what is the best moisturizer for rosacea ?

41 comments ↓

#1 sheryl on 08.27.07 at 12:15 am

Which of these moisturizers would be beneficial for aging skin as well as rosacea?

#2 Elaine Brewer on 11.07.07 at 8:25 am

My present moisturizer is being discontinued so I am looking for a replacement. Do you have any samples you could send me. I have sensitive skin as well as rosacea. I need help.

Thanks

#3 Digital Davo on 11.12.07 at 8:52 am

Hi Elaine,

Sorry, but I don’t have any samples that I can send you. Hopefully this page can give you some suggestions about what to try. I find the Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser and moisturiser to be mild and works well for me. Many stores will have promotional samples or have good returns policies that will make your moisturiser selection easier.

davidp.

#4 Digital Davo on 11.12.07 at 8:55 am

Hi Sheryl,

Most moisturisers that are targetted at reducing ageing can pontentially irritate rosacea symptoms. The only proven way to reduce the signs of ageing is to use a sunscreen. You might even like to try a moisturiser that also contains sunscreen itself.

davidp.

#5 Digital Davo on 12.07.07 at 1:30 pm

Hi again Sheryl, You might like to try Kinerase, it has been shown to be effective at reducing the visible signs of ageing in rosacea sufferers.

http://rosacea-support.org/topical-kinetin-kinerase-moisturizer-for-anti-aging.html

davidp.

#6 Christine Soo Hoo on 01.02.08 at 1:27 pm

Would the following products contain at least 3% of Dimethione?

Complex 15 Face Cream
Spectroderm

Thanks. christine

#7 Mary Walker on 01.30.08 at 12:15 am

I have acne with large pores and rosacea. I take tecacycline about twice a week. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks

#8 Carol on 02.02.08 at 11:18 pm

I use Paula’s Choice Hydrating Treatment Cream and Skin Recovery Moisturizer. I also use Dr. Weil’s Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Face Serum.

What is your opinion of these products?

Thanks

#9 karen on 03.20.08 at 5:11 am

Hi Carol,
It’s great to see someone else using Paula’s Choice products. I have her books on cosmetics. Worth checking out what she has to say on many, many cosmetics.
I believe Dr. Weil’s skin care is too harsh for my skin. I had to take one of his products back for refund. Watch your ingredients.

#10 Amy on 03.24.08 at 12:30 pm

I used to use Paula’s Choice Hydrating treatment Cream and LOVED it. It has no fragrance, is very basic, and didn’t sting when applied. Then I ordered a new tube, tried to use it as I always had normally, and it caused a terrible, stinging, rosacea flare up. Go figure. I contacted the company and they said nothing had changed in the formula. I guess I simply developed a sensitivity to it. I sill use her 2% BHA liquid on my nose and forehead with no ill effects (it is THE best for keeping acne at bay in the winter when I have a hat on all of the time).

I agree regarding Dr. Weil’s products. They were terrible for my skin.

#11 Heather on 04.10.08 at 2:14 am

La Roche Posay toleriane products are awesome, especially if you deal with irritating, sensitive skin.

#12 Brid on 04.11.08 at 8:43 pm

Hi there,
I have tried countless moisturisers including Viche, clarins etc. I am now trying dermalogica at the moment and unfortunately it doesn’t seem to be doing any good. I have sensitive and have a few red spots on my left cheek, my nose etc are ok so the cream worked there but I am not sure what to do about my left cheek.
any suggestions??

#13 Bev Jones on 07.09.08 at 1:09 am

Hello I am newly diagnosed but I was told to use JOJOBA OIL for my moisturiser so that’s been very kind so far and I use THOROUGHLY CLEAN FACE WASH for my cleanser it is organic Tea Tree Oil and Awapuhi and to stay away from anything with alcohol in the product has any one else been told this ? from Bev

#14 Digital Davo on 07.09.08 at 9:25 am

We wish you all the best Bev. Jojoba oil can be a great moisturizer, especially when applied to a very wet face and allowed to dry.

davidp.

