Over-the-Counter Medications and Skincare Products to Try for Rosacea
Apr 30
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Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes bumps or pimples on the face. It can affect your appearance and confidence, but the good news is that with the right care, rosacea can be managed effectively. While prescription treatments are available, many patients find relief from over-the-counter (OTC) medications and skincare products. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most effective OTC treatments for rosacea and how they can help soothe and manage flare-ups.
At Pacific Crest Dermatology, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve clear, healthy skin. Below are some of the best OTC options that can complement your rosacea treatment plan.
1. Gentle Cleansers
A gentle, non-irritating cleanser is an essential part of any rosacea skincare routine. Harsh soaps can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation, which can worsen rosacea symptoms.
Why It Works:Cleansing with a gentle, non-abrasive formula helps remove impurities while preserving your skin’s natural barrier, preventing dryness and irritation.
Recommended Products:
Sente Daily Soothing Cleanser
This gentle, hydrating cleanser is designed specifically for sensitive skin, making it a perfect choice for those with rosacea. It helps cleanse without stripping moisture, soothing irritation while maintaining the skin's natural barrier.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
This hydrating, non-foaming cleanser gently cleanses without stripping your skin’s natural moisture. Infused with prebiotic thermal water, it helps soothe and hydrate sensitive skin while restoring the skin's protective barrier.
Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
Known for being mild and non-irritating, Cetaphil is a dermatologist-recommended option for sensitive skin.
The 10% Sulfur Mask is a powerful yet gentle treatment designed to help manage rosacea symptoms. Sulfur is known for its ability to reduce inflammation, calm redness, and absorb excess oil, making it an excellent choice for rosacea-prone skin. This mask helps target flare-ups and can be used to soothe irritation while promoting a clearer complexion.
2. Topical Anti-Redness Creams
There are several topical creams available over the counter that specifically target redness and inflammation associated with rosacea.
Why It Works: Sulfur-based products like Prosacea can help control inflammation and reduce redness by targeting the root cause of rosacea flare-ups. Niacinamide is an anti-inflammatory agent that can soothe irritated skin and reduce visible redness.
Recommended Products:
A popular OTC treatment for rosacea, Prosacea contains sulfur, which helps reduce inflammation and redness. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Skin 1004 Centella Asiatica Ampoule
This serum is packed with Centella Asiatica, known for its calming and healing properties. Ideal for rosacea-prone skin, it helps reduce redness, inflammation, and irritation. It deeply hydrates, restores the skin’s barrier, and promotes a healthier, more even complexion. This product is great for sensitive skin that needs extra care during flare-ups.
3. Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin
Sun exposure is one of the most common rosacea triggers. UV rays can cause irritation and trigger flare-ups, making sunscreen a must-have for rosacea sufferers. Look for sunscreens that are non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and designed for sensitive skin.
Why It Works:Sunscreen is essential for protecting the skin from UV rays, which are a known trigger for rosacea flare-ups. EltaMD UV Clear is specifically formulated for sensitive skin and contains ingredients that can reduce redness.
Recommended Products
SENTÉ Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40
This mineral sunscreen offers broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection, making it an excellent choice for sensitive, rosacea-prone skin. Its formula helps protect against harmful UV rays while promoting a healthy skin barrier with the inclusion of heparan sulfate, which aids in hydration and skin repair.
EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Green Tint SPF 50
This mineral sunscreen offers SPF 50 protection while calming and correcting redness with a green tint, making it perfect for rosacea-prone skin. It contains Centella Asiatica to help repair the skin barrier and ceramides to lock in moisture and minimize sensitivity. The formula is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and ideal for sensitive skin, offering a soothing and protective layer to maintain a healthy, even skin tone throughout the day.
This mineral sunscreen offers SPF 50 protection and is specifically designed to help prevent and repair the visible signs of photoaging. With a unique formula that contains DNA Repairsomes to repair damaged skin and vitamin E for antioxidant protection. The lightweight, non-greasy formula hydrates while providing long-lasting sun protection and promoting a smoother, more even skin tone.
4. Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid is an active ingredient that can help treat rosacea by reducing redness and inflammation and it can target bacteria. It is available in both prescription and OTC formulations.
Why It Works: Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it an effective treatment for rosacea. It helps to unclog pores, reduce swelling, and diminish redness, which makes it ideal for rosacea sufferers.
Recommended Products:
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
This is an affordable and effective option that can be used daily to reduce the redness and bumps associated with rosacea.
5. Moisturizers with Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients
Keeping your skin moisturized is crucial for rosacea management. Opt for hydrating creams that contain soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients to help calm and protect your skin.
Why It Works: Moisturizing is key to keeping rosacea under control. These moisturizers hydrate the skin without causing irritation, which is especially important for those with sensitive, rosacea-prone skin.
Recommended Products:
This clinically-proven cream is specially formulated to target visible redness and inflammation while helping to restore the skin's natural moisture barrier. Powered by Heparan Sulfate Analog (HSA) technology, it works to enhance skin repair and hydration, making it a great choice for those with rosacea-prone skin. It’s non-comedogenic and suitable for sensitive skin, providing an excellent balance of soothing and anti-aging benefits.
SENTÉ Dermal Repair Ultra-Nourish
This richer version of the Dermal Repair Cream provides all the same benefits but with an added boost of intense hydration for dry or compromised skin. The HSA technology continues to repair the skin barrier while reducing inflammation and redness. Perfect for those who need an extra layer of nourishment and protection, this cream works wonders for calming rosacea flare-ups while helping to maintain a smooth, healthy complexion.
Avene Cicalfate Restorative Skin Cream
This rich, restorative cream contains soothing ingredients like sulfate and copper, which help to repair the skin’s natural barrier and reduce irritation.
6. Green-Tinted Products
For those looking for instant coverage and camouflage for rosacea redness, green-tinted products can neutralize the redness in the skin. These products work by counteracting the red tones with green, which helps to balance out the appearance of your skin.
Why It Works:Green-tinted products can provide immediate relief by concealing redness and irritation. They work as a temporary solution while you continue to address the underlying causes of rosacea.
7. Ivermectin for Demodex
An over-the-counter option that is not only effective for rosacea but also targets Demodex mites, which have been linked to rosacea flare-ups, is ivermectin. These microscopic mites can aggravate rosacea symptoms and cause additional inflammation.
Why It Works: Ivermectin is known for its anti-parasitic properties and can reduce inflammation caused by Demodex mites, helping to keep rosacea under control. It is highly effective in reducing papules, pustules, and overall redness, providing long-term relief from flare-ups.
Recommended Products:
Soolantra (Ivermectin) Cream (Prescription, but worth mentioning): Although ivermectin for rosacea is typically available through a prescription, it is an effective topical treatment for targeting the Demodex mites. Over-the-counter products containing ivermectin may help reduce the population of these mites, thereby alleviating the symptoms of rosacea.
8. Avoid Harsh Exfoliants and Scrubs
While it’s tempting to exfoliate, harsh scrubs and physical exfoliants can worsen rosacea. Instead, opt for gentle exfoliation methods like chemical exfoliants (e.g., AHAs and BHAs) in lower concentrations.
Why It Works:Exfoliating too aggressively can irritate rosacea, but gentle chemical exfoliants help to keep the skin clear without causing flare-ups or aggravating inflammation.
Conclusion: Finding the Right OTC Products for Your Rosacea
Managing rosacea may take a bit of trial and error, but there are several over-the-counter treatments that can help calm and reduce flare-ups. From gentle cleansers and sunscreens to azelaic acid and anti-redness creams, there are plenty of effective products available to complement your rosacea treatment plan.
Remember, everyone's skin is different, and what works for one person may not work for another.
If you're unsure which products are right for your skin, or if you're experiencing persistent rosacea symptoms, schedule a consultation with Pacific Crest Dermatology. We’re here to help you achieve calm, clear skin.
