Top Skin Care Products for Rosacea Patients

After years of seeing patients for rosacea and treating my own rosacea, I’ve developed a lot of favorites.  In honor of Rosacea Awareness Month, I’m sharing my top skin care product recommendations for patients with rosacea.  This is a mix – some inexpensive, some expensive, some Rx, some OTC.  It’s the best of the best in my opinion.  However, rosacea can be very temperamental, so always do a test spot on your arm before applying to your whole face. 

Sulfur Wash  – I know I can be a broken record singing the praises of sulfur washes, but that’s because they’re really that good.  Usually I prescribe liquid wash containing sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur.  These can be used once or twice a day.  Sulfur kills, bacteria, yeast, and Demodex mites that can be problematic for patients with rosacea.  It also helps to remove excessive sebum and to exfoliate skin.  Sulfur is naturally anti-inflammatory as well.  Prescription sulfur wash comes in varying strengths, but I find they all work equally well. For those who don’t like the smell of sulfur, Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser works well for rosacea patients, and one of my other personal favorites is ZO Gentle Cleanser. 

Cetaphil Cream – Yes, plain old Cetaphil cream.  The one in the pound jar.  Many patients with rosacea suffer with a balance of dryness in some areas and oiliness in other areas.  For the dry areas, I like Cetaphil cream.  Not the lotion, not the one with sunscreen, those tend to irritate people with rosacea.  It’s simple and inexpensive, but a dermatologist’s favorite for decades now. 

ZO Daily Power Defense – I personally have used this product since it was released probably over 10 years now.  I apply it each day after washing and before Rozatrol.  It contains DNA Repair Enzymes that proactively repair DNA that has been damaged by the elements.  Plus, it also includes antioxidants, moisturizers and barrier repair ingredients.  

ZO Rozatrol – I’ve used this one for almost as long as Daily Power Defense. I use it each morning.  It helps soothe skin to reduce redness, reduce oiliness and exfoliate dead skin.  

Zinc Based Sunscreen – My personal favorite for a few years is Colorescience Tint Du Soliel. It provides great sun protection, plus evens out my color a little bit.  Men may not prefer the makeup like qualities, so for men I often recommend ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica.  It’s lightweight and blends in better than most zinc sunscreens.  

Avene Thermal Spring Water – I have used this one for years as well, but honestly more like once a quarter, not every day.  But when you need it, it’s a gem.  It’s fancy, aerosol water.  sounds too simple, but it works.  If you are feeling flushed, warm and red, a spray of this often will tone things down quickly.  It drys quickly and doesn’t leave any film or residue that disturbs makeup or sunscreen.  I often carry a trial size in my bag, especially in the summer. 

Mirvaso and Rhofade – These products can be revolutionary to patients with severe redness that interferes with social interactions.  Generally, redness occurs when blood vessels dilate or open up wider. These two Rx products work to shrink down the blood vessels temporarily to reduce blood flow.   They are awesome.  Do a test spot on a red cheek and you’ll quickly be impressed.  Anything so awesome usually has a catch.  In the case of Mirvaso more-so than Rhofade, when the medication wears off after 6-8 hours the blood flow comes back with a vengeance.  This phenomenon is called rebound redness.  These are best used for special occasions, presentations, interviews and other events where preventing redness is essential.  Just be prepared for them to wear off and reapply if needed. 

If you have rosacea and have seen me in the office, I may have already recommended these products for you.  If you have any questions about them, stop by the Spring Boutique to learn more or ask at your next appointment. 

What are your favorite products for rosacea?  I’d love to learn some new tricks!

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