the frequency of visible redness flare-ups
[2] Erno Laszlo Redness FX Calming Cream for Dry Sensitive Rosacea Skin & Erno Laslo Redness FX Calming Lotion for Oily – Cost: $$$$
Rosacea and skin sensitivity is a multi-symptom condition. Flare-ups trigger redness, inflammation and irritation. Erno Laszlo Redness FX treatments contain soothing ingredients clinically-proven to treat all these signs, delivering instant calm to hypersensitive skin. This product has been tested in clinical studies for its effect on rosacea redness, flushing and outbreaks. The cream version is for rosacea sufferers with extremely dry, sensitive skin, while the lotion formula below is for oily, sensitive skin. Details are below:
Highlights of Clinical Findings
In a clinical study, Erno Laszlo FX Cream demonstrated a significant decrease in facial redness and blotchiness within 12 weeks with up to a 75% decrease in the visual appearance of skin redness.
A calming formula with triple strength Corallina Extract, an extremely potent constrictor of blood vessels that does not cause rebound dilation(redness), and effectively soothes inflammation at the same time and relieves facial burning, stinging, and itching due to environmental irritants, a change in diet or emotions.
Powerful Antioxidants, Corallina Extract, Goji Berry Extract, Green Tea Extract, Golden Chamomile Extract, Specialized Licorice Extract, Lipid soluble Vitamin A, Lipid Soluble Vitamin E and , help protect and shield the skin from environmental damage and normalize hypersensitive skin.
Replenishes lost moisture and keeps skin hydrated.
Immediately reduces redness and irritation.
Helps avert future flare-ups and rosacea triggers.
Note: If you have red skin and Rosacea this Erno Laszlo Redness product will help reduce the redness. Not only the red but it calms and soothes your skin. Upon application your skin will feel much better — no more hot red skin when you use the Redness line.
Ingredient Actions:
Active Ingredient: Corallina Officinalis Triple Strength the best topical constrictor to date and at extremely high concentrations
Active Ingredient; Green Tea Extract – High concentrations of active principle EGCG clinically proven to reduce rosacea redness
Active Ingredient; Golden Chamomile Extract clinically proven to reduce rosacea redness
Active Ingredient: Specialized Licorice Extract clinically proven to reduce redness
Active Ingredient: Goji Berry the new kid on the block for soothing rosacea sensitive skin and blood vessels
Active Ingredient: Cyclomethicone proven to calm and protect rosacea skin
Active Ingredient: DL Panthenol proven to strengthen the epidermis, especially in inflammatory skin disorders
Active Ingredient: Excellent light moisturizers for rosacea skin– Kukui Nut oil, Organic Aloe Vera and Sodium Hyaluronate
Lotion Formula – for Oily Skin Types with Redness & Rosacea:
Erno Laszlo Redness FX lotion for oily sensitive skin contains most of the same ingredients as the cream except they’ve added several active ingredients and silica that reduce rosacea oily skin and actively treat papules and blemishes. It will not treat pustules though.
Highlights of Internal Clinical Study
In a clinical study, Erno Laszlo FX Lotion demonstrated a significant decrease in facial redness and blotchiness within 12 weeks with up to a 71% decrease in the visual appearance of skin redness.
A calming formula with triple strength Corallina Extract (a potent constrictor of blood vessels without rebound dilation) that soothes inflammation and relieves facial burning, stinging, and itching due to environmental irritants, a change in diet or emotions.
Powerful Antioxidants, Corallina Extract, Goji Berry Extract, Green Tea Extract, Golden Chamomile Extract, Specialized Licorice Extract, Lipid soluble Vitamin A, Lipid Soluble Vitamin E and , help protect and shield the skin from environmental damage and normalize hypersensitive skin.
Replenishes lost moisture and keeps skin hydrated.
Immediately reduces redness and irritation.
Helps avert future flare-ups and rosacea triggers.
Note: The primary difference between the cream (dry skin types) and lotion (oily skin) formulation is that the lotion instantly calms the skin with cooling agents such as Gorgonian Extract to reduce redness, Bisabolol to soothe irritated skin, and Arnica Extract to reduce inflammation. The lotion also targets rosacea papules and blemishes with two anti-papule ingredients.
[3] ‘My Body’ Beat the Rush Anti-Redness Treatment – Cost: $$$
“My Body BEAT THE RUSH Anti-Redness Treatment reduces redness and evens tone. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly to relieve itching and irritation as it softens and smoothes texture. Chamomile, aloe and vitamin E soothe for a calm, clear complexion and a comfortable feel.”
Ingredients:
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Behenyl Alcohol, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Cetearyl Glucoside, Avena Sativa (Oat) Meal, Myristoyl Octapeptide-1, Myristoyl Octapeptide-2, 4-Ethoxybenzaldehyde, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, 4-t-Butylcyclohexanol, Acetyl Carboxymethyl Cocoyl Glycine, Bisabolol, Beta Glucan, Palmitoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Allantoin, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Camilla Sinensis Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pentylene Glycol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Butylene Glycol, Oleyl Alcohol, Cholecalciferol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance.
Primary Ingredient Actions:
Active Ingredient: 4-Ethoxybenzaldehyde – Clinically proven to reduce facial redness
Clinical Study:
Dermatol Surg. 2005 Jul;31(7 Pt 2):881-5; discussion 885.
Efficacy of 1% 4-ethoxybenzaldehyde in reducing facial erythema.
Draelos ZD(1), Fuller BB.