#15 dianekjs on 12.29.08 at 10:00 am

Hi, I haven’t posted here before, but have been battling rosacea and seb/derm for awhile now and for me, at least, keeping the affected skin moist has been the most helpful in keeping all the other symptoms under control. For moisturizers, vitamin E oil, Jojoba oil, organic unrefined coconut oil, and when patches get particularly dry and irritated or itchy vaseline of all things has been a godsend. It’s kind of disgusting, but it has been a huge relief for my skin. Most of the developed moisturizers seem to work for a short while and then start causing problems. Also, sleeping near a humidifier is helpful. Teatree oil can be irritating, so go easy until you see how your skin responds to it. Teatree is better for antibacterial and antiseptic qualities than for moisturizing.

#16 c on 01.03.09 at 3:09 pm

I’ve been using proEcza since I have both Eczema and rosacea…but when I use the proecza along with my prescribed elidel, it works ALOT better…the proecza is pretty much for my forehead and temples, but i use it on cheeks and again, it clears the skin much better..

#17 sandra cass on 01.04.09 at 11:16 pm

I have roscea and can’t seem to find a moisturizer that works. I have tried just about everything. The moisturizer that I used to use is discontinued, which was an origin product. Everytime I find anything they discontinue it. Please help

#18 Elizabeth on 01.17.09 at 9:39 am

I have really sensitive and rosacea skin. I couldn’t even wash my face with anything without it burning and getting redder and when my face was dry I couldn’t put any lotion on it because after a few minutes it would start burning really badly. I went to Kiehl’s and they gave me like 10 different samples and I found a cleanser that works for me and I have been using for about 4 months now. It is called Centella and is white in a clear tall bottle with a pump. It actually feels like it is soothing my face which is a miracle for me. It cost me about $35 and I still have enough in there for about another month and I use it 2x day. For lotion I had used Kinerase in the past and it always worked for me but the price is expensive so I had stopped using it a few years ago. Well I ordered it and paid about $120 online and after using it about 2 weeks so far my skin is moist and doesn’t peel as much and doesn’t hurt or feel dry and cracking or red from irritation. It still has redness from the rosacea but not redness added to that from being irritated. I was literally in pain all day before I found these products so maybe they’ll work for someone out there who reads this.

#19 GLORIA on 04.23.09 at 9:40 am

Iwas using PURPOSE redness reducing moisturizer with ENSULIZOLE 2%,octinoxazle 7.5%,octocrylene 7.5%. It has been discontinued . Is there another product with these ingredients in it?

#20 Linda on 05.08.09 at 2:36 pm

I didn’t get rosacea until my fifties. At first I thought it was just hot flashes, but the flushing and burning sensations continued until I changed my whole face-cleaning routine. I also had to change a lot in my diet.

For a cleanser I use Aquanil, about $14.00 for 16 fluid oz. – comes with a pump – rinse with tepid or cool water. I had to switch to Aquanil after getting a reaction to Cetaphil, which I had used for years. The glycolic acid in the Cetaphil burned. After washing, I pat my face dry and use Neutrogena Alcohol Free Toner on a cotton pad, then I put on Vanicream Moisturizing Cream. It’s less than $20.00 for an entire POUND (be sure to ask for the tub with the pump). I buy both at CVS. These products weren’t on the shelf; I asked the pharmacist to order them.

The Vanicream seems too thick when first applied, but soaks in well. In about 10 – 15 minutes I can put on my Bare Escentuals mineral powder makeup.

Each day I take 40 mg. of Oracea – a type of antibiotic that won’ affect your immune system negatively. I have used it for two years with no ill effect. Ask your derm.

#21 Claire on 05.15.09 at 2:04 am

Hi,

I’m 51 and have had rosacea for about 9 years; after 3 years of different treatments my derm put me on Desonide lotion (a very light steroid). This works great for me, although some derms like continued use and some don’t. I won’t give it up though; it makes my skin so soft and smooth without breakouts. I also use Prasiolide (prescription cleanser).

My question is, as I’m getting older and my skin seems dull and I’m getting those little lines around eyes, etc. I don’t know what to use and am almost afraid to try anything OTC, as almost everything seems to irritate my skin. How frustrating! Any suggestions?

