Rosacea is a condition that involves the facial blood vessels, according to the website Rosacea. Certain triggers can cause instant dilation, resulting in flushed, bumpy skin. When ignored or untreated, pimples can develop and blood vessels might become visible. Spicy foods, hot drinks and alcohol can all trigger attacks. Excess sunlight can also cause an outbreak. If you suffer from rosacea, use skin care products with as few ingredients as possible, advises Dermatologist Coyle Connolly, D.O., of New Jersey.
Cleansers
A survey conducted by the National Rosacea Society names several ingredients in skin care products that may cause irritation. They include menthol, alcohol, witch hazel, peppermint, clove oil, eucalyptus oil and anything with added fragrances. Connolly recommends soap-free cleansers; in particular, the Cetaphil cleansing bar from Galderma or La-Roche-Posay's Cleansing Bar. The Cetaphil product is available for either normal or oily skin. The La-Roche-Posay bar is good for sensitive skin.
Moisturizers
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends waiting a while after washing your face before you apply any other products because wet skin is more absorbent. Connolly suggests Tolerin Skin Care, also from La-Roche-Posay, to his clients. He says it is lighter because it is water-based, and it does not contain the preservative propylene glycol as many moisturizers do; propylene glycol can cause stinging. Tolerin Skin Care is available by prescription. Connolly recommends Cetaphil's moisturizer if you want to purchase one over-the-counter.
Shaving
Shaving can be a trial-and-error process if you suffer from rosacea. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests keeping a record of what shaving products cause a flare-up and switching as necessary until you find one that doesn't. Use an electric razor if possible. If you prefer to shave with a blade, the website Rosacea-Ltd IV suggests Noxzema Shaving Cream for Sensitive Skin.
Makeup
Connolly warns that many toners contain both alcohol and fragrances. He recommends BioClear to his patients, manufactured by Genesis Pharmaceuticals. He suggests sticking to oil-in-water-based cosmetics if you suffer from rosacea because they're lighter. He also suggests searching for brands with the terms "non-comedogenic" and "non-acnegenic" on their labels. For removing makeup, he recommends Tolerin Dermo Cleanser, which you can get from your doctor.
Sunscreens
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that you get in the habit of wearing sunscreen every day. Check labels to make sure you are purchasing one that does not contain any alcohol or fragrance. Look for one that has both UVA and UVB protection, an SPF of 30 or more and contains silicone, which could be indicated by the words dimethicone or cyclomethicone.
