Discover expert answers to common questions about managing rosacea, from soothing flare-ups to building a gentle skin care routine.

People living with rosacea may have a hard time building an effective skin care routine because this condition can make your skin more sensitive to many common ingredients, says Jeffrey Hsu, MD, a board certified dermatologist and founder of Oak Dermatology.

Ultimately, the best way to manage and improve rosacea involves working with a dermatologist, who can offer support.

If you don’t have the opportunity to consult a dermatologist, you might have some questions about caring for rosacea-prone skin. The guide below can help you develop a rosacea-safe skin care routine at home.

There’s no cure for rosacea, but Hsu says the right skin care products can help minimize symptoms.

Once you identify what ingredients trigger rosacea flare-ups and remove them from your routine, you may notice significant improvements in your skin.

Not taking care of your skin — which could mean under- or over-washing, neglecting to moisturize, or skipping sunscreen — may make rosacea worse, says Michele Green, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist in private practice.

Choosing skin care products with these specific ingredients may help relieve and calm rosacea symptoms:

  • Azelaic acid. This naturally occurring acid has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it helpful for calming rosacea flare-ups and treating severe acne, says Emily Wood, MD, a board certified dermatologist with Westlake Dermatology.
  • Niacinamide. This B vitamin may help reduce redness and inflammation, says Green, while also helping strengthen your skin’s protective barrier and keep it hydrated. If you have oily skin, note that niacinamide can also help regulate oil production and minimize the appearance of pores.
  • Alpha arbutin. This naturally occurring antioxidant is known for brightening skin, and Wood says it can help even out skin tone and improve discoloration.
  • Ceramides. Wood highly recommends looking for moisturizers with ceramides, fatty acids that can help your skin retain moisture.
  • Aloe. Aloe may have a temporary calming and soothing effect during a flare-up, says Green, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Bisabolol. This active ingredient, which comes from the chamomile flower, may helpreduce redness and irritation during a flare-up, according to Hsu.
  • Acetyl tetrapeptide-40. This peptide can reduce inflammation and redness while boosting skin barrier function, says Hsu.
  • Camellia sinensis leaf extract. This extract, which comes from tea leaves, may protect the skin from sun damage while fighting inflammation, says Hsu. It can also reduce oil production.

If you have rosacea, or suspect you might have rosacea, you may want to avoid skin care products with the following ingredients:

These ingredients may irritate your skin and they might make rosacea symptoms worse.

The following signs might suggest that a skin care product is making your rosacea worse, according to Wood and Green:

  • swelling
  • increased discoloration
  • facial dryness
  • a burning or stinging sensation when you apply the product
  • swollen bumps that resemble pimples or acne breakouts

Keep in mind that inflammation may present differently in skin of color, and those with dark skin tones can have rosacea.

Whenever you introduce a new product into your routine, dermatologists strongly recommend doing a patch test first to check how your skin reacts.

It’s not always possible to manage rosacea symptoms on your own.

If you notice your symptoms getting worse, even after you’ve made changes to your skin care routine, Wood recommends connecting with a board certified dermatologist.

A dermatologist can offer more support by:

  • identifying symptoms of rosacea or other skin conditions
  • pinpointing possible triggers
  • determining whether prescription medications could help control rosacea

Remember, sunscreen is essential

Sunscreen is a must for everyone. But if you have rosacea, you’ll want to take particular care to apply (and reapply) sunscreen each and every day.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, just several minutes of sunlight exposure can trigger redness or other color changes, such as purple, and flushing.

Green recommends using a fragrance-free, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

Mineral-based (physical) sunscreens, like those with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, are less likely to cause irritation than chemical sunscreens, like those with avobenzone or oxybenzone.

Learn more about the differences between physical and chemical sunscreens.

Managing rosacea starts with building an effective skin care regimen. Dermatologists advise keeping your routine as simple as possible: Use a gentle non-foaming cleanser once or twice a day, follow up with moisturizer, and apply SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen daily.

As you adjust to your new skin care routine, pay attention to your rosacea symptoms. If they start getting worse or don’t improve within 2 to 4 weeks, consulting a dermatologist is a good next step.