OT: cure for winter redness on face?

(slightly relevant photo is of the snow at my parents' place this morning, since realtime has to have a photo)
I usually notice the dry winter air when I visit the Midwest, but this trip seems especially bad. The skin on my cheeks has gotten progressively redder as the week has gone on, and it's itchy. Rosacea, or just an overreaction, i dunno. I've tried Nivea cream and aquaphor but neither seem to help. Any suggestions? I am pretty limited in what I have with me but can attempt a trip to the drugstore if there's something that will help.

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14 years ago

Urgent

5 replies

Latest reply was from Jjsloane

cciele

Veteran

Eucerin has a line of Redness Relief products that seem to help some people.

14 years ago

Ana

(website)

Veteran

It sounds like you might have extremely dry skin or your face is chapped. I'd normally recommend visiting a dermatologist but it sounds like you will only be visiting for a short period. It might be a good idea to schedule an appointment when you get home though, just to make sure it's not something else and find some strategies for dealing with it next year.

How many times are you using the Aquaphor and Nivea? You may just need to use it more often. I get this on my hands in the winter and I use Eucerin bath oil wash in the shower and then moisturizer when I get out, and then put Aquaphor on top of the moisturizer to seal it in. I have to put moisturizer and then Aquaphor every time I wash my hands, but since it's on your face, you might only need to do it 2-3 times a day. I found that the itching stops after a day or so, and the redness goes away after a couple of days. When you go outside, try to protect your face against the wind if you can. Cover it with a scarf or something. That will probably help a little bit too.

Lovely photo! I love looking at pictures of snow right now. It's supposed to be 71 degrees here later this week. I feel like we've barely had a winter. : (

14 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I baby my skin when that happens = aka: least exposure to wind whenever possible!

14 years ago

Refugee

Veteran

I have this problem in the winter and live on the great plains. A few (really inexpensive) things help me. I use Cetaphil cleanser morning and night. After my morning cleanse I use Cetaphil moisturizer. At night I moisturize with olive oil.. Yes plain kitchen x-tra virgin olive oil. These things really calm the redness of the cold dry air for me.

14 years ago

Jjsloane

Veteran

Rose hip oil is supposedly good for redness. I haven't tried it yet, sent to my mom who is experiencing redness. Aquaphor, cetaphil, and Vanicream are good for calming redness and adding moisture. As a kid we slathered on vaseline for walking to school in cold and wind.

14 years ago

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