HOW TO BUILD A SKINCARE ROUTINE FOR ROSACEA RELIEF

Navigating a chronic skin condition like rosacea isn’t easy–especially since it affects your appearance and can add to your stress. Fortunately, creating a skincare routine that soothes and supports your skin is within reach. 

Finding products to reduce your symptoms will create healthier, happier skin and reduce your mental load! This article will walk you through the essentials of finding skincare for rosacea to provide much-needed relief.

ROSACEA 101

Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that affects over 14 million people in the U.S. While the most well-known symptom is a flushed, red complexion, there are actually four variations of rosacea that manifest in different ways:

1. Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea: The mildest form of rosacea that’s characterized by redness, flushing and visible blood vessels.
2. Papulopustular Rosacea: A more developed stage that’s often mistaken for acne as it causes bumps, papules and pustules.
3. Phymatous Rosacea: The most severe stage of rosacea that leads to thickened skin and a bumpy texture on the nose or other facial features.
4. Ocular Rosacea: A separate type that only affects the eyes, causing redness, dryness and irritation.

The exact cause of rosacea hasn't been found; however, certain triggers can worsen symptoms, including sun exposure, hot beverages, spicy foods and stress. It's also commonly seen in fair-skinned, middle-aged individuals.

Though there isn't a cure, symptoms can be managed with proper skincare and lifestyle changes.

THE BEST SOLUTION? A CUSTOMIZED SKINCARE ROUTINE

One of the best ways to manage rosacea is through a customized skincare routine, tailored to your specific symptoms and skin type. With a personalized approach, you can calm inflammation, soothe irritation and prevent flare-ups!

Not everyone with rosacea will have the same needs, so it's important to experiment and find the products that work for you. Here are some general tips to guide your search for skincare for rosacea:

• Gentle Cleansing: Opt for mild, fragrance-free cleansers that won’t irritate your skin. 
• Sun Protection: UV exposure can trigger rosacea flare-ups, making broad-spectrum sunscreen an essential part of your daily routine.
• Patch Testing: Before introducing a new product into your routine, test it on a small area of your skin to ensure it doesn’t cause irritation or a flare-up.
• Be Mindful of Temperature: Avoid using hot water to rinse your face as high temperatures can exacerbate rosacea symptoms. Instead, use lukewarm water to maintain your skin’s natural balance.

YOUR STEP-BY-STEP ROSACEA SKINCARE ROUTINE

Ready to start personalized skincare for rosacea relief? Follow these simple steps:

CLEANSE

Gently cleanse your face twice a day to remove irritants without stripping your skin of its natural oils. Avoid using harsh exfoliants or scrubs as they can aggravate sensitive skin. Be sure to choose a cleanser that’s suitable for your skin type.

For oily and acne-prone skin, opt for a cleanser that removes dead skin cells and washes off excess oil, like our Purifying Cleanser with Salicylic Acid. If your skin is prone to dryness or irritation, use our Mega Cream Cleanser to prevent further irritation and protect against environmental damage.

TREAT

Use a masque or serum formulated to soothe irritation and reduce redness. There are many professional treatment options available, so pay special attention to ingredients and product reviews. Here are a few examples:

• Spot Treatment: Apply our Mattifying Sulfur Masque 2 – 3 times a week to soothe inflamed skin and clear out bacteria.
• Promote Healing: Add the Radiant Serum with 1% Mandelic Acid serum to your nightly routine to gently exfoliate and promote healthy cell turnover.
• Reduce Imbalance: Utilize the AHAs in our Accelerator Gel with 20% Alpha Hydroxy Acids serum to improve skin texture, minimize pores and increase firmness.

BALANCE

Use a masque or serum formulated to soothe irritation and reduce redness. There are many professional treatment options available, so pay special attention to ingredients and product reviews. Here are a few examples:

PROTECT

Protect your skin by finishing with a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, like our FDA-approved Hydrating Protection Gel with SPF 15. Additionally, avoid direct sun exposure and seek shade when possible.

INGREDIENTS IN SKINCARE FOR ROSACEA RELIEF

Some ingredients are more beneficial for rosacea-prone skin than others. When searching for skincare products, keep an eye out for these ingredients to soothe and combat inflammation:

• AHAs: Gentle exfoliants and antioxidants that unclog pores and promote blood vessel development.
• Horse Chestnut: A natural anti-inflammatory that strengthens capillary walls and prevents swelling.
• Sulfur: Helps to balance oil production and reduces bacterium.

INGREDIENTS TO AVOID

Certain ingredients can be harsh to skin with rosacea, causing dryness or sensitivity. Steer clear of the following:

• Alcohol and Menthol: Seen in our CBD Massage Cream, Astringent No. 2 and No. 5, Tri-Acid 15% Skin Gel and Serious Action Masque. 
• Stimulating Ingredients: Chocolate Masque and Cellulite Corrector Cream are too stimulating—both will add stress to your capillaries and overwhelm blood flow.
• Retinol: While this is a popular ingredient, it can aggravate rosacea symptoms, so avoid products like our Retinol Rejuvenation Serum.
• Witch Hazel and Eucalyptus Oil: Avoid witch hazel and eucalyptus oil since they can dry out and irritate the skin.

Managing rosacea can feel overwhelming, but if you follow these guidelines and are mindful of your skin's needs, you can build an effective routine. Remember to always listen to your skin and make adjustments as needed to ensure optimal skincare for rosacea. When in doubt, get expert product recommendations and personalized advice from a GlyMed skincare professional near you.