Rosacea is a skin condition of the face that is characterized by reddish, raised bumps across the nose and cheeks, which may be painful. Some people also experience small broken veins in the area, or a tendency to blush, among other symptoms. To choose the best rosacea moisturizer, it is important to shop smart and to read the labels on all the products you are purchasing. Skin with rosacea is extremely sensitive, so keep this in mind at all times.
When shopping for the best rosacea moisturizer, seek out products labeled for sensitive skin, or labeled hypoallergenic. There are some moisturizers designed specifically for people with rosacea, but these are more difficult to find in drugstores; these may be ordered online or purchased through a department store, and tend to be more expensive. It may not be necessary to spend the extra money for a designated rosacea moisturizer if you shop carefully.
First, consider the ingredients that should not be in your rosacea moisturizer. These include alcohol, any fragrance, eucalyptus, menthol, peppermint, or witch hazel. These can be very irritating to people with rosacea. In addition, avoid acne-treatment products, because these tend to be very drying, particularly those that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Oil-free moisturizers are usually the best choice as well.
A basic, gentle moisturizer without any of the above ingredients is the best choice for people with rosacea. Some ingredients that may help to calm rosacea include niacinamide, which is a type of vitamin B3, as well as green tea, chamomile, and aloe. These ingredients are soothing and calming to the skin, and may help to prevent inflammation and redness. In addition, it is important that people with rosacea wear sunscreen every day to prevent making the condition worse, so it is a good idea to select a rosacea moisturizer that contains at least SPF 15 sunblock.
It may take a few different tries to find a rosacea moisturizer that works well for you. It is important to use a gentle, soap-free cleanser as well to prevent drying the skin out even further. Some people find that using a deep hydrating mask once or twice a week can be very helpful as well. Be sure to apply moisturizer morning and night, and to never go to bed without taking the makeup off. Treating skin well is one of the best ways to care for rosacea, and prevent it from worsening.