#22 Ross on 05.15.09 at 5:01 pm

Hi,
I have used Danne creams, which are ok but still need to find something for the pimples & Paplus that are forever on my nose and left cheek, I am 46 and have had roscea for the last 2 years, which I believe was brought on by extreme stress, can anyone help with the pimples.
Regards,
Ross

#23 jaxx on 05.19.09 at 4:26 am

I too have used many moisturizers… they all go on well but they absorb soo quickly on my rosacea spots that after 15 minutess … they feel dry again… and on the rest of my skin to oily …so I think i need 2 different moisturizers… help !!!

#24 maureen on 06.05.09 at 12:49 am

I have suffered with rosacea since I was about 10 years old. I knew then that something was wrong with my skin cause it just didn’t act right. My girlfriends grandfather had rosacea, it was almost scary to look at him cause we were so young. I always hoped that I would never get something like this, will I did, and my fathers uncle had this also.I sincerely hope they find a CURE for this cause I am now 55 years old.
I miss Linda Sy’s products, especially one of the bar soaps, and her Acne Cover Lotion worked great when you would get a few pimples on your cheeks, have now replaced that with a little Cortaid at night, and that really helps.
I also have been using CALENDULA OINTMENT by BOIRON, very greasy but works great, Iuse it only at night,very calming to the skin. I live where it gets really cold and my skin isn’t pealing or hurting like it did before . Hope this info might help someone.

#25 Diana on 08.30.09 at 2:01 am

I am 24 years old and I just found out I have rosacea, about a month ago. I was put on antibiotics and Metrogel, but I also have dry skin and I want to moisturize and use an SPF at least of 40. Can this be done at the same time, with the same product?? If so; what is recommended? Im afraid any sunscreen will make my rosacea worse. Are there special products for this?

#26 Linda on 08.31.09 at 9:50 am

I have found Vanicream products to be the absolute best. When I developed rosacea, I had to drop all the moisturizers that I normally used. Even Cetaphil moisturizer and cleanser burned.

I wash now with Aquaphil – ask your pharmacist to order for you or find it online – very cheap – about $14 for 16 oz. I switched to Vanicream for moisturizer – ask your pharmacist or go online – about $14 for a whole pound (it comes in a tub with a pump). Vanicream is also available in lotion form, which sometimes works better if I am going to use makeup.

This summer my Neutrogena Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin irritated me so I switched to Vanicream Sunscreen SPF 30 which is fine for everyday use(found samples on eBay – 5 small tubes for $5.00). It also comes in 60 SPF for days when you’re going spending a lot of time in the sun.

Here’s my routine: morning – wash with Aquanil and warm water; tone with Neutrogena alcohol-free toner; apply Vanicream moisturizer (it will seem impossibly thick, but absorbs amazingly in about 5 – 10 minutes; apply Bare Escentuals makeup. At night I do the whole thing all over and finish with Retin-A 0.1, which for some miraculous reason does not irritate my skin. I think that’s because I’ve used it since 1984.

I also take one 40 mg. capsule of Oracea each day.

Unfortunately, I have not been able to find one product that is a moisturizer and a sunscreen and won’t irritate.

Rosacea is a bitch, but good luck to you, and thank David for sites like this.

#27 Scott on 09.30.09 at 9:24 am

I moved to Mexico City 4mos ago and am running out of my Zirh moisturizer, and of course they don’t sell it here. I’m a little frightened because they don’t have CVS or Rite Aid or anything like that, and they don’t sell Cetaphil or CeraVe, or even Neutrogena for sensitive skin. Zirh worked great because it wasn’t too heavy like Clinique’s redness solutions, or too light (I also have seb dem). It was a nice, light, almost fluid cream. It looks like I’ll have to go to the dept store, but that’s really a crapshoot, dropping 50 bucks for something that might not work, and they don’t have the liberal return policies of Nordstrom here, believe me. Any suggestions??? The Mexican mail system isn’t the greatest so I don’t want to pay to have Zirh delivered and then just have it disappear! Thank you!

