In a National Rosacea Society survey of 1,066 patients, 41% reported that certain skin care products aggravated their condition, and 27% said certain cosmetics also caused rosacea flare-ups. However, consistent, gentle skin care and effective use of makeup can significantly improve the look and health of your skin. The key is to be patient as you figure out the products and techniques that minimize irritation. The National Rosacea Society has also introduced a Seal of Acceptance program to help identify rosacea-friendly skin care products and cosmetics.
Here are some tips to help you look for products that are appropriate for sensitive skin or skin with rosacea, while avoiding ingredients that may sting, burn or cause flare-ups:
- Watch for common rosacea irritants. In surveys conducted by the National Rosacea Society, many patients cited the following ingredients as triggers for irritation: alcohol (66%), witch hazel (30%), fragrance (30%), menthol (21%), peppermint (14%) and eucalyptus oil (13%). Additionally, most respondents said they avoided astringents, exfoliating agents and other types of products that may be too harsh for sensitive skin.
- Choose fragrance-free skin care and makeup products. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, "Fragrances cause more allergic contact dermatitis than any other ingredient." Skin is a vast portal for allergens, and irritation caused by allergies can weaken skin even more. Using fragrance-free and allergy-tested products reduces your risk of skin irritation. (Note: "hypoallergenic” is a term that is not clearly defined by the cosmetics industry and is not the same as “allergy-tested.”)
- Test a product first. Before using a product on your whole face, try it on a patch of skin in a peripheral area, such as the neck or jawline. Apply a small amount and wait at least a few hours. If you have a reaction, avoid the product and note the ingredients in your rosacea diary. Rosacea irritants may vary from person to person, so your individual skin's reaction should be your guide.
- Avoid scrubbing and exfoliating. Use soft cotton pads, clean fingertips, and soft cloths when applying products to avoid irritation. Heavy rubbing, scrubbing, exfoliation, or other rough applications of products will just inflame your skin.
- Use as few products as possible. More products do not equal healthier skin. On the contrary, each product added to your skin care regimen increases the chances of irritation. Rosacea patients should also consider reducing the number of items they use on their skin by choosing products with multiple functions.
To Learn More
For useful advice on caring for skin with rosacea, visit these areas of the site:
Acknowledgments: These sections have been reviewed by Dr. Richard Odom, professor of dermatology, University of California-San Francisco, and Dr. Zoe Draelos, consulting professor of dermatology, Duke University.