Why is my nose red?

What is causing my red nose ?

A red nose might be temporary, but if it stays red, or has bumps, visible blood vessels or swelling, the most common cause is rosacea, a long-term inflammatory skin condition. To get rid of your red nose, start by knowing your rosacea subtype: ETR (subtype 1), acne rosacea (subtype 2) or rhinophyma (subtype 3), as well as understanding your own personal triggers.

Rosacea sub-type 1 or ETR rosacea

For example, subtype 1 (ETR) rosacea is an underlying dry skin condition. This can show itself in the form of persistent redness and blushing, among other symptoms.

This next bit is very important...The skin will often feel tight. The underlying cause of this tightness is a lack of, or disruption of sebum in the skin. Sebum is composed of fats and it protects the skin from UV/ sunlight and traps water in the skin. When you have naturally low levels of sebum or if it is compromised because of harsh skincare then dryness, dehydration and facial redness with discomfort follow.

I have mainly subtype 1..dry as a bone tight feeling skin. I used to have a red and shiny nose until I began to control my rosacea by making the finca skin organics products especially for my rosacea.

Rosacea sub-type 2 and rosacea sub-type 3

On the other hand, subtypes 2 and 3 (PPR papulopustular rosacea and rhinophyma) are the complete opposite of subtype 1. They are underlying oily skin conditions. ( even though you may see some flakiness ) and there may also be some swelling of the nose, as well as the typical red rosacea nose.

Combination of rosacea subtypes

Some people can even be unfortunate enough to have more than one kind of rosacea, with perhaps subtype 1 generally everywhere on the face with subtype 2 rosacea only on the nose area - and possibly chin and tops of cheeks. ( read on for before and after photos of rosacea sub type 2 ). Actually looking at the persons face in detail is now the recommended way, according to a recent rosacea expert panel, to diagnose and treat rosacea. This recognises that there may be symptoms of more than one subtype present.. If your dermatologist doesnt even bother looking up from their notepad to have a good look at your face - find another dermatologist..

Subtype 1, ETR rosacea is most common among women. Women generally have dryer thinner skin than men ( one of the reasons women can appear to age quicker than men) and subtype 3 among men. While subtype 2, acne rosacea affects both women and men equally.

What helps? Custom Rosacea Skincare Proven in a Harley Street Clinical Study

Rosacea is complex. You need to be extra careful what you put on your skin. I grew completely fed up with buying expensive standard skincare lines that ignored the underlying problem and only made my skin burn. I'm an engineer and out of sheer frustration, I decided to formulate skincare for my own red and reactive rosacea skin, while keeping the ingredient list plant based and very short.

I knew the products were working for me, but I wanted to prove them in an independent study evaluated by a leading Harley Street London Dermatologist.

Prior to the study, 87% of participants reported that persistent redness negatively impacted their social life, and over 75% experienced anxiety in intimate settings.

The results after 8 weeks were, if I'm being honest, exactly what I was expecting.

The Data: Real Proof That the Custom Formula Works

In an 8-week, uncontrolled study of 26 people with rosacea (23 completed), participants rated their own results. At 8 weeks, 20 of 23 rated the appearance of their spots as "very improved" or "excellent", and all 23 said their skin felt more comfortable. The average improvement rating was 8.7 out of 10. The study had no control group and relied on self-reported questionnaires.

Read the Full Clinical Study and Efficacy Data Here

Finca Skin Organics offer a range of serums that are designed to calm and reduce redness of the nose and face. You can see the entire range of options here.

Calming Serum 2 from finca skin organics is effective at reducing facial redness and red noses, particularly for rosacea sub type 2

Real finca skin organics rosacea subtype 2 customers

Photo of an Irish customer taken 12 weeks after using Calming serum 2 daily...First results seen after approx 6 weeks. His wife says she has a new husband!

M above from Scotland, uses finca skin organics Calming Serum 2 as part of her skincare routine for acne rosacea subtype 2. She has the typical pustules associated with rosacea subtype 2 or acne rosacea as its commonly known ( and we thank her for allowing us to use her full image/photos )

The before photo, of this finca skin organics customer, shows the typical butterfly effect that rosacea can often exhibit on the face, resulting in the typical rosacea subtype 2 red nose and also chin and cheeks. She uses calming serum 2. Her rosacea began after the birth of her second child and before using the serum, she told us she ''hid behind makeup and felt uncomfortable'', not only with her looks but the ''feel'' of her skin. When she started using the serum, she tells us ''the pimples go and the dry scaly skin goes''. Again thank you to this customer for allowing use of her total image.

ETR - subtype 1 rosacea

If you identify mostly with subtype 1, there should be two main focuses of your skincare routine.

• Hydration: The skin barrier is compromised and you need help to stop water loss across the skin.
• Anti-redness: The red flushing on the face is probably the most noticeable symptom of subtype 1. The skin needs help in order to calm the inflammation and dilation of blood vessels on the nose and face.

Calming Serum 1 is intensely hydrating minimal ingredient list oil based serum which includes hyaluronic acid. Our moisturising balm also soothes and protects the skin barrier. The balm contains liquorice root which has anti-inflammatory properties. It works great in combination with the serum to help lock in the moisture that the serum provides.

Real finca skin organics rosacea subtype 1 customer

Jane here has used type 1 consistently, as well as our balm and sunscreen and just look at the amazing difference in her before and after! She had a red nose which she was embarrassed about and now she is confident in her skin

View the range of Finca products here or find out what subtype your skin is.

When in doubt, always refer to your doctor or dermatologist as the condition differs for everyone.

Red nose FAQs

Why is my nose red all the time?

A nose that stays red for weeks is most often caused by rosacea, especially if you also flush easily, have visible blood vessels or get bumps on your nose, cheeks or chin. See a doctor or dermatologist for a diagnosis.

Is a red nose caused by drinking alcohol?

No. Rhinophyma is sometimes called "whiskey nose", but it is a subtype of rosacea and is not caused by alcohol. Alcohol can trigger flare-ups in people who already have rosacea, though.

How can I get rid of a red nose fast?

Protect your skin from cold, wind and sun, apply SPF every day, avoid your triggers, and use gentle skincare suited to your rosacea subtype.

Hydrating, anti-redness products such as finca skin organics calming serum 1 plus balm, tend to suit subtype 1.

Cleansing and anti-inflammatory products such as finca skin organics calming serum 2, tend to suit subtypes 2 and 3. Severe cases may need prescription medicine or laser treatment.

What is the best skincare for a red nose caused by rosacea?

Choose minimal-ingredient, fragrance-free products made for sensitive skin. Finca Skin Organics Calming Serum 1 is made for dry, flushing subtype 1 rosacea, and Calming Serum 2 is made for oily, bumpy subtype 2 and subtype 3 rosacea.

With love from Ireland,

Finola