The Basics of Rosacea Skin Care

Highly sensitive skin is characteristic of rosacea. To properly care for your skin, follow this daily four-step, skin-care regimen.

Cleanse:Skin cleansing should remove dirt without upsetting your skin’s protective layers or natural pH balance. Everyday soaps and cleansers are often harsh, causing dryness and irritation. Because rosacea–prone skin can be easily irritated, it is important to cleanse with a non-irritating, soap-free, oil-free and fragrance-free, gentle skin cleanser. Use as small an amount of cleanser as possible and apply it gently with your fingers. Rinse with plenty of lukewarm water and blot with a soft towel.

Medicate:There is no substitute for medical treatment in the effective management of rosacea. Once diagnosed, carefully follow your prescribed treatment. Apply your prescription medication in a thin layer across the affected areas only and allow it to dry before applying moisturizer, makeup or sunscreen. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Often you will need to experiment with several sunscreens before finding the one that suits you. Apply your sunscreen often and liberally to all exposed areas when outdoors, whether during the summer or winter. Consult your pharmacist for additional information on sunscreens.

Moisturize: Rosacea and other skin conditions noted for dryness can upset your facial skin’s normal protective barrier. To help restore moisture without causing irritation, apply a long-lasting water-based moisturizer in a cream or lotion formulation. Make sure you choose a product that does not contain fragrances or lanolin.

Maintain:You can help maintain your skin’s normal healthy state by cleansing and moisturizing your face once in the morning and again before bedtime.