Skincare for rosacea? (OT?)

Mamapicklejuice

I know Angie has mentioned facials, etc in her blog posts before, but I'm not sure if this is O/T or not.

Anyway, it looks like I have rosacea, and wondered what others did for skincare routines? I'd like to get sorted without trying a million different products, so I thought I'd turn to my fashion-minded sisters - I thought you guys would have it all figured out!

Any tips? (Let's just assume I'm starting from scratch in the skincare dept.)

15 years ago

General

26 replies

Latest reply was from LillianMacklin

shiny

Veteran

Have you seen a dermatologist for this yet? My DH was recently dx'ed with it and the derm gave him a prescription cream to use.

15 years ago

Anonymous

I had it when I was younger and was given anti biotic cream. It seemed to go away with age.
You also might think about something you are ingesting that could be aggrivating it. Too much coffee or tea perhaps?

15 years ago

Louise

Veteran

My best friend suffers and she finds it's made worse by hot foods- curries and the like. Would also suggest seeing a dermatologist if you can, they will probably offer the best advice x

15 years ago

Lee Hovey

Active Member

I have mild facial and ocular rosacea. When I was diagnosed about a year ago, the doc immediately had me stop using the harsh facial soap, wipes and exfoliants, since rosacea skin tends to be uber sensitive.

Now I use just Cetaphil wash (i buy generic store brand version) in the shower in the morning, and just warm water no soap in the evening. The doc also had be start using Atralin cream at night, it's a prescription retinoid that particular helps rosacea. Took a couple months before I finally noticed the difference, but it has dramatically improved my skin tone and texture, and I get the redness much less often.

15 years ago

sinead

Active Member

One of my first post-divorce makeover projects was finally dealing with my red, embarrassing skin. I had been seeing the dermatologist for years, trying creams, which helped a little, but it still looked bad. It wasn't until I stopped using soaps and anything with sulfates, stopped chemical sunscreen, started using an oil-cleansing method (I know-sounds crazy) that the big turnaround happened. And while the Dr. did suggest I might be allergic to chemical sunscreen, most of it I discovered through research and the EDS forum. And I also discovered the miracle of jojoba oil- great at reducing inflammation.

I really think each person is different and while it's no fun to try a bunch of different products, it's the only way to find out what works. My suggestion is to first cut out sulfate washes and just be as gentle with your skin as you can be. Even products labeled "for sensitive skin" are too harsh for me.

I'd be happy to talk to you more if you want- good luck with it!

15 years ago

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

I have some friends with rosacea who have had success following the same new regimin as Sinead, i.e. going with skin care products that are as gentle as possible. For many of them, that involved switching to natural skin care lines, and the one that's worked best for them has been Evan Healy's blue skin care line.
http://www.evanhealy.com
If you're near a whole foods or something similar, maybe try picking up one of the sample kits for about $25. It has all components of the line and enough to last you up to two weeks. It will at least give you an easy way to sample non-sulphate cleansers etc to see if that helps.
What people say about diet is also true; I know spicy foods can be especially inflamatory. But of course a dermatologist will be the ultimate authority here.

15 years ago

Ana

(website)

Veteran

MPJ, which type of Rosacea do you have? As far as I know, there are two kinds--one that causes red patches and bumps, and another kind that looks like red, spidery veins on your cheeks, nose and chin. The first kind can be treated with lotions, creams and antibiotics, but the second kind cannot. I have the second type, and for me, it's hereditary (my mom has it too). I have been to see several dermatologists about this, and the only way I can improve this is with laser treatments. It's also gotten worse as I've aged (my mom has a very severe case of it now), so I will probably look into having this done sometime in the near future. In the meantime, I use very gentle cleansers and products on my face. I avoid harsh scrubs and anti-aging chemical treatments, and stay out of the sun.

I agree with the other ladies, if you haven't already, I'd go to see a dermatologist and see what they recommend.

15 years ago

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

It looks like you've gotten some great advice! I would say definitely head to the Dermo as well. I've heard it can also be aggrivated by stress, not sure if anyone has mentioned that yet. My skin is ezcema prone and I swear by the CeraVe line. Walgreens carrys the best array of products of it. I no longer have to go in for my annual spring Derm. visit to get the steroid cream!

