Rosacea: skin care, symptoms, triggers, and helpful resources.
It tends to begin after age 30, and over time the red areas can become inflamed and develop visible blood vessels, bumps and pimples. In some people, rosacea also affects the eyes, which can become watery, bloodshot and irritated. Rosacea is most common in women with fair skin who tend to blush easily, but many men have this condition as well.
Both of my parents have rosacea, so I am probably at high risk for developing this condition. My mother's symptoms are best classified under Subtype 1, known as erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. This form is defined by persistent redness and flushing with visible blood vessels but without swelling, pimples or thickening of the facial tissue.
My father has Subtype 4, ocular rosacea, which affects the eyes and is defined by redness, swelling, and frequent inflamed bumps (styes). He has not suffered corneal damage, but this can occur in advanced stages of ocular rosacea.
The good news is that rosacea is treatable. For acute flare-ups, oral and topical antibiotics may be prescribed to get the symptoms under control. Long-term management includes proper skin care, diligent sun protection, and avoidance of triggers. Some of the most common triggers of rosacea are listed below (see "Rosacea Triggers").
Skin Care for Rosacea
Below, find skin care designed to manage rosacea symptoms.
Because many of us are on a strict budget at the moment, I have included options at a variety of prices. It is certainly possible to find reasonably priced skin care products that work very well, and once you discover your favorites, there are plenty of ways to save money on them.
Here are a few suggestions:
- Buy skin care products in bulk on Amazon.
- Subscribe to receive scheduled shipments and get a discount. This often comes with free shipping.
- When you shop for rosacea treatments at specialized skin care stores, keep an eye out for special offers like free shipping, free gifts with purchase, and monthly discounts.
Featured Skin Care Products
Eucerin Redness Relief Soothing Cleanser 6.8 fl oz (200 ml)
Eucerin Redness Relief Soothing Cleanser gently yet effectively cleanses as it soothes visibly red skin. Gentle, soap-free gel removes makeup and impurities without irritation.
Maintains skin's moisture balance -- won't leave a dry, tight feeling. Fragrance-free, soap-free, non-irritating, won't clog pores.
All Eucerin Redness Relief products are safe and effective for sensitive skin and Rosacea.
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 12/31/2009) 
MyChelle Capillary Calming Serum, Unscented, 1-Ounce Bottle
For relief of redness related to rosacea, couperose and weak capillaries. The leader in Educated Skin Care with the ultimate in bioactives.
All Skin Types Capillary Calming Serum soothes and calms skin with Canadian willow herb, gotukola and arnica, while totatrol, spin trap, tocotrienols and blue algae provide ultimate antioxidant protection.
This skin calming formula soothes and relieves inflammation while strengthening the capillary walls to improve circulation and toxin removal. Relieves redness and irritability.
Save an extra 15% on this product with Subscribe & Save. Free shipping.
Amazon Price: $33.73 (as of 12/31/2009)
Elicina Crema de Caracol Snail Cream Eliminates & Softens Wrinkles, Acne, Rosacea, Scars, Burns, Age Spots & Stretch Marks
This light, quick-absorbing skin cream is organic, natural and hypoallergenic.
I thought skin care made of snail secretions sounded gross, but a friend insisted I try some of hers. Don't worry: it doesn't actually feel like you are smearing slime from a snail's nether end on your skin.
Amazon Price: $23.70 (as of 12/31/2009)
Zenmed Skin Support System For Rosacea 1 - Gentle Cleansing Cream 6 oz. 1 - Anti-Redness Mask 2 oz. 1 - Support Serum 2 oz.
ZENMED, creator of the internationally recognized line of skin therapies, specifically targets those suffering from the symptoms of rosacea.
This is an advanced skin care system that has gotten consistently high ratings and positive reviews from both consumers and skin care professionals.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/31/2009)
Pevonia RS2 Rosacea Line- RS2 Gentle Cleanser (6.8oz)
Cleanse and desensitize! Ideal for hypersensitivity, this creamy, hydrosoluble RS2 Gentle Cleanser gently removes impurities while calming and desensitizing. Experience the cooling and decongesting benefits of Allantoin and French Rose essential oil as they gently combine to render your skin refreshingly clean.
Benefits: Creamy texture -Water soluble -Rinses without residue -Cools, decongests -Suitable for all skin with microcirculation problems
Amazon Price: $18.75 (as of 12/31/2009)
Advanced Skin Care Treatment Solutions for Rosacea
Skin care brands that specialize in rosacea treatment.
