Crafting a Skin Care Routine for Rosacea
Rosacea is a common skin condition affecting 1 in 20 people worldwide. There are generally two types, known medically as (1) papulopustular type, or acne-like, and (2) erythematotelangiectatic type. In the first type, patients develop a mix of pimples that can be small or large and tender as well as redness. The second type usually presents as redness or flushing of the face alone that can last anywhere from a few minutes to weeks or months at a time. Patients note a warming sensation on the skin when flareups occur, along with dryness, itching, and even thickening of the skin.
While not life threatening, dealing with rosacea symptoms can be frustrating and negatively impact a patient’s self-confidence. However, once properly diagnosed, the condition can be controlled and symptoms mitigated with the proper skincare routine. The right skincare can even reduce flareups and improve the results you get from alternative rosacea treatments! Here are some dermatologist-recommend tips on crafting a rosacea-friendly skincare routine:
Before Getting Started:
Know What You’re Buying
It’s important that patients with rosacea avoid products that contain harsh additives like alcohol, glycolic and lactic acids, menthol, and camphor, and sodium lauryl sulfate. The best way to remember what to avoid is to go “fragrance-free” and choose products made for sensitive skin and/or are “non-comedogenic,” meaning that they won’t clog the pores of your skin.
Be Gentle With Your Skin
Before applying any products in your skincare routine, remember to be gentle with your application. Using washcloths or facial sponges can irritate your skin and cause a flare, so apply products with your fingertips in a gentle, sweeping motion to avoid unnecessary irritation. Avoid rubbing and scrubbing and remove any harsh exfoliants from your routine.
Your Rosacea-Friendly Skin Care Routine:
- Cleanse Skin Twice Daily
Dirt and oil on the skin can actually worsen rosacea irritation, so it’s important to cleanse both in the morning and at night. Choose a mild, rosacea-friendly like Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Facial Cleanser or EltaMD Skin Recovery Cleanser and apply it gently using only your fingertips. Pat your clean skin dry with a clean, cotton towel.
- Remember to Moisturize
Studies show that rosacea patients who apply a moisturizer to their skin twice daily after cleansing experienced less dryness, peeling, and roughness compared to those that did not. Even if you experience more oiliness with a rosacea flare, it’s important to hydrate your skin as it helps to restore essential lipids in your skin, making your skin feel more comfortable and less irritated.
- Use Sunscreen Year-Round
Sun exposure is the most frequent cause of rosacea flareups in patients of all skin tones and types, so it’s important that you stay protected year-round to avoid the unnecessary irritation. Applying a water-resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen to your face, even on cloudy days, and wearing sun protective clothing like wide-brim hats and sunglasses, can help prevent flareups.
Some sunscreens can seriously irritate rosacea-prone skin. Look for fragrance-free mineral sunscreens to help avoid any irritation. We recommend Vanicream Facial Moisturizer. To avoid the appearance of a white cast leftover after application, we recommend a micronized mineral or tinted mineral sunscreen. Try ISDIN tinted sunscreen or EltaMD UV AOX elements.
- Apply Makeup as Desired
The right colored concealer can help hide discoloration and redness during a flare. Choose a yellow-tinted concealer to mask discoloration and a green-tinted concealer to hide redness.
It’s also best to choose water-based or powder makeup as these are less likely to irritate your skin.
If you or someone you know thinks they might have rosacea, it’s important to seek out a proper medical diagnosis to ensure proper treatment of the condition. Call or visit our website today to schedule a consultation at either our Cranberry or Shadyside locations.