#28 Linda on 10.03.09 at 6:31 am

I really think your best option is to go online and order whatever it is you need. I would definitely STAY AWAY from most department store products. I feel that cosmeceuticals, as they are called, cannot be trusted. They are usually overpriced and filled with color and fragrance. If you believe that is your only option, make sure the counter person can explain exactly what is in the product and make sure the product is returnable.

There are a few department store lines that might work: Mario Badescu; Clinique; Origins.

Always say “I have very sensitive skin.” Ask for samples.

Worst case scenario is you get it home, it makes you break out and you can’t return it. Remember many break outs can take a month to heal.

Good luck.

#29 Scott on 10.11.09 at 3:04 am

Thanks for your help, I thought I’d share the results of my search since I feel like may be onto something here. Of course this works for me and may not work for anyone else, but I felt it’s worth mentioning. Gels! I had used Eucerin’s redness reducer gel cleanser before and it worked great, and while I couldn’t find the same product I did find another Eucerin gel for sensitive skin. Seems like the same product, just clear. So far so good. Then I went to the dept. store and got a sample of Clinique’s ‘M Gel-lotion’ for men. I can’t read all of the ingredients but it does have chamomile and caffeine in it, and no alcohol. Tried it for a week and it works great, so I went back and picked up 3.4 fl oz. for about $25 US! Not sure if they have a similar product for women, but gels seem to go on nice and smooth, not cause any redness and give me just enough moisture without any greasiness. Good luck everyone, I know how frustrating this can be.

#30 Linda on 10.15.09 at 5:01 pm

I’m so glad you found my advice helpful, and took the time to thank me.

Enjoy Mexico. Avoid the sun (BAD FOR ROSACEA), and and remember, ice cubes are made of the very same water that you’re not supposed to drink…

#31 Jamie on 10.23.09 at 6:53 am

Having discovered these websites at the same time I’ve implemented their suggestions at once. Going without coffee, chocolate, citrus fruits, and washing my face gently with a dove body wash have been the biggest changes for me. But having implemented the changes at once I’m not sure what exactly is helping me? Reading others’ experiences sure helps though!

#32 Linda on 10.23.09 at 12:21 pm

I’m glad you implemented those dietary changes. Cutting out coffee and wine really helped me. I also had to stop using hot water on my face.

I would be very careful of products like Dove. Due to their perfume content, they can be very irritating. Also, I would never use a body wash on my face.

Everything I use has to be for sensitive facial skin and have little or no fragrance. Ingredients in every product are listed in the order of the amounts used. For example my toner, Neutrogena Alcohol Free, has perfume but it is the last ingredient listed. It doesn’t bother me, but some very sensitive people wouldn’t be able to handle it.

I’m going for my first laser treatments next week to get rid of some broken facial capillaries. Wish me luck…

#33 Karen on 10.25.09 at 8:51 am

I have rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis. I can’t tolerate chemical sunscreens or very many moisturizers. I use jojoba oil on my wet face and I use LaRoche Posay products for intolerante skin – Toleriane fluide, cleanser. I have to keep it very simple and I’m very grateful to have found these products that work for me. I also us Tizo 3 sunscreen.

#34 Karen on 10.25.09 at 8:54 am

I forgot to say I also use Cetaphil, another mild product & inexpensive!

#35 Another Maureen on 12.10.09 at 4:07 am

The skin sensitivity that comes with rosacea is my biggest problem, and I ‘m looking for a moisturizer that doesn’t burn and for a better sunblock.

My experiences: Clinique and Aveeno products burn my skin. For sun I’ve also tried Banana Boat for Sens. Skin [burns], and Olay Complete Defense SPF 30 for Sens. Skin [recommended to me by a derm], which also burns my face and which has the chemical ingredients found in many sunscreens — Octinoxate, Octisalate, and Octocrylene, among others — that I think a lot of rosacea sufferers can’t tolerate. I’ve found cleansing relief with Olay Foaming Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin — about $4-6 for 6-7 oz.

Many thanks to David for providing some really helpful information and for a site on which to give and receive help. Thanks also to many other posters whose suggestions I’m greatly looking forward to trying!

