Even if you are already taking steps to improve your rosacea symptoms, a good skincare routine makes a world of difference. A good skincare routine that accounts for rosacea does four things.
- Elevates comfort within your skin
- Enhances treatment results
- Improves skin health
- Decreases flare-ups
If you are interested in more specific tips, dermatologists like Dr. Damstetter advise the following points.
1. Gently Cleanse the Face Twice Daily
The irritation from this condition means that rosacea patients often fail to wash their skin frequently. If you want to clean skin with minimal irritation, Dr. Damstetter suggests the following steps:
- Start with a mild, non-soap cleanser that is friendly to rosacea.
- Apply the cleanser with your fingers in a gentle circular motion.
- Rinse with lukewarm water; again, only with the fingertips. The cleanser must be fully removed as it can irritate.
- Pat the face with clean, cotton fabric.
2. Moisturize Daily
Moisturizing is vital to managing rosacea; it helps keep you hydrated by trapping water in the skin. Hydration means less irritation and softer skin. Studies have proven that a rosacea-friendly moisturizer or barrier repair cream will improve treatment results.
3. Practice Year-Round Skin Protection
Sun exposure worsens rosacea and is the leading cause of flare-ups, regardless of the melanin content in the skin. Applying sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days, is recommended before heading outside.
3. Choose a Rosacea-Friendly Sunscreen
While challenging, there are options for handling rosacea. Look for these ingredients when shopping for sunscreen suited to your skin.
- Zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide
- Silicone (often listed as cyclomethicone, dimethicone, or orcyclomethicone)
- Unscented/fragrance-free
- Broad-spectrum protection
- SPF of 30+
4. Choose Rosacea-Friendly Skincare
Having rosacea means most skincare products irritate the skin. While our prior tips can help, you should be mindful of your skincare routine. Look at the ingredients list of products and avoid anything containing the following:
- Alcohol
- Camphor
- Fragrance
- Glycolic and/or lactic acid
- Menthol
- Sodium laurel sulfate
- Urea
Furthermore, avoid lotions, gels, astringents, and toners.
5. Test Products Before Applying Them to Your Face
Just dab a bit of product near, but not atop, the rosacea of your skin; if you sense irritation within 72 hours, you can pass on the product or makeup.
6. Be Gentle to Your Skin.
Anything that irritates the skin worsens rosacea. Avoid irritation by not rubbing/scrubbing your face, especially with a washcloth, sponge, or exfoliant.
Schedule a Consultation
By incorporating these tips into your skincare routine, you can better treat your rosacea. If you have trouble finding the right products or makeup for your situation, Dr. Damstetter at the Reserve Dermatology and Aesthetics in Glenview, IL would be pleased to help. After scheduling a consultation and filling out our online contact form, she can assess your skin and recommend products.
Dr. Elizabeth Damstetter
Dr. Elizabeth Damstetter is a board-certified dermatologist and esteemed founder of Reserve Dermatology & Aesthetics, who brings expertise in both medical and cosmetic dermatology while maintaining a compassionate, patient-centered approach. With advanced training spanning internal medicine, clinical trials, and dermatology—from the University of Chicago, Northwestern, and Boston University—Dr. Damstetter combines rigorous clinical skill with cutting-edge aesthetic insight. As an Assistant Professor at Rush University Medical Center and active contributor to dermatology research and education, she seamlessly blends clinical excellence with academic leadership.Known for her “reserved cosmetic approach,” Dr. Damstetter delivers subtle, natural-looking enhancements with personalized plans that prioritize long-term skin health and patient confidence.