13 years ago

san

Veteran

I was diagnosed with rosacia many years ago. I was prescribed an antibiotic to ingest at the time which didn't seem to work. It seems I have out grown the rosacia. I think my problem was caused more by my enviromental situation.
I have had the laser treatment on spider veins on my face with wonderful results. The recovery is very short term and the pain is minimal. I love laser treatment for veins and age spots. Infact I have had great results with laser treatment altogether.

13 years ago

biscuitsmom

Veteran

I have it also and have gotten my best results using Aveno Ultra Calming Foaming Cleanser to wash my face with....anything else, even other Aveeno products irritate my skin. I recently began using 'Prosacea' gel - a over the counter rosacea product...its too soon to tell how well it works, but seems ok. I use it every other day, cuz daily was irritating my skin. I know drinking lots and lots and lots of plain water really helps me too....pop (especially Dr. Pepper) and alcohol makes it flare-up. If you can afford to go to a Dermatologist it would be best, but even your regular Dr can prescribe some gels/creams for you....

13 years ago

Beth

Veteran

I stick to the simplest routine possible and avoid physical exfoliants and chemical sunscreens.

I currently use Cetaphil cleanser (the creamy one for winter, the gel for summer), a high SPF sunblock that uses titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, and a BHA exfoliant. There's some research showing that BHAs also have anti-inflammatory properties.

I don't use any prescription meds and my skin looks better than it has in years. I still blush very easily, but I've come to accept that's going to happen:)

13 years ago

Vix

Veteran

I was diagnosed about 20 years ago with mild rosacea and luckily have been able to keep it that way.

Inflammation (internal and external) is a trigger for me, so echoing what others have said about skin potions. I use a gentle cream cleanser + an all-natural moisturizer with added rose oil. I have to be very careful with exfoliation...1/week with gentle scrub or 3/x with my Mia Clarisonic, generally avoiding the cheek zone.

"Checkmark" on the necessity for stress reduction!

Internally I try to eat loads of fruits/vegetables with antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties; green tea, tons of water; not too much processed food but I am not rigid about that. Acupuncture, which I do for allergies etc, seems to help my skin as well since my focus is always getting my body's $@%^ inflammatory tendencies to dial back.

Caffeine and spice and minimal wine are still a part of my life -- I found I flushed but it was temporary.

Back then I saw no difference with Rx antibiotic gels and got worse with what was "the" treatment then, but it's certainly worth investigating new potions.

Good luck finding something that works for you!

13 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I've got mild rosacea. The dermatologist told me no red wine or caffeine, no hot showers, and no spicy food, and to stay out of the sun. Yeah, none of those are things I'm willing to give up... I just tried the Clinique yellow-tinted powder which worked well as a cover-up. As far as treatment, I don't use anything at all on my face other than Kiehl's moisturizer, not even a cleanser. Almost everything is too drying for me. It hasn't gotten better, but it's not worse either.

Thanks for starting this thread!

13 years ago

christy

Member

I had to cut down on spicy food and coffee, too, unfortunately. I've found gentle (but strong/effective!) skin care to be a big help. A friend turned me on to this Japanese line called Yu-Be and their moisturizer has made such a big difference. Keeps my skin soft and smooth and never dry or greasy.

8 years ago

IsseyEkayaim

Member

I have mild rosacea for several years, I used prescribed corticosteroids and metronidazole, which helped only for a short period of time. Dermalmd Rosacea Serum actually improved my skin condition. Don't expect miracles, but it does help.

7 years ago

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I've read about it in a lot of health/nutrition type places and the most often recommended approach is avoiding chemicals on your skin (face AND body), use a mild cleanser or jojoba oil and eat a healthy diet with plenty of greens.

7 years ago

Jeanie

Veteran

I really like Eucerin Redness Relief cream.

