Say goodbye to redness with the best rosacea treatments tried and tested

rosacea treatment

by Lorna White |
Updated on

Although rosacea is a fairly common skin condition, it’s still quite misunderstood. A long-term skin problem that mostly affects the face, there are a range of treatments and medicated solutions that can help keep flare ups under control for some. Having said that, symptoms can still worsen overtime and it can have a huge psychological impact for sufferers, particularly when it’s more severe.

Rosacea symptoms

Facial redness - This can start as flushing or blushing in the face but overtime, this redness persists and can be accompanied by a tingling or burning sensation.

Rash - sometimes, it can cause visible skin irritation such as a rash or acne like spots.

Visible blood vessels - These look like thin red lines on the face, particularly on the cheeks or nose.

Eye irritation - this is a common symptom of those suffering with ocular rosacea and you may find that your eyes are red, itchy, watery or dry. It might feel similar to when an eyelash is irritating your eye.

Thicker skin - the skin may appear thicker or swollen, particularly on the nose. This mostly affects men.

Getting a rosacea diagnosis

There is no specific test for rosacea, so your doctor will base a diagnosis on the appearance of your skin and your medical history.

It’s also a myth that it only affects white skin. As many of the symptoms are redness, it can be difficult to diagnose on black or brown skin so you need to be more aware off signs of irritation and thicker spots.

Causes of rosacea

Scientists don’t know what causes rosacea. All they do know is that people with rosacea are much more sensitive to environmental factors that effect the skin such as the sun. They also believe some genetic factors are at play.

Treatments for Rosacea

With so many different treatments on the market, we asked some of our readers, all of whom suffer with rosacea, to put some of the best rosacea treatments to the test to see what impact they had on the skin and if they’re really worth the money.

RosaliqueRosalique

For an instant fix, Rosalique’s 3-in-1 formula provides a concealing, colour correcting effects to instantly conceal redness on the skin. It has been developed for hypersensitive and redness-prone skin with those who suffer from rosacea, couperose, keratosis pilaris and uneven skin tone in mind. It works by using unique micro-encapsulated technology with clinically proven ingredients α-Bisabolol, Zeolite, Provitamin B5, Urea and Shea Butter. It also protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays with a 5* rated SPF50.

Pros

  • SPF 50
  • Instant results

Cons

  • Doesn’t work as well on very red skin

Designed to help with stressed, congested and break-out prone skin, this Azelaic Acid can be used on all skin types, including those with rosacea. It works to balance out the skins oil levels, minimise pores and breakouts, making it ideal for combating a range of skin issues. It also works to reinvigorate the skin, even out tone and texture and help protect from environmental damage using four antioxidant rich super grains extracts – spelt, quinoa, teff and khorasan.

It’s designed to be used on clean skin before moisturising morning or night and it also works well with other ingredients such as niacinamide, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid so can seamlessly fit into your skincare regime. It is however advised not to mix this with BHAs and AHAs as it could increase your skins sensitivity. We also love that this is alcohol and fragrance free as well as being vegan friendly.

Pros

  • Can be used with other skincare products
  • Solves a number of common skin issues, not just rosacea

Cons

  • Shouldn’t be mixed with AHAs or BHAs

Bloom effects tulipBloom effects

We all know the benefits of plant power in our diet, but did you know it can also have a great impact on our skin? These Tulip Dew Drops from Bloomeffects are said to be a ‘super juice for the face’ to give you  dewy glow. Formulated with Niacinamide and 28 Dutch plant and botanical extracts, the serum is designed to combat the uneven skin tone and dullness often associated with skin issues like rosacea.

Suitable for all skin types, it’s water-based so absorbs into the skin instantly and also provides hydration and pollution protection. Designed to be used in the morning for day-long glow or mixed in with your foundation for a lighter coverage, it’s free from synthetic dyes, fragrance and silicones.

