Rosacea is the name for the skin condition that leaves red patches across your nose and cheeks. It’s harmless and very common, but for those of us striving for clear skin, it can be something of a problem area.
The look of rosacea can vary depending on how serious the condition is, but it ranges from small light patches of redness that come and go to large blotchy patches that are sore and inflamed.
You may also experience:
- A stinging or burning sensation
- Broken blood vessels
- Dry patches of skin
- Red patches that are permanent
Here at Face Dr, we have a team of skincare experts who have been treating clients with all sorts of skin conditions—including rosacea. We know how much skin can affect our self-confidence, so do everything we can to help treat our clients' problem areas.
When it comes to rosacea, there isn't a cure. But luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce the look of redness, including at-home skincare products you can incorporate into your daily skincare routine.
Want to skip the research and get tailored recommendations for the skincare ingredients you should be using? We offer free online skincare consultations where you can find out the best ingredients, products and routine for your skin.
Interested in which ingredients we recommend for other common skincare concerns? We’ve covered what to look out for if you have acne, oily skin or dull skin.
Which ingredients to avoid for rosacea
Before we dive into the best ingredients for rosacea, are there any you should be avoiding altogether? Absolutely. Unfortunately, those with rosacea often have very sensitive skin and the wrong ingredients could cause a flare up, essentially making the problem worse. So you want to try and avoid any products that are too harsh.
As with everything in skincare, this varies from person to person, so what is okay for one person, may not be for another.
In general, steer clear of these common skincare ingredients, or be sure to consult a skincare professional before using them who can give you the best advice for you and your skin:
- Salicylic acid
- Glycolic acid
- Hydroquinone
- Benzoyl peroxide
The best ingredients to treat rosacea
In the market for skincare products to tackle rosacea? Make a note of these common ingredients that can help to reduce the redness, soreness and inflammation of rosacea. You’ll find them in everything from masks to moisturisers, cleansers to serums.
#1 Botanical extracts
Product to try: SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective
Botanical extracts are natural ingredients from plants that often come in a concentrated form when found in skincare. For rosacea, look out for the term botanical extracts in general or for ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile and cucumber. These botanicals soothe red skin and calm irritation and work to reduce inflammation.
#2 Niacinamide
Product to try: PCA Skin Dual Action Redness Relief
Made from vitamin B3, Niacinamide can work wonders on rosacea. As well as minimising redness, it can also fight acne, reduce the signs of aging and lighten the look of discolouration. Niacinamide works as an anti-inflammatory that can help to reduce the look of redness and soreness.
#3 Glycerin
Product to try: ZO Skin Health Rozatrol
Glycerin is used as a powerful hydrating ingredient that locks moisture into the skin. It can also give you a cooling sensation to help ease any discomfort from the stinging or burning caused by rosacea. Glycerin can also help to protect the skin from environmental damage and strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier, both of which are important for those with sensitive skin.
#4 Vitamin C
Product to try: Obagi Medical Professional-C Serum 10%
Vitamin C is often talked about as the wonder ingredient in skincare. It can help with everything from fine lines to acne scars, uneven complexion to dryness. And, of course, rosacea. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to protect the skin and promotes healing. It’s also an anti-inflammatory, so it works to calm the skin and reduce redness.
#5 Zinc Oxide
Product to try: Colorscience All Calm Clinical Redness Corrector SPF 50
Zinc Oxide is a common ingredient in sunscreens which, as with all types of skin conditions, is an important part of managing rosacea. As the sun can trigger a rosacea flare up, it’s important to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen all year round.
But, apart from sunscreen, zinc oxide can be found in masks, serums and creams. It helps to calm inflammation and redness as well as reducing the look of large pores. Plus, it’s safe for those with sensitive skin as it’s non-irritating.
Which product is best for rosacea?
So, there you have it, the top five ingredients to look out for when shopping for skincare products for rosacea. But which one is the best? That all depends on your skin type and the severity of your rosacea. And now you know which ingredients to look for, it’s time to find the perfect product for you.
To get an expert opinion, you can book a free online skincare consultation. Our skin experts can talk you through which ingredients are best for you and your skin and give you some product recommendations to get you started on your journey of tackling rosacea.
We only work with select brands that have been tried and tested to give the best results, so you can be sure you’re getting product recommendations that you can trust.
