Read the Label: Top Skincare Ingredients for Rosacea
Disclaimer:
I am not a dermatologist and am in no way suggesting any of the ingredients
mentioned in today’s post to be used as a treatment for rosacea.
These selections are based on my own research and personal experience.
Updated: 7/28/22
In a sea of skincare products, a $189 billion dollar industry I might add, it’s hard to know what purchases will be safe, effective, and beneficial for rosacea prone skin.
With top brands such as Neutrogena, Aveeno, and Biore pouring millions of dollars into skincare lines specific to acne and sensitive skin types, you would think there would be an easy solution for those of us struggling to get a handle on our problematic skin. When it comes to rosacea, knowing what to purchase is even more bleak.
That’s because we’ve been looking for skincare solutions in a completely wrong way.
There’s a reason the acne/sensitive skin market generates so much revenue each year. Companies spend millions of dollars on advertising and marketing to the most desperate of consumers - ones who are looking for any possible relief from the red, irritated skin we suffer with. When looking to make a purchase, we often select a product with claims like “redness relief” “color-correction” or “skin soothing” to place our faith in. When things don’t pan out, we try the next product on the shelf.
But today that stops.
If you’re reading this, I want to challenge you to stop looking at the fancy packaging and marketing claims. In today’s post, I’m going to provide you with a list of product claims to ignore and more importantly, how to read the ingredients list to select products safe for rosacea.
So let’s jump right in!
Avoid these sneaky marketing claims on skincare products
“All-natural”
“Clean beauty”
“Synthetic Fragrance-Free”
“Redness Relief”
“Color Correcting”
“Calming and Cooling”
According to The National Rosacea Society, 41% of rosacea patients report “certain skin-care products” as a major trigger for their rosacea symptoms, with 30% citing fragrance as a common irritant. Just because a skin-care product is labeled “all-natural” “clean” or “synthetic fragrance-free” doesn’t mean it doesn’t still have fragrance that can irritate rosacea. In fact, most essential oils or naturally derived plant ingredients with natural fragrance will have the same triggering effect as their synthetic counterparts. So just because something sounds calming, doesn’t always mean that is the case. Also note that “allergy tested” is not the same as “hypoallergenic” a term that is not clearly defined by the cosmetics industry.
Consumers should also be weary of claims to “reduce redness” “color correct” or “cool” red/sensitive skin. Sensitive skin is different than rosacea. Sensitive skin can be relieved by deep moisturizing treatments or products that use certain chemicals to reduce itching and flaking—but those very ingredients can be major triggers for rosacea. Peppermint, lavender, and cucumber are often referenced in products like this and are very likely to cause irritation to rosacea sufferers. Similarly, things intended for “color correction” are aimed at individuals with dark spots or hyperpigmentation NOT rosacea.
Look for these ingredients on skin-care product labels
This is by no means a comprehensive list, but when looking for skin-care products for rosacea you’ll have the most luck choosing products with a short ingredient list that also include the following ingredients:
Ceramides - everyone needs and produces ceramides naturally. People with rosacea prone skin have lower levels of ceramides compared to others, which contributes to dryness, sensitivity and skin inflammation. Having these added to your skin-care can help restore moisture balance.
Hyaluronic Acid - is also naturally produced by skin cells to retain moisture. Rosacea sufferers typically have an impaired moisture barrier so adding this ingredient to skin-care can be helpful.
Azelaic Acid - Is a medication used to decrease swelling and redness of the skin. It can treat acne by killing bacteria that infect pores, which in turn reduces inflammation and redness. Full disclosure: this ingredient is hit or miss. For me, it caused more irritation, but I’ve received messages from so many who tell me it completely calmed their skin and got rid of all the itchy bumps.
Niacinamide - There is some evidence that this ingredient can help increase synthesis of ceramides (the first ingredient mentioned on this list), collagen, and smooth the surface of the skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can be found in over-the-counter products such as CeraVe and The Ordinary.
Seaweed - has anti-inflammatory properties, can combat irritation and has been shown to improve multiple skin ailments such as acne, psoriasis, rosacea and eczema.
Bentonite Clay - is really great for drawing out and absorbing toxins in the skin. It’s a gentle, non-abrasive way to exfoliate rosacea prone skin. Full disclosure: if using this clay, make sure it is diluted with other soothing ingredients such as green tea, almond oil, or aloe to avoid irritation and only use once a week/every two weeks.
Kaolin Clay - is the gentlest and most hydrating of all clays making it a good treatment for rosacea. It helps draw out dirt and dead skin cells and similar to bentonite clay is most beneficial when used with other skin soothing ingredients to exfoliate the skin.
Green Tea - Research has shown that green tea can be an effective treatment for rosacea. Antioxidants are beneficial for reducing inflammation which helps calm redness. It is especially helpful for those who experience papulopustular rosacea (a.k.a. acne rosacea). I use this green tea face mask once every two weeks.
Rosehip Oil - Rosehip oil might be one of the few exceptions to the “no oils” rule for rosacea. It includes vitamin A, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids which are good for the skin. Full disclosure: use of this oil in the treatment of rosacea is mostly anecdotal as there is not enough research to fully support its benefits. It is also greatly affected by its environment and can go rancid quickly if not stored properly.
Aloe vera - is good for soothing the burning and irritation from a rosacea flareup. It doesn’t treat inflammation, but can take the edge off. In some rare cases, it can also make rosacea worse, so always test a small patch of skin first.
Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, or both - Chemical sun barriers can often trigger rosacea, but these ingredients are “physical” ones (meaning it’s not absorbed by the skin as much). More often than not, mineral sunscreens are gentle and effective for preventing rosacea from worsening.
Sweet almond oil - contains vitamin A, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids and zinc. These are important ingredients for reducing UV damage to the skin and for healing acne or rosacea scars.
Resveratrol - is a phytoalexin that acts against pathogens, including bacteria and fungi. Similar to green tea, its a natural food ingredient with a high antioxidant count. Full disclosure: this ingredient is still being heavily researched and most success stories are purely anecdotal.
No matter what you choose to line your medicine cabinet with, always make sure to read reviews for each product and single out the ones made by people with rosacea. If in doubt, always consult your dermatologist!
If you’e exhausted and looking to take the guesswork out of choosing skincare, I have a shop page where I’ve listed products that I’m personally using or have used to help manage my rosacea.
Got questions? Leave a comment or send me a message!