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Skincare Routine for Rosacea: a Go-To Guide for Care and Products
In your pursuit for information on the best skincare routine for rosacea, you have probably stumbled across a lot of anecdotal recommendations that have absolutely no grounding in medical evidence. So if you're in need of a quick, easy to understand guide on what the best skincare routine for rosacea is, we've consulted the experts to help.
The symptoms of rosacea mean that you will likely need to adapt your skin care routine a little and carefully scrutinize formulas. For example, you may find that some of the ingredients typically found in products created for night skin care routines are too rich, or that they can even exacerbate the redness and soreness. Dr. Ifeoma Ejikeme, medical consultant, skin expert, and founder of the West London-based Adonia Medical Clinic, says this medical condition is characterized by facial flushing, swelling, and acne-like breakouts, to name a few.
Rosacea is a chronic medical condition characterized by erythema (redness), flushing, pimples or pustules, and sometimes burning sensations, Dr. Ejikeme explains. It tends to have a waxing and waning course, with some periods of skin flaring. However, at other times, it can actually become dormant.
While there currently is no cure for rosacea at this time, Dr. Ejikeme says looking into skincare for rosacea (more on that after the jump!) can help manage your symptoms.
To help you identify the different types of rosacea, find rosacea-safe products, and adopt a better skincare regimen going forward, below is your need-to- know cheat sheet, sure to help you to manage your symptoms and keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
Types of rosacea
Finding the right skincare routine for rosacea definitely starts with identifying the four different types of rosacea, which tend to vary in appearance, according to Dr. Ejikeme.
There are four main subtypes of rosacea, she tells ishonest. These include erythemtolegantictic rosacea, papulopustular rosacea, phytamous rosacea, and ocular rosacea. If you are experiencing any of the warning signs below, the first step of action is to chat with your physician, who may start treatment or refer you to a board-certified dermatologist.
Subtype 1: Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), this form of rosacea causes redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels. It is also the most common form of rosacea, according to Dr. Ejikeme, and typically is seen in the mid- face, cheeks, and nose areas.
Subtype 2: Papulopustular Rosacea
Papulopustular rosacea is characterized by central-face redness, swelling, and acne-like breakouts (or pustules), making it easy to confuse with acne vulgaris, according to the AAD.
Subtype 3: Phymatous Rosacea
Phymatous rosacea causes the skin to have a thick and bumpy texture, according to the AAD. Similarly, Dr. Ejikeme adds that this form of rosacea also causes enlargement of the nose (with telangiectasia), and is usually more common in men.
Subtype 4: Ocular Rosacea
Defined by watery bloodshot eyes, Dr. Ejikeme says this form of rosacea causes stinging, burning, or light sensitivity in the eyes. Additionally, it's also worth noting that ocular rosacea can also extend to the eyelid area as well, as the AAD states that it can cause the lids to appear red and swollen.
Symptoms of rosacea
Symptoms of rosacea differ depending on what specific subtype the person has. Typical symptoms include:
- Flushing and redness
- Visible blood vessels
- Pustules
- Enlarged nose
- Swollen and irritated eyelids
The many symptoms of rosacea can include everything from visible blood vessels and redness to pustules and eye sensitivities
The best skincare routine for rosacea
Over-the-counter skincare can be helpful in managing rosacea symptoms. However, you'll want to choose skincare for rosacea based on how your rosacea presents itself, Dr. Ejikeme explains.
Find a face cream with barrier-protecting ingredients
Some people have rosacea and have very dry skin, Dr. Ejikeme adds. In this case, you need to use ingredients that fortify the barrier function. These include hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, and fatty acids.
Ed's tip: Be on the lookout for a face cream with moisturizing ingredients that help strengthen the skin's barrier, as this can help calm down redness and inflammation. We love the soothing cocktail chock-full of fatty acids present in Murad Intense Recovery Cream, which is a balmy, non-sticky moisturizer made for both face and eyes (!): shea butter and macadamia oil nourish any skin dryness, and mirabilis jalapa plant extract soothes irritation and redness associated with rosacea.