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Rosacea, while not as common as other skin conditions, affects around 10% of Australians and unfortunately, has no cure. It can be managed with topical rosacea creams to reduce inflammation, redness, and bumpy skin. In this article we will do a round-up of our favourite rosacea-friendly skincare products that are available.
What is rosacea?
Rosacea (pronounced: ro-SAY-sha) is a chronic inflammatory disorder where the most commonly experienced symptom is redness across the centre of the face (nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead). This redness is constant and intensifies during certain periods or as a result of exacerbating factors. Spots that are often mistaken for acne, rough skin, and visible blood vessels (‘telangiectasia’) can also develop as rosacea progresses.
People with rosacea tend to flush or blush, especially when they feel nervous or anxious, when consuming alcohol and spicy food, or after they are in the sun. Cold, dry weather can also make rosacea flare up. Having dry, itchy, and sensitive skin that reacts to skincare products are also commonly reported symptoms.
It most often affects women over the age of 30 with lighter skin tones, although it can develop at any age, and can occur in deeper skin tones. In men over 50, rosacea can present as thickened, red and lumpy, bulbous skin, particularly on the nose (called ‘rhinophyma’).
If you suspect you may have rosacea, you should visit a dermatologist or contact a telehealth skincare provider to have them prescribe a tailored rosacea cream.
Treating rosacea: Prescription creams
When it comes to medical rosacea treatments you can visit a doctor or dermatologist in person or use a telehealth medicine provider to consult a doctor online through a one-to-one video call. They can help you identify your rosacea triggers and explain which of the rosacea treatments and skincare options are right for you.
Using clinical guidelines based on the most current and best-available evidence they will design a cream with a fully customised blend of active ingredients that can be adjusted to suit your skin’s tolerance, allergies, and sensitivity level, available only by prescription.
Prescription rosacea creams will contain powerful active ingredients such as:
Azelaic acid – to minimise spots, calm inflammation, kill bacteria, and unclog pores that can lead to the acne-like bumps.
Niacinamide – soothes inflammation and improves the function of the skin barrier.
Metronidazole – a topical antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiprotozol used to treat mild to moderate rosacea. Multiple clinical trials have shown the effectiveness and safety of this drug when it comes to treating rosacea and reducing diffused redness.
Prescription retinoids – these should only be included in skincare regimens after you are able to manage your rosacea. Even then, only prescription-strength retinoids that are well-tolerated by sensitive skin should be used.
A rosacea-friendly skincare routine
Did you know that loading your skin with products, using grainy exfoliants, or abrasive cleansing tools (including overzealous rubbing with a soft face cloth or washer) can cause rosacea flare-ups or encourage persistent redness?
What to DO
- Keep your skincare routine simple.
- Use gentle, fragrance-free products.
- Use your fingers massage your skin during cleansing.
- Keep cleansing to a minimum.
- Find a sunscreen that doesn’t sting.
- Rinse your skin using lukewarm water.
- Focus on moisturising.
What NOT to do
- Use complicated, multi-step skincare routines.
- Choose heavily-fragranced products with long ingredient lists.
- Use cleansing brushes, devices, or cloths.
- Double-cleansing.
- Use hot water on the face or take hot baths/showers.
- Think exfoliants are the answer to dry skin.
- Expose skin to UV radiation from the sun on a daily basis.
The best skincare products for rosacea
Here are some of our top skincare picks for rosacea that work on soothing and calming the skin, as well as reducing redness, dryness, and inflammation:
1. Cleanser: Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser
This gentle cleanser for very sensitive skin is from one of the best skincare brands for rosacea. The Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser has been designed with reactive and rosacea-prone skin in mind, the cream-gel formulation cleanses skin without stripping it of vital moisture. Containing a unique UltraCalming Complex of oat and botanical actives, this cleanser blocks inflammatory triggers to reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.
2. Anti-redness serum: REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Redness Relief Serum
Comfort and protect sensitive, dry, and easily irritated complexions the Evercalm Redness Relief Serum is clinically proven to reduce the look of redness after just 30 minutes. This velvety serum harnesses white mushroom extract to help comfort, calm, and reduce the appearance of redness. Formulated for sensitive and stressed skin in mind, it’s powered by beta-carotene and biosaccharide to combat sensitising free radicals that come from environmental pollution. This fast-acting formula eases dryness, tightness, and itchiness as it strengthens your skin’s moisture barrier.
3. Soothing cream: SkinCeuticals Redness Neutralizer
SkinCeuticals Redness Neutralizer is a treatment developed to improve the skin’s protective barrier, stopping the triggers for rosacea from taking effect. This gel-cream also reduces redness and flushing by calming irritation during a flare-up by up to 30%. Blending peptides with natural actives, this antioxidant-rich serum can be used both in the morning and evening to dramatically improve the signs of rosacea.
4. Face mask: SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque
This calming facial mask cools on contact, comforts skin, and restores your skin’s natural radiance and smoothness. SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque has been clinically tested post-procedure to effectively reduce visual redness and discomfort. This facial mask has multifaceted uses that include daily reactivity post workout, sun exposure, or hot bath. It can also be used post in-clinic procedure such as after laser or IPL treatment.
5. Face mist: La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water Mist
Refresh your skin during the day with a spritz of La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water: a delightful way to deliver an instant hydration boost. Immediately soothing sensitivity and rosacea, this lightweight mist can be used throughout the day to calm the skin and protect it from harsh environmental conditions. Should your skin suddenly feeling tight, dehydrated, and reactive, a quick misting will go a long way to rebalance your complexion.
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