The best skin care for rosacea targets redness without irritating your sensitive skin, of course, but also tackles more than a flushed complexion. Sure, it’s the most well-known symptom of rosacea, but this very common skin condition — which affects 16 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association — is more than just a blush.
“Symptoms of rosacea include facial redness, flushing, patchy dryness, and acne-like bumps,” says Patricia Farris, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Metairie, Louisiana. She adds that patients with rosacea often complain of sensitive skin, making it difficult for them to tolerate many cosmetic and skin-care products. “This is likely due to the fact that there is a disruption in skin-barrier function associated with rosacea,” Dr. Farris says.
Our Top Picks:
- Best Face Mask: Eau Thermale Avène Antirougeurs Calm Soothing Mask, $40
- For Uneven Texture: Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster, $39
- Best Moisturizer: SkinCeuticals Redness Neutralizer, $74
- For a Deep Pore Cleanse: Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Mask, $52
- Best Sunscreen: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50 Glow, $45
- Best Skin-Care Device: LightStim for Acne, $169
- Best Night Cream: Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream, $63
If these symptoms sound familiar, a dermatologist can help you determine whether you’re dealing with rosacea, and more importantly, which type of rosacea you may have. Connecticut-based dermatologist Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, explains that rosacea is broken down into four subcategories: papulopustular rosacea (characterized by “redness, swelling, and acne-like breakouts”), erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (which means “redness, flushing, visible blood vessels”), phymatous rosacea (“skin thickens and has a bumpy texture”), and ocular rosacea (“eyes red and irritated, eyelids can be swollen, and the person may have what looks like a stye”).
A board-certified dermatologist can help determine the proper course of treatment, which may include prescriptions and/or innovative over-the-counter products that soothe your symptoms. Multiple dermatologists also recommend products that repair the skin barrier to help lock in moisture and minimize dryness.
Sounds difficult to find? There are so many products that we needed a few of our most trusted dermatologists to pare them down. Ahead, find expert recommendations for moisturizers, masks, cleansers, and more to add to your rosacea-specific routine.
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