Everything You Need to Know for a Rosacea-Prone Skincare Routine

Did you know April is Rosacea Awareness Month? The National Rosacea Society (NRS) designates April as Rosacea Awareness Month to educate the public on the impact of this chronic and widespread condition that is estimated to affect more than 16 million Americans. Scroll to learn more from Dr. Viscusi!

What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes redness and visible blood vessels on the face. It often begins with a tendency to blush or flush more easily than other people. Each time we flush and blush, tiny capillaries are at risk and prone to breaking and leaking. This cyclical process of flushing and blushing damages the skin, leaving behind the visible red spots and blood vessels after a flare has subsided. Rosacea can present as only the redness described above, a combination of redness and papules and pustules (papulopustular, ie acne-like), and in as many of half (or more) of patients with cutaneous rosacea, rosacea may also affect the eyes (ocular rosacea). Left untreated, ocular rosacea can cause long term damage to the eyes. A dermatologist is essential to consult when managing this condition.

What Causes Rosacea?

The cause of rosacea is relatively unknown, but is likely due to a combination of hereditary and environmental factors.

What Are Common Rosacea Triggers?

There are some well known everyday factors that can cause flare-ups, including spicy foods, alcohol, heat, sun exposure, and exercise, among many more.

What Are Common Rosacea Symptoms?

Rosacea most commonly appears as visible red spots and blood vessels.It can also present as a combination of redness and papules and pustules (papulopustular, ie acne-like).

How Can Rosacea Be Treated?

While the condition is chronic, there are a variety of remedies to help treat rosacea. First, start by making an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists or PA’s (you can book HERE on our website or give us a call at 770-971-3376). Each individual’s treatment plan will vary based on the severity of their case. There are many topical therapies and oral medications available (both prescription and over the counter). Encouragingly, simple everyday lifestyle changes, such as avoidance of triggers and diligent DAILY use of a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen that is SPF 30-50 or higher.

What Ingredients Should Those With Rosacea Look for in Skincare Products?

Always be sure to use gentle skincare products, with skin-soothing and calming ingredients. Some of my favorite ingredients are Niacinamide, aloe, resveratrol, green tea extract and argan oil.

What Ingredients Should Those With Rosacea Avoid?

You should avoid irritating ingredients such as fragrances, benzoyl peroxide, camphor, sodium lauryl sulfate and menthol, as these can exacerbate flare ups.

What Steps Should a Rosacea-Prone Skincare Remedy Include?

Stick to a simple routine that includes a gentle cleanser, soothing moisturizer and, of course, a broad spectrum SPF 30-50 or higher with both UVA and UVB coverage.

Dr. Viscusi’s Top Product Picks for Rosacea Prone Skin

Zo Skin Health Rozatrol is one of my must-haves to address redness, flushing, inflammation and other symptoms of rosacea. It’s specifically designed to treat this condition.

For an essential staple in your nightly regimen, ISDIN Melatonik is my personal favorite. This restorative night serum helps to stimulate natural antioxidant defenses to assist the skin in recovering from daily stresses, including irritants that affect rosacea. It also uses a natural plant derived alternative to a retinal, bakuchiol. Bakuchiol provides the same key benefits of a retinol without the irritation, helping to repair, revitalize, and replenish the skin over the long term.

EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 is an ideal SPF for my rosacea-prone patients. I love that it effectively hydrates without clogging pores or irritating skin with fragrance. A major plus of this SPF is that it contains niacinamide which is a great anti-inflammatory to reduce redness. It’s oil-free and feels super comfortable and lightweight on the skin.