This is a general breakdown of implementing a skincare routine if you have rosacea.
All your products and techniques should be gentle. Avoid harsh, scrubbing, hot water, and abrasive ingredients.
Keep it simple; use just a few essential products to minimize the risk of irritation and stimulating rosacea.
Look for products specifically formulated for sensitive skin and preferably chiral. Chiral products use the specific molecule of the ingredient and are generally formulated to be safer. Try to find products specifically labeled for rosacea. Be wary of harsh ingredients.
Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day. Choose mineral-based formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, since they are less irritating.
Skincare Routine:
Use a Gentle Cleanser: wash your face twice daily with a mild fragrance-free cleanser, specifically formulated for sensitive skin or rosacea. Preferably it should have ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid to help with hydration.
Prescription medications: if your doctor has prescribed any topical or oral medication, follow their instructions, precisely these medications are one of the best ways to manage rosacea.
Moisturizer: Use a lightweight fragrance-free moisturizer designed for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin. Look for soothing and hydrating ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, aloe vera, or hyaluronic acid.
Sunscreen: use this daily even on cloudy days. A physical sunscreen, with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is often best for rosacea prune skin. Sunscreen containing tint also will be beneficial.
Ingredients to Avoid:
Ingredients to Avoid: alcohol, exfoliating agents like AHAs, BHAs in high concentrations, essential oils fragrances menthol/mint, sodium, lauryl sulfate(SLS), urea, and Which Hazel.
It is a good idea to test new products before using them. The best way is to apply a small amount to the undersurface of your forearm. If there is no redness, itching or burning after several days, you gradually introduce it to your face. Only introduce one product at a time.
Some other tips applicable to rosacea:
Identify and avoid things that seem to trigger rosacea, flares like spicy foods, alcohol extreme temperatures, etc.
Keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water
For non-genic makeup that won't cloud pores fragrance-free formulas stick to green tinted concealers to help counteract redness.
A dermatologist who can make a specific diagnosis, personalize your skincare routine, and prescribe medication when needed, as well as suggest lasers or light base therapy for persistent redness or persistent blood vessels, is most likely your best ally.
Other resources:
Here's a breakdown of how to adjust your skincare routine after a rosacea diagnosis. It's essential to remember that this is a general guide, and it's always best to work with a dermatologist for a personalized plan.
Key Principles of a Rosacea-Friendly Skincare Routine:
- Gentleness: All your products and techniques should be gentle. Avoid harsh scrubbing, hot water, and abrasive ingredients.
- Simplicity: Stick to a few essential products to minimize the risk of irritation.
- Fragrance-Free and 'Rosacea-Friendly': Look for products formulated for sensitive skin, ideally labeled for rosacea. Be especially wary of harsh ingredients (read below).
- Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day. Choose mineral-based formulas (with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) as they tend to be less irritating.
Steps to Consider:
- Gentle Cleanser: Wash your face twice daily with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser specifically formulated for sensitive skin or rosacea. Look for ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid to help with hydration.
- Prescription Medications: If your dermatologist has prescribed any topical or oral medications, follow their instructions precisely. These medications often take priority in managing rosacea.
- Moisturizer: Choose a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer designed for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin. Look for calming and hydrating ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, aloe vera, or hyaluronic acid.
- Sun Protection: Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days. A physical sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is often best for rosacea-prone skin.
Ingredients to Potentially Avoid:
- Alcohol
- Exfoliating acids (AHAs, BHAs in high concentrations)
- Essential oils
- Fragrances
- Menthol/mint
- Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
- Urea
- Witch hazel
Testing New Products:
- Patch Test: Apply a small amount of a new product on your inner forearm for a few days. If there's no redness, itching, or burning, you can gradually introduce it to your face.
- Introduce One at a Time: Start with one new product at a time to identify any potential triggers.
Additional Tips:
- Manage Triggers: Identify and avoid things that seem to trigger your rosacea flares (spicy foods, alcohol, extreme temperatures, etc.)
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
- Consider Makeup: If you want to use makeup, look for non-comedogenic (won't clog pores), fragrance-free formulas, and stick to green-tinted concealers to help counteract redness.
Working with a Dermatologist
A dermatologist is your best ally in managing rosacea. They can make a specific diagnosis, personalize your skincare routine, prescribe medications when needed, and potentially suggest laser or light-based therapies for persistent redness or visible blood vessels.
Helpful Resources
- National Rosacea Society: https://www.rosacea.org
- American Academy of Dermatology: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/rosacea/treatment/diagnosis-treat
Disclaimer: This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment of rosacea.
