A rosacea or redness flare up can be hard to conceal but leave it to TikTok to bring us the latest hack for calming skin. According to viral videos circulating on the platform, a quick redness-reducing hack involves using nasal spray on your skin. But does this hack hold water, or is it just another internet myth? We reached out to expert dermatologists to separate fact from fiction.
Featured Experts
- Dr. Kristina Collins is a board-certified dermatologist in Austin, TX
- Dr. Anita Gill, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in The Woodlands, TX
- Dr. Holly Gunn is a board-certified dermatologist in Mountain Brook, AL
- Dr. Skylar Souyoul is a board-certified dermatologist in Shreveport, LA
- Dr. Cory Maughan is a board-certified dermatologist in Providence, UT
Why nasal spray for rosacea?
At first glance, the idea of using nasal spray to alleviate facial redness might seem unconventional. However, the active ingredient in many nasal sprays, oxymetazoline, acts as a vasoconstrictor, meaning it constricts blood vessels. This constriction can effectively reduce redness, making it a potential solution for rosacea, a chronic skin condition characterized by facial redness and visible blood vessels. “Afrin, containing oxymetazoline, used once a day, can be an effective and safe over-the-counter treatment for facial erythema associated with rosacea,” says Austin, TX dermatologist Kristina Collins, MD. However, she warns of potential rebound redness upon discontinuation of use. For more severe cases, laser treatments in-office may provide additional relief.
How to apply
According to The Woodlands, TX dermatologist Anita Gill, MD, mix a nasal spray like Afrin with a lotion like CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM ($14), which contains niacinamide, an ingredient known for its redness-reducing properties. “This combination can provide immediate relief in the morning at a lower cost compared to prescription alternatives, complementing nighttime treatments such as light therapy and prescriptions,” she says.
Mountain Brook, AL dermatologist Holly Gunn, MD says while she acknowledges oxymetazoline’s effectiveness, she personally opts for a plant-based vasoconstrictor. “I have rosacea and I rarely use this technique because I have ZO Skin Health Rozatrol ($93) to fight flushing and redness. It’s one of my favorite products.”
Shreveport, LA dermatologist Skylar Souyoul, MD advises using only a few drops. While she acknowledges its efficacy in reducing background facial redness, she recommends occasional use to prevent worsening symptoms.
What is rebound flushing?
Using nasal spray on your skin can lead to rebound flushing, says Dr. Souyoul, “meaning the flushing comes back worse.” Rebound flushing, also known as rebound redness, is a phenomenon that occurs when individuals who regularly use topical corticosteroids or certain other medications to treat facial redness or inflammation experience a worsening of their symptoms once they discontinue the medication.
Providence, UT dermatologist Dr. Cory Maughan reassures that the risk of rebound redness from using Afrin on the skin is low compared to its nasal use, alleviating concerns about potential adverse effects. “I think the risk of rebound is pretty low, different than for nasal use and rebound congestion.”
Safety considerations
While the use of nasal spray for rosacea may offer temporary relief, it’s essential to approach it with caution. Experts recommend using only a small amount of nasal spray mixed with moisturizer and limiting its use to occasional flare-ups.
While it may offer a cost-effective and immediate solution for managing rosacea symptoms, it’s crucial to consult with a board-certified dermatologist to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and concerns. So, the next time rosacea redness threatens to dampen your day, consider reaching for that nasal spray—it might just be the secret weapon your skin needs.
