Skin care for rosacea

Start with gentle cleansing, moisturising and sun protection. Keep your routine simple and choose products your skin tolerates.

For most people with rosacea, daily skin care should focus on protecting the skin barrier and avoiding irritation. Products used on rosacea-prone skin should generally be formulated for sensitive skin and should avoid ingredients that commonly trigger irritation.

Skin care products for rosacea should usually avoid:

• Alcohol
• Fragrance
• Artificial colours
• Essential oils
• Witch hazel

It is also helpful to avoid strong soaps, abrasive cleansers, or thick cosmetics and sunscreens that require vigorous scrubbing to remove.

Cleansers and moisturisers suitable for rosacea

Daily skin care for rosacea usually includes three key steps: gentle cleansing, moisturising and sun protection. Many people with rosacea find that using a mild, non-foaming cleanser and a simple moisturiser helps reduce irritation and dryness.

Children’s sunscreen is often well tolerated because it is designed to minimise irritation. These sunscreens can be just as effective as adult sunscreens while avoiding fragrances and other ingredients that may aggravate sensitive skin.

Good quality rosacea-friendly skin care products vary widely in price. In many cases, inexpensive pharmacy brands work just as well as more expensive options.

Daily rosacea skin care routine

A simple and consistent routine can help reduce irritation and protect the skin barrier in people with rosacea. Most routines focus on gentle cleansing, moisturising and sun protection.

Rosacea-prone skin tends to react poorly to complicated routines or multiple active ingredients. In many cases, fewer products used consistently produce better results than complex skin care regimens.

Morning routine

• Cleanse gently. Wash the face with a mild, non-foaming cleanser using lukewarm water. Avoid scrubs, brushes or rough cloths.
• Apply a moisturiser. Choose a moisturiser formulated for sensitive skin to help repair the skin barrier and reduce dryness.
• Use sunscreen. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning. Mineral or children’s sunscreens are often well tolerated by rosacea-prone skin.

Evening routine

• Cleanse the skin. Remove sunscreen, makeup and daily impurities with a gentle cleanser.
• Moisturise. Reapply a moisturiser to help reduce dryness and support skin barrier repair overnight.
• Apply treatment products if prescribed. Some people may use treatments such as topical rosacea medications or azelaic acid as directed by their doctor.

General skin care tips for rosacea

• Avoid frequent product changes or introducing several new products at once.
• Test new products on a small area of skin before applying them to the entire face.
• Avoid strong exfoliants, alcohol-based toners and fragranced products.
• Use lukewarm rather than hot water when washing the face.
• Combine good skin care with identifying and reducing rosacea triggers.

Other skin care ingredients

Ingredients such as niacinamide may support the skin barrier, but the benefit and tolerability depend on the whole formulation. Evidence for individual botanical ingredients in rosacea is limited. Named products below are examples discussed with patients, not a guarantee that they will suit everyone.

Azelaic acid

Azelaic acid is a topical treatment that can help reduce inflammation and acne-like bumps in rosacea. A 15% azelaic acid gel (Finacea) is available over the counter from pharmacies.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to use it and what to do if irritation develops. More information is available in our rosacea medication guide.

Facial rosacea is treatable

Rosacea is a long-term inflammatory skin condition that often requires different treatments at different stages. While rosacea is not curable, symptoms can usually be controlled with a combination of careful skin care, trigger management and medical treatment.

Daily cleansing, moisturising and sunscreen use help protect the skin barrier and reduce irritation. When symptoms are more active, treatments such as prescription medications or laser and IPL treatments may be recommended.

Rosacea treatment at Spot Check Clinic

Our doctors have experience in diagnosing and managing rosacea. A referral is not required for a rosacea assessment.

Treatment options may include:

• Prescription topical or oral medications
• BBL (BroadBand Light)
• vascular laser treatments
• Low-level LED light therapy