For those with rosacea, creating a gentle, non-irritating skincare routine can make a huge difference in how your skin looks and feels while also helping to improve the effectiveness of rosacea treatments.
The following tips from our board-certified dermatologists will show you how to set up a rosacea-friendly skincare routine of your very own.
Gently wash your face twice daily.
Do you avoid washing your face to prevent rosacea flare-ups? The thing is, under-washing can lead to skin problems for those with rosacea, too.
The key is to create a gentle face washing routine using non-irritating products. Here are some tips to help you get started.
- Gently wash your face using a mild cleanser in the morning and evening.
- Using your fingertips, slowly work the cleanser into your skin in a circular motion.
- Rinse with lukewarm water. And be sure to thoroughly remove all of the cleanser.
- Pat dry (rather than rub) with a soft, cotton cloth.
The two most important things to remember are to go slowly and be thorough. Set aside plenty of time to treat your skin with great care.
Don’t skip the moisturizer.
Moisturizing can improve the results achieved with rosacea treatments. Plus, hydrated skin always feels better than tight, rough, thirsty skin.
Follow your face-washing routine with a non-irritating moisturizer. Continue reading for a list of ingredients we recommend those with rosacea avoid in skincare products.
Practice proper sun protection.
“We have a broad armamentarium of options for prescription medication management for rosacea. My regimen often includes sunscreen, cleanser and topical cream.” –Sami Waitzman, PA-C
Sun exposure is one of the most common causes of rosacea flare-ups. Those with this condition need to practice proper sun protection. Here’s what we recommend…
- Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher every day.
- Cover up with long sleeves and hats when spending prolonged periods outdoors.
- Workout in a cool environment (gym or basement) when possible.
- Avoid excessively hot or cold temperatures when possible, as both can lead to flare-ups.
It’s a good idea to wear sunscreen every day—even in the winter and on cloudy days. Make it a non-negotiable part of your routine to help keep those rosacea flare-ups at bay.
Use non-irritating skincare products.
Carefully choosing non-irritating moisturizers, cleansers and makeup can help limit rosacea flare-ups. We recommend those with rosacea avoid products containing the following ingredients:
- Alcohol
- Menthol
- Lactic acid
- Camphor
- Urea
- Fragrance
- Glycolic acid
- Sodium laurel sulfate
Also, instead of opting for unscented products, look fragrance-free on the label since these aren’t interchangeable phrases.
For those dealing with rosacea, we highly recommend a gentle face cleansing and moisturizing routine, wearing sunscreen and avoiding products with irritating ingredients. Your skin will certainly thank you!
But if you’d like personalized advice for managing rosacea from world-class skincare experts, make an appointment to see any of our skilled providers today!
