Anyone struggling to manage rosacea knows that using the right skin care ingredients is a crucial step in controlling flare-ups of redness and other rosacea symptoms. For many people, however, creating the perfect skin care routine for their flushed, sensitive skin can be a challenge, especially if they’re not sure which ingredients to stay away from and which can be beneficial.
If this sounds like you, don’t panic. Use this as a guide to help you navigate the countless skin care products on the shelves and choose the right ones to help keep your skin clear, comfortable, and healthy.
Skin Care Ingredients to Avoid
The first step to creating the right skin care routine to help calm rosacea is to know which ingredients can aggravate your symptoms. As a general rule, avoid ingredients that are known to cause dryness and irritation, as this can lead to the inflammation and redness that you’re trying to calm. Some common drying ingredients to watch out for include:
Fragrances
Peppermint oil
Eucalyptus oil
Certain alcohols
Witch hazel
People with rosacea should also avoid using foaming cleansers and toners, as these products can also cause dryness, which can trigger a flare-up.
Skin Care Ingredients to Choose
Once you’ve gotten rid of the products that could be contributing to your rosacea flares, it’s time to update your skin care routine to include skin-soothing and calming ingredients. Some of the best ingredients for people with rosacea are:
Green tea extract
Niacinamide
Linoleic oils
Chamomile
Aloe
Resveratrol
These ingredients not only help to gently moisturize the skin, but many of them also have calming properties to help keep inflammation at bay. Additionally, green tea extract is an excellent source of antioxidants, which can help to keep your skin protected from damage caused by the sun’s UV rays and air pollution (Dermascope).
Another important aspect of an effective skin care routine for rosacea is using a moisturizer that will help to repair the skin’s protective barrier. This outermost layer of skin is responsible for keeping water content sealed inside the skin, while simultaneously preventing harmful pollutants and irritants from getting inside (Yonsei Medical Journal). If this barrier is damaged or weakened, however, your skin can become very dry and susceptible to infection and exposure to other potentially harmful or irritating substances.
To help repair and protect the skin barrier and soothe skin inflammation, use a moisturizer like Zerafite Soothing and Calming Moisturizer or Replenix Power of 3. These products are gentle enough for dry, sensitive skin types and those with rosacea, yet can be very effective at replenishing moisture and nutrients for smooth, comfortable skin.
Rosacea sufferers are also encouraged to keep their skin care routines to a minimum to decrease the number of different ingredients to which their skin is exposed. Using a gentle cleanser and the right moisturizer, as well as any topical treatments you might use, can be sufficient to keep your skin clear and healthy.
Need Help with Your Skin Care Routine for Rosacea?
If you still can’t seem to find a skin care routine that works for you and helps calm your rosacea symptoms, your best bet is to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. He or she can recommend the right products and ingredients for your skin condition, as well as prescribe the most appropriate medications that could help to minimize your flare-ups. Ask about new prescription Rhofade™, a topical cream that can control redness and flushing for up to 12 hours, so you only need to apply it once in the morning as part of your regular routine.
If you don’t currently have a dermatologist whom you see regularly, you can find an STS-approved physician partner in your area who can help.
Dr. Leslie Baumann, M.D. and her team at Baumann Cosmetic Dermatology believe in proof, not promises. World-recognized for both cosmetic and general dermatology, our treatment strategies rely exclusively on evidence-based, scientifically verified products and procedures that promote skin health and a natural appearance. We combine effective medical procedures with individualized instruction on proper skincare, nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle in order to maximize the health of the skin and body as a whole while minimizing the effects of aging. For more, visit Dr. Baumann’s blog for daily updates Monday through Friday, or inquire about an appointment through Derm.net.