Tips for Treating Rosacea

Rosacea can be a very temperamental skin condition to treat.

The initial treatment for rosacea is to avoid known triggers or factors that make symptoms worse.

These factors can be unique to every individual but the most important step is to avoid exposure to the sun.
So apply sunscreen daily, preferably a physical one that doesn’t contain chemicals.

Use products for sensitive skin
Rosacea sufferers have skin that is unusually vulnerable to chemicals and irritants, so avoid products which may cause irritation like alcohol, astringents and abrasives (microdermabrasion). 

Use a product with light exfoliation 
Salicylic Acid exfoliation is key for getting rid of acne associated with Rosacea. Salicylic acid not only exfoliates the skin but also reduces redness and eliminates dry, flaky skin. It's for anyone with rosacea who also has acne or blackheads!  

Rosacea without acne Polyhydroxy Acids is the best exfoliating ingredient for sensitive skin.  It strengthens the skin's protective barrier, making it less vulnerable to irritants, and reduces skin redness. 

Use an anti-inflammatory acid to reduce redness
Azelaic acid helps to unblock pores and reduce inflammation (redness and swelling). 

Use a product containing Antioxidants (Vitamin C) 
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) has been shown to be particularly beneficial in reducing redness. Start off with a lower concentration to prevent any irritation.

Recommended products to help you combat rosacea:

STEP 1 - Cleansers for Rosacea (am/pm):

Medik8 Calmwise cleanser

NeoStrata Clarifying Facial Cleanser (for acne rosacea)

Neostrata Facial cleanser

STEP 2 - PREVENT - (Antioxidants/Vitamin C - am)

SkinCeuticals Serum 10
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Medik8 C Tetra
Jan Marini C-Esta Serum

STEP 3 - TREAT - Rosacea treatment products:

Medik8 Calmwise Serum

SkinCeuticals Redness Neutralizer

Jan Marini Bioglycolic Bioclear Facial Lotion (Acne Rosacea)

Jan Marini Rosalieve

STEP 4 - Moisturisers Suitable for Rosacea sufferers:

A moisturiser that repairs the skin barrier and promotes healing is a great idea, especially if you suffer from rosacea.

Look for a moisturising formula containing ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol, all of which will help minimise symptoms of redness, stinging, and dryness.

Normal skin types – Medik8 Hydr8 Night or Neostrata Ultra-Moisturising face cream or ZENMED AVT Cream or Medik8 Redness Corrector
Dry skin types - NeoStrata Bionic Face Cream – PHA 12 or NeoStrata Bio-Hydrating Cream or Zenmed Omegaceramide + Recovery Moisturizer
Oily skin types – SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective or Jan Marini Age Intervention Peptide or Hydrating B5.

STEP 5 Always use a high SPF mineral sunscreen daily (AM):

Look for non-chemical sunscreens (mineral/physical) that contain zinc or titanium dioxide and deliver UVA/UVB protection with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Jan Marini Physical Protectant SPF 30
Neostrata Sheer Physical SPF 50
SkinCeuticals Mineral Radiance (tinted) /Sheer Mineral SPF50