Rosacea Awareness Month - Skincare Tips by EBC PA, Paula

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by skin flushing, redness, pimple-like bumps, prominent blood vessels, textural changes, and in some cases, it may involve redness and irritation around the eyes. It is a very challenging condition to treat because it can manifest in so many different ways and affected patients can be triggered by so many different factors. 

Common triggers for rosacea are: 

1. Heat/Sun 
2. Spicy Foods 
3. Stress/Emotions 
4. Caffeine
5. Smoking
6. Exercise
7. Alcohol
8. Harsh chemicals in skincare or haircare products
9. Drastic changes in temperature and humidity

The best thing you can do apart from avoiding triggers is to work with a Dermatologist or Dermatology Physician Assistant who is well-versed in rosacea and inflammation as well as ingredients that would be safe for sensitive skin. Here are my favorite skincare products that I typically recommend to my patients. I also use a lot of these personally as I am one of the millions of Americans afflicted by rosacea.

VMV Hypoallergenics Red Better Deeply Soothing Cleansing Cream 

This best seller from my favorite hypoallergenic skincare company is my go-to cleanser for my rosacea patients, especially when they are having an acute exacerbation. It has anti-inflammatory coconut monolaurins, virgin coconut oil, and camellia sinensis, which has both anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. What I really like about this is that it is devoid of the 109 most common skin allergens, fragrance free, SLS free, and paraben free. It also leaves your skin feeling soft, supple, and moisturized without leaving a greasy feel. Even patients with oily skin love it!

 

Avene XeraCalm AD Cleansing Bar

Most patients with rosacea and eczema are sometimes unable to tolerate liquid cleansers so this is a good alternative. This cleansing bar has evening primrose oil which soothes and calms the skin. This line also helps preserve the skin’s microbiome which is really important to control inflammation.

Bioderma Sensibio Milk

This is the cleanser that I use and recommend to patients when they want the option of a rinse free formulation. It has the patented Toleridine technology that increases the skin’s tolerance threshold and makes skin less reactive. It is also safe to use around the eyes.

 

PCA Skin Sheer Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 45

Hands down, my favorite sunscreen! Chemical free, with a universal tint, this sunscreen has the antioxidant ubiquinone and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Colorescience All Calm Clinical Redness Corrector

This mineral based sunscreen has a neutral shade infused with a green undertone that neutralizes redness. It contains anti-aging and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as sea fennel extract, ginger root, magnolia bark extract, and bisabolol.