B. Kamins
B. Kamins Chemist combines physician-grade, clinical skin care for rosacea with cosmetic treatments. The result: gentle skin care products that reduce redness and inflammation.
Avene
If your primary rosacea symptoms are redness and irritation, Avene is an excellent choice for mild, soothing skin care. Rooted in dermatology and hydrotherapy, this company has over 260 years of expertise in the management of sensitive skin.
La Roche Posay
A company with strict standards for quality and efficacy, La Roche Posay tests its skin care products in clinical studies at major dermatological centers worldwide. Its gentle formulations for rosacea are safe for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone.
Your Rosacea Symptoms
Vote for the skin care category most useful for your rosacea symptoms.
If you suffer from rosacea, please vote in this poll so I can tailor the skin care products on this page to address the rosacea symptoms that are most problematic for you. If you suffer from rosacea symptoms that I have failed to include in this poll, you are welcome to leave a message in the guestbook to let me know more about your specific skin care needs. Thanks!
Rosacea Triggers
Things that tend to irritate the skin and trigger rosacea symptoms.
It isn't possible to avoid rosacea triggers completely, of course. But once you know what tends to make your rosacea worse, you can start to design a customized personal strategy for skin care and protection to help yourself heal.Common triggers for rosacea symptoms in people who have this skin condition include the following:
- Exposure to sun or wind.
- Hot, humid weather.
- Cold weather.
- Certain medications, such as vasodilators (these cause blood vessels to expand, and are often used to treat high blood pressure) and topical steroids (anti-inflammatories used to treat eczema and psoriasis).
- Vigorous exercise.
- Hot baths, showers or saunas.
- Drinking alcohol.
- Eating spicy foods.
- Menopause.
- Emotional stress or anxiety.
- Cosmetic or skin care products containing alcohol, fragrances, witch hazel, or any other ingredient that can cause stinging or irritation.
Books on Rosacea
Guides and reference books to help you control your rosacea with skin care, diet, and other methods.
Begoun and Barron's Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, a classic book in its seventh edition, is an excellent reference on common cosmetic ingredients that may aggravate rosacea and other skin conditions.
Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition
I highly recommend this guide for anyone with rosacea. You'll learn how to identify certain ingredients in skin care products that may trigger or aggravate your symptoms of rosacea, and how to choose skin care and makeup alternatives that can help reduce redness and inflammation during rosacea flare-ups.
Amazon Price: $21.56 (as of 12/31/2009)
Used Price: $9.10
Usually ships in 24 hours
Rosacea: Your Self-Help Guide
An introductory overview of rosacea symptoms, triggers, and treatments. This is a good choice for people recently diagnosed with rosacea who need information about the available options for managing this condition. The author briefly covers skin care and cosmetic treatments for rosacea, and focuses in greater detail on nutritional strategies.
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 12/31/2009)
Used Price: $2.08
Usually ships in 24 hours
Share Your Feedback on This Rosacea Page
Has this page provided effective skin care solutions for managing your rosacea?
Here is your opportunity to let me know whether you have found this page on rosacea skin care helpful. If there is anything else you would like to see here that might help you deal with your specific rosacea symptoms or triggers, I would be more than happy to include this information. Your comments will help improve this page, and no doubt there are other people out there seeking the same skin care advice that you are looking for -- so please don't hesitate to share your questions and comments on skin care for rosacea. I appreciate your feedback.
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Reply
- 24websurf 24websurf Oct 26, 2009 @ 2:15 pm
- Great resources and information! I have rosacea as my father does characterized by bumps and sometimes red tender splotches on my legs and feet. Thank you for the information! ~ Blessed by a Squid Angel ~!
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Reply
- cjsysreform cjsysreform Aug 24, 2009 @ 8:05 am | in reply to BarbRad
- It's pretty much impossible to avoid all rosacea triggers. I think the key is to anticipate when you are going to be most likely to have increased symptoms, and prepare to spend some extra time and effort on managing your symptoms at those times. For example, if you know you'll be outside all day in hot weather or gusting winds, take along a pack of anti-inflammatory treatment pads or wet towelettes. Helpful skin care ingredients to look for in pre-moistened facial cleansing pads include cucumber, aloe, tea tree oil, arnica and licorice extract.
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Reply
- BarbRad BarbRad Aug 23, 2009 @ 11:32 pm
- You have provided a lot of helpful information. I already use one of the products which was recommended in one of the books I bought a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, I can't avoid some of the triggers -- like the weather and activity.
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National Rosacea Society: Ask the Doctors
Questions from individuals with rosacea, with answers from doctors.
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