Author information: (1)Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
BACKGROUND: Facial erythema is a common postsurgical and dermatologic problem. It is commonly the result of dermal inflammation arising from either a facial surgical procedure, such as laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, or a face peel, or from an underlying dermatologic condition, such as rosacea. Facial erythema is difficult for the dermatologist to treat in both settings because topical corticosteroids cannot be used long term on the thin facial skin and anti-inflammatory oral or topical antibiotics have associated side effects.
OBJECTIVE: The goal of this pilot study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of 1% 4-ethoxybenzaldehyde in a rosacea model of facial erythema.
METHODS: Thirty subjects with mild to moderate stable rosacea were enrolled in this 4-week, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study. Photographs, investigator assessment, and subject assessment were the efficacy criteria.
RESULTS: There was a statistically significant reduction in facial erythema (p<.01) in those subjects who used the active for 4 weeks, as well as a statistically significant improvement in uneven skin tone (p<.01) and the overall severity of the disease (p<.01). There was no statistically significant difference in any of these three indices in the vehicle-treated group.
CONCLUSION: The results suggest that benzaldehyde-derived anti-inflammatory agents may be useful in reducing facial erythema in a rosacea model.
[4] Skin Medica Redness Relief Calmplex – Cost: $$$$
“SkinMedica Redness Relief CalmPlex is a revolutionary treatment that relieves redness in as little as one week. An exclusive bioactive ingredient targets visible redness by treating the underlying causes, while soothing and hydrating extracts produce healthier-looking skin. Results continue to improve through 12 weeks, where you will notice smoother, calmed skin with an enhanced radiance.”
Ingredients:
Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Ethoxydiglycol, Squalane, Isocetyl Stearate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Isostearyl Palmitate, Mineral Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Niacinamide, Glycereth-7, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, 4-Ethoxybenzaldehyde (CalmPlex™), Cetyl Ricinoleate, Polysorbate 20, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Ethylparaben.
Primary Ingredient Actions:
Active Ingredient: 4-Ethoxybenzaldehyde – Clinically proven to reduce facial redness
Active Ingredient: Niacinamide – At concentrations above 2%, niacinamide reduces redness and normalizes skin inflammation
Clinical Study: ingredient, 4-ethoxybenzaldehyde
Dermatol Surg. 2005 Jul;31(7 Pt 2):881-5; discussion 885.
Efficacy of 1% 4-ethoxybenzaldehyde in reducing facial erythema.
[5] Pyrantine XR Cream: Pyratine XR Lotion: Pryatine XR Ointment – Cost: $$$
“Pyratine-XR Creme is specially formulated to treat sensitive skin prone to rosacea or blemishes, while also fending off aging. The physician-strength creme reinforces your skin’s moisture barrier, reduces redness, calms irritation, smoothes wrinkles and fine lines and diminishes hyperpigmentation. With daily use, your skin is left looking more youthful, even and comfortable, without hypersensitivity.”
Ingredients:
Aqua (Water), Glyceryl Stearate & Laureth-23, Isopropyl Palmitate, Stearic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Steryl Alcohol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols, Furfuryl Tetrahydropyranyladenine, Dimethicone, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Triethanolamine, Methylparaben, Soluble Collagen, Carbomer, Propylparaben, Panthenol, Sodium Hydroxide, Ascorbic Acid, Hydrolyzed Elastin.
Primary Ingredient Actions:
Active Ingredient: Furfuryl Tetrahydropyranyladenine- Clinically proven to reduce facial redness
Clinical Study:
J Drugs Dermatol. 2010 Jun;9(6):647-50.
Long-term efficacy and safety of topical PRK 124 (0.125%) lotion (Pyratine-XR) in the treatment of mild-to-moderate rosacea.
Tremaine AM(1), Ortiz A, Elkeeb L, Tran M, Weinstein G.
Author information: (1)Department of Dermatology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
BACKGROUND: Many patients with rosacea cannot tolerate extended treatment periods with topical agents because their skin sensitivity is often increased.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the long-term efficacy and tolerability of a new moisturizing lotion for improving the signs and symptoms of mild-to-moderate rosacea.
METHODS: In a 48-week, open-label study, a moisturizing lotion containing furfuryl tetrahydropyranyladenine as PRK-124 (0.125%, Pyratine-XR, Senetek PLC, Napa, CA) was applied twice daily by 18 subjects with mild-to-moderate rosacea. Clinical improvements were assessed by the treating physician. Skin barrier function was measured by transepidermal water loss after treatment. Tolerability and cosmetic outcome were evaluated by subjects.
RESULTS: Subjects experienced a mean 44 percent reduction in erythema severity and a mean 89 percent reduction in inflammatory lesion count at week 48. Reductions were significant (P < 0.05) in both erythema and lesions at weeks 24, 36 and 48. Statistically significant (P < or = 0.05) improvements in telangiectasias, transepidermal water loss and dryness were noted. Overall clinical improvement was observed in 81 percent of subjects and the investigator’s global assessment steadily improved throughout the study. Treatments were well-tolerated and cosmetically acceptable. Treatment-induced skin irritation was not observed.
CONCLUSION: The new moisturizing lotion containing furfuryl tetrahydropyranyladenine as PRK 124 is efficacious, does not irritate skin, reduces erythema and is well tolerated for at least 48 weeks.
Read More about Rosacea Skin Care Products
Rosadyn put together an entire website section dedicated solely to rosacea skin care which includes rosacea-friendly cleansers, moisturizers, skin protectors, anti-redness products and anti-acne products.
Please visit our Over-the-Counter Rosacea Skin Care List for more information.