Pros

  • Suitable for all skin types  
  • Fragrance free

Cons

  • Expensive for not much product so may be out of some people’s budgets

Revox AzelaicRevox

Available to purchase separately, the Revox B77 Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide are both designed to combat the symptoms of rosacea. Firstly, Azelaic Acid is a little wonder product which works by eliminating the bacteria in the skin’s pores that can lead to acne. It also helps brighten the skin and even out skin tone meaning it’s also great for minimising the appearance of dark age spots. Simply apply a small amount to clean and dry skin in the evening, massaging gently until fully absorbed.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Brightens skin

Cons

  • Designed to be used overnight so won't impact your make up

Revox NiacinamideRevox

Niacinamide is another key ingredient for skincare and it helps reduce the appearance of imperfections associated with rosacea including redness and inflammation by strengthening the skins barrier to protect it against external pollutants and any irritation, leaving the skin tone more even. Niacinamide also helps maintain optimal moisture levels, combating dryness often associated with rosacea.

Pros

  • Ideal for dryer skin types
  • Affordable

Cons

  • There isn't loads of product in the pot

Sorted SkinSorted Skin

A similar product to the Rosalique 3 in 1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula SPF50, this is an instant colour correcting cream that’s designed with rosacea sufferers in mind to act as a sort of concealer for mature skin. Firstly, it targets the skin with its prebiotic ingredients to support the microbiome. It also has a blue light filter to stop inflammation of the skin and digital aging caused by the light emitted by phones, tablets and computer screens.

It also provides powerful protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays with a broad spectrum SPF50 sunscreen along with plenty of naturally-active ingredients that target the causes of redness and inflammation. We also love that it’s a natural antihistamine, reducing itching and irritation making it ideal for summer.

Pros

  • Has SPF 50
  • Gives instant results

Cons

  • Some didn't like the texture as it was too grainy

CBD balmhoneyheaven

CBD products have been taking the beauty world by storm over recent years and it can also help sooth the symptoms of rosacea. Applying this skin-nourishing balm to the skin can potentially provide numerous benefits, including moisturisation, sooth and calm, protect, nourish and relieve pain so not only can they be used on rosacea prone skin but other areas of the body too. Mixed with organic beeswax, this thickens the balm for a non-greasy and non-sticky, easy-to-apply consistency. It can also double up as a relaxing balm to apply to the pulse points!

Pros

  • Multiple uses
  • Natural ingredients

Cons

  • Not as suited for wearing under make up

47 skin47 skin

If you’re looking for a product to calm your skin, then this serum from 47 Skin could be just what you skin is after. Containing their unique silver and chitoderm formula, it works to reduce spots, blemishes, fade scars, reduces fine lines, heals skins and reduces any redness. Using natural and nourishing ingredients, its suited to dry skin, leaving it feeling glowing and soft. You might also want to try the 47 Skin treatment serum for persistent, stubborn and cystic acne too – another product that can help symptoms of rosacea.

Pros

  • Different size options available
  • Unique formula

Cons

  • Some found the packaging caused product to remain in the bottom of the container

Best complete range of rosacea treatment

PharmacerisPharmaceris

The Pharmaceris range of products contains a whole skincare routine that’s suitable for rosacea sufferers. Available in the range, there’s the Pharmaceris R Lipo Rosalgin Day Cream SPF 15, Pharmaceris R Calm Rosalgin Night Cream, Pharmaceris R Rosalgin Active+, Pharmaceris R Puri Rosalgin Face Wash. All the products are designed to visibly improve any signs of redness while simultaneously calming any discomfort it may be causing by restoring the skins natural balance, strengthening the lipid barrier of your skin and combatting dryness too.

Pros

  • Specifically designed for those with rosacea
  • A whole range available of different products

Cons

  • Some users find some of the ingredients a little too strong for more sensitive skin

Pharmaceris face washPharmaceris

Pharmaceris night creamPharmaceris

Lorna White is a Senior Digital Writer at Yours.co.uk. She was previously a writer at Yours Magazine writing features and news stories before joining the digital team. Lorna loves all things skincare, makeup as well as getting out and about in the great British countryside and likes to spend her spare time in her home of Nottinghamshire walking her Border Collies, Pippin and Maggie.

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