#36 Deb on 12.30.09 at 10:41 pm

I use Acne Statin’s cleanser/moisturizing cream every morning and evening. I do NOT buy or use their orange bottle of acne cream as it is not a good product for rosacea. The normal package is 2 cleanser bottles and 1 acne cream bottle but I request 3 bottles of the cleanser/moisturizing cream only. It is $49.95 and lasts about 3 months.

Remember, you want the blue bottles only – not the orange one. It is the only thing I use on my face. I also use their sun screen in the summers.

I also take tetracycline every day. If I keep on this regimen, my skin looks great. And I only use Bare Minerals make up as it does not irritate my skin.

#37 Nina on 01.09.10 at 2:23 am

Hello!

I developed roscea last year and i have found it really hard to deal with.I have really enjoyed reding all your comments and recommendations.Can anybody recommend a good foundation/concealor?
Also i have found Aloe Vera gel to be quite helpful in reducing the redness.

#38 Kim Karsha on 01.10.10 at 4:25 am

Heard about the Made from Earth skincare products from one of my co-workers. Since the majority of us are big fans of organic products we tend to discuss them quite a bit.

Received a sample of the “3 Berry Face Serum” and was extremely impressed! Ordered a full-sized container of this product 2 days later. My skin is pretty sensitive & is also dry.

I did hesitate when I read the ingredients (on website after I’d tried the sample of this product) because I have had no allergic reaction at all. Have now been using this product at night for over a month & am extremely satisfied with the results & the product itself! Just 2 pumps of this product will cover my face & neck. It leaves my skin, moisturized without greasiness, soft, & seems to have even improved my skin tone/texture/clarity to a small degree.

#39 Erica on 01.13.10 at 12:58 am

I use Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser on my face and have for 15+ years. In the past year or two they have added another cleanser to their line and have used virtually identical packaging. I accidentally bought the new one which is made for OILY skin. This caused my rosacea to flare up & I had the typical burning associated with that as well as the bright red face.

For those who have used Cetaphil & now find they cannot tolerate it make sure you are buying the GENTLE cleanser. You probably can still use that and just got the wrong one. The new (bad) one is a clear product.

I am currently looking for a daily moisturizer with SPF. I don’t want a heavy sunblock, just something that will protect me if/when I am outside during the day. I have sport sunblock for sensitive skin when I am outside for a longer duration of time.

I researched Eucerin Redness Relief SPF15, Eucerin Everyday Protection SPF30 & Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle for sensitive skin. Has anyone tried these and if you have what was your experience?
Thank you.

#40 Linda on 01.14.10 at 4:06 pm

I used Neutrogena Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin one summer and it was ok and the next summer it really caused a lot of irritation – itchy, itchy, itchy.

The only sunscreen I’ve been able to use without itchiness is Vanicream. It comes in SPF 30 and SPF 60. If you go onto EBay, you can find samples, which is what I did. I have had no bad reactions, BUT, because it has titanium dioxide in it, I sometimes resemble a kabuki dancer.

BTW, Bare Minerals foundation has an SPF of 15 and a new version of Bisque is available with an SPF of 20. I use the original Bisque in the Summer color – no SPF – before putting on Medium Beige foundation. It’s good for covering tiny broken facial veins.

Bare Minerals is EVERYWHERE. If you go to QVC.com, you can read the reviews. And, if you want samples of almost any Bare Minerals product, you can get them at Nordstrom’s, Sephora and any Bare Minerals store. If you call a Bare Minerals store, they will send you samples – you pay S&H.

Oy, the things we have to do…

#41 Maria McNiks on 01.24.10 at 8:37 am

I was looking for a moisturizer at an affordable price that makes the promises that the more expensive ones do. I was kind of skeptical because there were no reviews for the Made from Earth Vitamin Enhanced Moisturizer that I could find – but after reading the ingredients and description of the product, I ordered it.

Only after 3 days of using the product at night on my face, I noticed the deep vertical lines above my lips, have already softened and look as if the lines have reduced significantly. The product leaves no oily or greasy feeling on the skin and absorbs quickly.

I highly recommend the Vitamin Enhanced Moisturizer (from Made from Earth) if you are looking to reduce fine lines on your face, and I am excited to try other products from this company.

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