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Rosacea Skin Care Routine
If you have rosacea, certain skin care products and techniques can irritate and aggravate your condition. Proper skin care is an important part of managing your rosacea. When combined with the treatment plan your doctor recommends, a gentle skin care routine can reduce the chances that your rosacea will flare up.
Skin Care Tips for Rosacea
Following these tips can help keep your rosacea under control:
- Avoid rosacea irritants. Certain skin care products can aggravate rosacea. You should avoid using harsh skin care products such as astringents, toners, and other beauty aids designed to exfoliate your skin. Specific ingredients that aggravate rosacea vary by individual, but may include alcohol, witch hazel, menthol, peppermint, eucalyptus oil, clove oil, salicylic acid, camphor, and sodium lauryl sulfate. Stop using any products that cause your skin to sting, burn, or otherwise become irritated.
- Opt for fragrance-free products. Fragrances can irritate rosacea, so look for skin care and cosmetic products that are fragrance-free.
- Remember that less is more. The more products you use, the more likely your skin will become irritated. Streamline your skin care routine so that you are using the fewest number of products possible.
- Try before your buy. Before you purchase a new skin care product, try using a small amount of it on your neck to determine if you have a reaction. If you get a reaction, don’t buy the product, and try to determine what ingredient may have caused it so you learn what to avoid in the future.
- Be gentle. Avoid scrubbing or using a washcloth when cleansing your face, since this can make your rosacea worse. Instead, gently cleanse with your fingertips, using lukewarm water and a mild cleanser.
- Let your skin air-dry. After you cleanse your face or shower, wait at least 5 to 10 minutes for your skin to dry before applying skin care products, since your skin is more absorbent when it is wet.
- Apply any rosacea medication first. Before using a moisturizer or sunscreen, dab on your medication. Applying medication on top of other products reduces its effectiveness.
- Use sunscreen. Because sun exposure can trigger a flare-up of your rosacea, apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater every morning. It is important to use a sunscreen that will not irritate your skin, so avoid formulas that contain alcohol or fragrance. Sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and silicone (also called dimethicone or cyclomethicone) often work well in people who have rosacea.
- Choose makeup carefully. It’s best to avoid waterproof and heavier cosmetics that require makeup remover, because the remover can irritate rosacea. Look for cosmetics that contain silicone and sunscreen.
- Be careful when shaving. For men who shave, dull razors and shaving products can sometimes irritate rosacea. Try using an electric razor when shaving, and avoid shaving creams or lotions that irritate your skin. However, an aftershave balm or moisturizer may help calm your skin.
Skin care can be tricky when you have rosacea. But with time and patience, you can find the products and skin care routine that work for you. Keep a journal to track products that irritate your rosacea, as well as those that calm your skin. Before long, you’ll find the right combination of products to help keep your rosacea under control.
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