How to Treat Rosacea, According to a Dermatologist

If you’re newly experiencing any redness, rashes, bumps, or inflammation, chances are you may have rosacea. Furthermore, it is often undetected or misdiagnosed on deeper skin tones. That said, you may want to take a trip to the dermatologist and speak with them if you are noticing any unusual changes. 

According to Cleveland Clinic, there are over 14 million people in the world who experience rosacea. Dr. Corey L. Hartman, Founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology, in Birmingham, tells ESSENCE the 411 about rosacea and how you can treat the skin condition below. 

What is rosacea?

“Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that appears as redness, rashes or bumps on the skin,” Dr. Hartman tells ESSENCE. Rosacea can occur anywhere on the body, but is most common on the face. It also appears as a reddish to brown rash on darker skin tones. Some patients may not have a rash, but feel hot or flushed in their face. The condition can also show up as dry skin, swollen skin or acne breakouts that won’t clear up with treatment. 

What causes rosacea? 

According to Dr. Hartman, rosacea can be genetic. It’s an inflammatory skin condition that can be triggered by an immune response in the body such as sun exposure, stress, or extreme temperatures. “Some patients with rosacea also find that when they eat or drink certain foods, like spicy foods or alcohol, they see rosacea flare ups.”  

How can you treat rosacea? 

There is no cure for rosacea, but keeping up with a skin care regimen can help keep the symptoms at bay. Dr. Hartman suggests patients to always wear sun protection and log in a journal when you have rosacea flare-ups to track any patterns. Additionally, “look for moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and glycerin and avoid physical scrubs and chemical exfoliants,” he says. While you might notice flare-ups after a vigorous workout or after eating spicy foods, using gentle skincare products can help manage and treat rosacea symptoms. 

Which products should I use?

01

01
Tower 28 Beauty SOS Daily Skin Barrier Redness Recovery Moisturizer

Regardless of your skin type, this moisturizer is formulated with ceramides, allantoin, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, soothe, and moisturize the skin’s barrier.
Available at sephora.com

02

02
Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10% Face & Skin Treatment

This serum gently exfoliates and helps excess oil on your skin. It’s formulated with niacinamide, vitamin C, and extracts of coffee seeds to help tone your skin.
Available at amazon.com

03

03
La Roche-Posay Toleraine Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

This gentle cleanser works for normal, dry, and sensitive skin as it helps with moisture and gently removes dirt, all while protecting the skin’s pH balance.
Available at amazon.com

04

04
Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

“This sunscreen is a great option for patients with rosacea,” Dr. Hartman says. “It’s a lightweight emulsion that delivers moisture and mineral zinc oxide for a chemical-free, physical sunscreen that eliminates the possibility of allergy.”
Available at amazon.com

05

05
Eau Thermale Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream

Dr. Hartman recommends this cream as its “a gentle skin-soothing mask that reduces redness.”
Available at amazon.com

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