The best offense against a common skin problem such as rosacea is a strong defense, according to Charla Krupp, noted beauty expert and best-selling author, in offering some "makeup makeover" tips and other advice to help rosacea sufferers look their best.

One of the first and most important steps a rosacea patient should take is to ask his or her dermatologist for help in formulating a skin-care plan as early in treatment as possible, Ms. Krupp said. "The average woman spends $100 on beauty products each month, and trial and error is just too expensive."

Rosacea patients often must take special precautions in caring for their sensitive skin. Here are some general guidelines:

• Treat your skin gently. Avoid rough washcloths, loofahs, brushes, sponges and hot water, especially hot showers.

• Let your face rest. After blotting your face dry, wait a few minutes before applying topical medication. Then allow the medication to dry for five to 10 minutes before applying any make-up.

The effects of cosmetics on rosacea can vary widely from helping appearance to aggravating the condition, according to a new survey by the National Rosacea Society.

Among 921 rosacea patients responding to the survey on cosmetics, 30 percent reported that liquid facial foundation helped their appearance, followed by 19 percent who said pressed powder and 17 percent who said cream foundation helped. Another 17 percent reported powder blush helped, while 14 percent said loose powder and 13 percent reported mineral makeup powder improved appearance.

Q: Should I avoid day spa treatments such as facials, exfoliation and steaming if I have rosacea?

While most rosacea patients know the importance of following their doctor's orders when it comes to daily medication, another critical component of effective rosacea management is often overlooked: an appropriate facial cleansing routine. Dr. Jonathan Wilkin, chairman of the National Rosacea Society's medical advisory board, advises that people with rosacea should always try to avoid irritation, which may be considered the cornerstone of appropriate facial care for rosacea patients. "The key is to avoid anything that burns, stings or irritates your face," he emphasized.

Q. Would having microdermabrasion or a glycolic acid peel help or hurt my rosacea?

A. Many rosacea patients have unusually sensitive skin. These procedures should be discussed with your dermatologist or other physician, and make sure they are performed by a physician experienced in these procedures.

The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) has issued consumer safety tips for skin treatments, and additional information may be obtained by calling the ASDS hotline at 1-800-441-2737.

A survey of 1,023 rosacea patients by the National Rosacea Society identified types of skin-care products and ingredients that commonly pose problems for rosacea sufferers.

Although rosacea is a chronic disorder, it can be effectively managed and controlled with medical therapy and avoidance of factors that aggravate the condition. Beyond this, patients can also take various measures that promote healthy skin. Here are some skin health tips often recommended by physicians.

In addition to medical therapy, a gentle twice-daily facial cleansing routine can help keep your rosacea under control. Here are some tips that will leave your skin clean without aggravating your condition.

A twice-daily facial cleansing and gentle skin-care routine can help control rosacea, according to a new survey conducted by the National Rosacea Society.

In the survey of 1,633 rosacea patients, 78 percent said their facial cleansing routine had helped control their rosacea. Of those surveyed, over 69 percent reported washing their face twice a day and 24 percent said they did it once a day. Most often, 83 percent of the time, facial cleansing was performed at the sink, compared with 39 percent in the shower.