Finding a solid skincare routine when you have rosacea can feel Sisyphean.
So we tapped board-certified cosmetic, medical, and surgical dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, M.D., FAAD, to help us break down the basics of this condition.
“Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that results in facial redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels, sometimes accompanied by acne-like bumps,” Dr. Blair says.
She adds that it is very common, with an estimated 14 million people in the U.S. affected by it.
What does rosacea look like?
“Rosacea may appear similar to other skin conditions, including the malar rash of lupus or seborrheic dermatitis of the face,” Dr. Blair shares. “It is always a good idea to see a board-certified dermatologist for an evaluation. Rosacea most commonly affects the cheeks, nose, central lower forehead and chin,” she says.
There are a few different types of rosacea:
- Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea: This is the most common type of rosacea, characterized by facial redness and dilated blood vessels. “These patients are often flushers and blushers,” Dr. Blair says.
- Papulopustular rosacea: This type may look like acne at first, “with redness, swelling, and acne-like breakouts.”
- Phymatous rosacea: This type “causes thickening of skin and, classically, an enlargement of the nose with thickened pores,” she says.
- Ocular rosacea: “This is characterized by eye redness and irritation, often with dilated blood vessels,” Dr. Blair states.
What causes and/or triggers rosacea?
The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, but there is believed to be a genetic component, and it is associated with many environmental triggers, including UV exposure. Other common triggers include: temperature extremes (very hot or very cold), alcohol (especially red wine), spicy foods, and chocolate.
1. Use mineral sunscreen.
Because UV exposure is believed to be a common rosacea trigger, “sun protection is a key part of rosacea treatment,” Dr. Blair says. “I recommend using a mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide for the best protection. Mineral sunscreens act as a physical shield between your skin and the sun.”
SPF 50 Face + Body Sunscreen Stick
Price: $11
Hello Bello
Technically, this SPF is made for babies, so you know it’s designed to be super gentle. The stick formula is super easy to apply, and it’s dermatologist-tested, vegan, reef-friendly, and water-resistant.
UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47
Price: $36
EltaMD
We are big fans of EltaMD sunscreens, and this mineral one is made for people with sensitive skin and rosacea.
2. Always do a patch test.
Choose a small area of skin to see if a product will cause you irritation before putting it all over your face. Any itching, burning, redness, etc. is a no-go!
3. Gentle (like, super-duper gentle) exfoliation is key.
Skip the scrubs, and use a gentle, leave-on chemical exfoliant instead. Azelaic acid has been shown to help reduce symptoms of papulopustular rosacea.
Redness Relief Azelaic Acid Serum
Price: $20
Peach and Lily
In addition to azelaic acid, this serum also contains calming cica and panthenol.
SuperSolutions 10% Azelaic Serum Redness Relief Solution
Price: $18
The Inkey List
A popular OTC azelaic acid recommendation on rosacea Reddit forums.
4. Massage your skin when you apply your products.
Make sure to gently massage your skin when you apply your products to help improve circulation.
5. Avoid abrasive products and irritating ingredients.
Dr. Blair specifically calls out harsh scrubs, but there are lots of potentially triggering ingredients out there. Surveys from The National Rosacea Society have found that some of the most common ingredient triggers are:
- Alcohol
- Witch hazel
- Fragrance
- Menthol
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus oil
6. Look for products that are specifically made for sensitive skin or rosacea.
Also, look for skin barrier-repairing products (obvs, check the labels for irritants).
Facial Recovery Oil
Price: $85
Eminence Organic
Our wellness editor’s mom (who has rosacea) loves this facial oil because it has antibacterial and antifungal products in it, and she finds that it reduces redness and gets rid of any bumps. She also uses the brand’s Anti-Redness Masque. “I leave it on at night, and my skin looks less red in the morning,” she says.
Barrier + Foaming Oil Hydrating Cleanser
Price: $30
Skinfix
This cleanser gently whisks away dirt and makeup without stripping skin.
Dermal Repair Cream
Price: $164
SENTÉ
This is definitely on the splurge-y side, but it comes with the National Rosacea Society’s seal of acceptance, which IDsproducts found to be unlikely to irritate sensitive rosacea skin.
The content provided in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice and consultation, including professional medical advice and consultation; it is provided with the understanding that Poosh, LLC (“Poosh”) is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services. The opinions and content included in the article are the views of the author only, and Poosh does not endorse or recommend any such content or information, or any product or service mentioned in the article. You understand and agree that Poosh shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in the article.
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