Understanding Rosacea · Chapter 8
Cosmeceuticals and Skin Care
How you wash, moisturise and protect your face every day can make rosacea calmer and help prescription treatments work better.
What is the best skincare routine for rosacea?
Keep it to three essentials: cleanse gently once or twice a day, apply a barrier-repairing moisturiser, and use a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen every morning. Add no more than one new active product at a time.
Which ingredients should I avoid with rosacea?
Avoid alcohol-based toners and astringents, fragrance and essential oils, menthol, camphor and eucalyptus, strong exfoliating acids, retinol, physical scrubs and abrasive devices, and hot water or steam.
Which skincare ingredients help rosacea?
Helpful ingredients include niacinamide, licochalcone A (from liquorice), ferulic acid, colloidal oatmeal, green tea, aloe vera, panthenol and ceramides. They support the skin but do not cure rosacea.
Can I wear make-up with rosacea?
Yes. Green-tinted primers and powders neutralise redness, and gentle, easily removed formulations are best. Make-up can make a real difference to confidence.
Key takeaways
- Protecting the skin barrier is the foundation of rosacea skincare.
- Cleanse gently, moisturise and use mineral SPF daily.
- Avoid fragrance, alcohol, harsh acids and scrubs.
- Keep the routine short and simple.
This page summarises Chapter 8 of Understanding Rosacea: Your Complete Guide. The full chapter, with references, is in the free PDF.
Download the free 108-page Rosacea Guide (PDF) →
Written and medically reviewed by Professor Vishal Madan, MBBS (Hons), MD, FRCP, MBA, Consultant Dermatologist, Laser and Dermatological Surgeon (GMC 6036936).
Last reviewed:
This page provides general information about rosacea and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Please discuss your symptoms and treatment with a qualified healthcare professional.