7 years ago

Anonymous

I have rosacea. Several dermatologists I visited recommended Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, and that's what I've been using for years. I also use topical Rx products 2x/day - Finacea gel and Clindamycin lotion. You need to see a dermatologist to get a skin care routine that works for you. Avoid harsh products, problematic ingredients and fragrances. Hope this helps.

7 years ago

scissorsista

Member

I had severe rosacea for years that was excacerbated by coffee, spices and alcohol. Such a pity because I love them all! Unfortunately I tried a million products (only kidding - but it felt like it). My doctor eventually referred me to a dermatologist who recommended I use mama nature's proskin rosacea. She was having great success with many of her patients with this cream. Cut a long story short - my skin is just like it was before my dreaded rosacea and I can enjoy my nights out wining and dining

5 years ago

Chiara

Active Member

I have both the flushing, the veins and the bumps. For me, What has worked is addressing diet, skincare and controlling your triggers (for me, too much wine and too much sun). Stress is also def a trigger ( nothing like feeling the red tide sweep up your face in a meeting at work!).
Diet, as others have said, I look my best with lots of seafood, vege and moderate amounts of whole grains, plus I take about 10ml omega 3 per day, which damps down the inflammation.
Skincare, I found that mild cleansing, basic moisturiser and a mineral based sunblock were crucial. Also mineral based foundation, makeup is a pain as so many things start out good then my skin reacts after a few days!
I’ve done IPL for the veins, it was pretty good but temporary. Be careful with doing a lot of IPL at once if heat is a trigger, as it uses heat to be effective, which on some people makes things worse. I also found a fantastic beautician who has used skin needling to improve skin texture and appearance, and produce more collagen. This has been a game changer for me, I now rarely have problems from rosacea, but I would only see someone who was highly trained and skilled for this.
When I get a flare up, I use finacea (azelaic acid) to settle it, I’ll also use finacea if I know I’ll be in the sun and outdoors a lot (eg camping). I used soolantra (ivermectin) cream for about a month, a year or so ago, and that worked great on the bumps, and they have not been a problem since.

5 years ago

Windchime

Veteran

I have mild rosacea. There are so many diet and lifestyle triggers; it would be nearly impossible to avoid all of them! For me, sun and wine are triggers. I have to use sunscreen on my face or I my face will be red. I enjoy the occasional glass of wine and am not going to give it up, even if it makes me flush.

Like others here, I initially went to a dermatologist and was prescribed an antibiotic ointment. Now I find I can control occasional flare ups with an OTC called Prosacea.

I also found I had to be careful about makeup. After some experimentation, I found a line of organic makeup at Target, of all places, which doesn’t irritate my skin.

5 years ago

Flytigress

Active Member

This thread began nine years ago.

5 years ago

lyn67

Veteran

Yes, but still good! :-))) 9 years of knowledge together for the all in trouble, good to read again, and rethink!

5 years ago

bixy

Member

I'm so glad I found this forum as if I hadn't I don't know where I'd be. I was at a stage where I wouldn't go out because I thought people were staring at me (now in hindsight i know they weren't). The make up covered it well but close up you could see the bumps under it. I used the proskin cream for rosacea as scissorsista had said it worked for her so she could have a life again and it ahs worked for me. I still can't believe it and now I have a life again. I can go completely make up free without being paranoid about being stared at and my only problem now is that I am stuck in due to the lockdown restrictions and can't wait to paint the town red and go shopping for some new outfits

3 years ago

burnice

Member

I’ve never been formally diagnosed with rosacea but I have all the symptoms (red irritated skin, sensitive skin, dry, reactive) and could NOT find anything that worked, no matter how many “redness reducing” products I tried. I actually noticed a difference with blemish serum of dermalmd! My face is still fairly red but not nearly as bad as before and my sensitivity has calmed down immensely. I also like the consistency of this serum, it feels hydrating and lightweight so it would be great for all skin types. I highly recommend!!

3 years ago

LillianMacklin

Member

At76 I have developed rosacea, at times looking like my cheeks are red reflectors. Rosacea Serum of Dermal MD has reduced the redness quite successfully, and is a very good moisturizer for my whole face.

2 years ago

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