Leading dermatologists, ophthalmologists, researchers and others will answer questions about this chronic but treatable condition. New questions are answered every month, so be sure to check back regularly.
Friday, January 8, 2010
A
Response from Dr. Zoe Draelos, consulting professor, Department of Dermatology at Duke University School of Medicine, with a research interest in cosmetics, toiletries and biologically active skin medications, and author of the textbook Cosmetics in Dermatology:
Yes, moisturizer may be used after applying topical medication without affecting the therapeutic outcome of your prescription. In fact, moisturizer may often be of help in preventing the burning, stinging, itching and irritation associated with rosacea.
I usually advise my patients to wait five to 10 minutes after applying a topical medication before applying a moisturizer, and then wait another five to 10 minutes before applying makeup. This will give your skin a chance to better absorb the medication and keep it from coming off on your fingers as you apply the moisturizer. Waiting before applying makeup may in turn improve cosmetic results.
For more information, see the Skin Care & Cosmetics section.
Return to Ask the Doctors » Go to the "Ask the Doctors" Archive »
To submit a question, use the "Ask a Question" box above. Due to the volume of submissions, we cannot guarantee that all questions will be answered. In some cases, similar questions may receive a combined answer.
All medical information in “Ask the Doctors” has been provided by experts. However, the information posted here by Ask the Doctors contributors should not be considered medical advice, nor is it intended to replace consultation with a physician. Rosacea may vary substantially from one patient to another, and diagnosis and treatment must be tailored by a physician for each individual case.
The NRS does not evaluate, endorse or recommend any particular health-care providers, medications, products, equipment or treatments. Links to other Web sites are provided as a service to our users, and do not constitute endorsement of the sites by the NRS or the Ask the Doctors experts. The NRS is not responsible for the content of external Web sites.
Please see our disclaimer page.
The National Rosacea Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the lives of people with rosacea by raising awareness, providing public health information and supporting medical research on this widespread but little-known disorder. The information the Society provides should not be considered medical advice, nor is it intended to replace
consultation with a qualified physician. The Society does not evaluate, endorse or recommend any particular medications, products, equipment or treatments. Rosacea may vary substantially from one patient to another, and treatment must be tailored by a physician for each individual case. For more information, visit About Us.