What is the Best Moisturizer for Rosacea ?

127 Comments over 3 pages ↓

#53883 friend on April 6, 2011 at 6:19 AM

Thanks everybody for all the information. I was diagnosed with Rosacea & Serb dermatitis in Jan. I was at my wits end w/ the red face, and white flaking skin that I fell into a BIG depression. My first dermatologist wanted me to purchase only the products she sold (she would not recommend any OTC moisturizers, cleansers, or sunblock). She also was perscribing me steroids every freakin’ time I saw her, and kept telling me “oh its fine to use them for a month at a time.” After reading here about the dangers I ditched her. My next dermatologist gave me some samples of PROMISEB and it truly gave me back my life. It is safe to use every day even for babies. No side effects listed or reported.
It is a new product (been out in US for a year or so.) Has no steroid in it. Mostly all natural w/ shea butter. It is also an antifungal and moisturizes with out causing breakouts. I have been using it for 5 weeks. LOVE IT. My white flakes are almost gone! You do need a perscription . My 1st derm also had put me on metrogel products that only made my skin dry & worse. I did radically change my diet. Try to eat mostly fruit, veggies, cut way back on dairy, and only drink wine about 2x’s a month. Also drink only zephyrhills water which has a good alkaline level. I eat processed foods and sugar sparingly. Hard to be on this healthy, boring diet, but having normal skin is worth it for sure. I also started using Oil of Olay Classic oil free moisturizer with SPF 15 which I like too. Lesson learned if your dermatologist is not helping you find another. By the way this nightmare started for me due to menopause…. hope this info helps.

#53884 Carolina on April 6, 2011 at 6:33 AM

Hi friend, I am so glad to hear your rosacea is better….why did you change your diet? do you find that it helps keep the breakouts away?

#53932 friend on April 8, 2011 at 7:51 AM

Hey Carolina…..After reading all the info on rosacea & serb dermatitis everyone kept saying changing their diet was very helpful & I was desperate. So I gave up MOST of my favorite foods. Slowly and carefully trying to figure out which ones really cause me problems. Yes I think it helps. Hardest part is not having drinks every weekend…miss those terribly! I think controlling my serb derm is the key to my face remaining clear of redness as well. I also have learned that using a GENTLE non soap to wash is essential as well as rinsing w/cool water, and then I barely use a towel to dry my face I just fan my face dry with a paper fan I use to keep me cool during my hot flashes!! This has REALLY helped a lot. After washing my face it barely looks red now when before I was embarrassed to let anyone see me!

#57133 Maureen on May 15, 2011 at 12:36 AM

Hi, friends — Like many rosaceans, I have extreme facial sensitivity and can’t tolerate most cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreens, etc., all of which sting and burn. I use Vanicream moisturizer, which I want to mention since it’s not on the list above and it works for me. You can occasionally but rarely find it in drugstores; I buy it from drugstore.com. Has a very simple list of ingredients that you can check out on the drugstore.com website. Also, surprisingly inexpensive. It comes in a light lotion and in a thicker cream, which does take a little time to melt into your skin, but is altogher worth it.

#57391 Zoe on May 17, 2011 at 12:42 AM

I would just like to say that i wholeheartedly agree that changing your diet helps. Cuttin gout yeast/sugar/tomatos etc will make a difference. I’ve only been doing this for about a month and already there’s a change. I agree with the lady above though, i love to have a drink and that has to go which is a shame, but the clear soft skin is sooooo worth it. All the best of luck. Also, i tried LiveLive Organics Bee yummy skin food moisturiser. Its very expensive but well worth it as it doesnt aggrivate my (very sensitive to most things) skin. Good luck everyone.

#59494 Ty on June 13, 2011 at 3:05 AM

I love CeraVe’s moisturizer. I add green tea to it and it feels quite nice. It use it only at night. I have moderate rosacea with erythema & visible red veiny spots.

#61859 sebastian on July 20, 2011 at 11:50 PM

Confused.. i thought Benzyl Alchol was to avoid when choosing moisturizers? And the cetaphill has it?

#61872 David Pascoe on July 21, 2011 at 8:50 AM

Comment via email

“No wonder it burned me when I first started dealing with this issue. Lol. I wash my face with Dove nonfragrance for sensitive skin, take Oracea pills once a day, use Elidil in the morn n night along with Differin at night. For moisturizer I use vaseline lightly. My skin has improved 100%+ I’m a woman of color so it might be different for you.”

#63319 Fiona on August 14, 2011 at 8:44 AM

I haven’t been to a dermatologist yet so I’m not sure if it’s rosacea but I have these large sore red bumps on my forehead, especially right between my eyebrows. They seem to come and go (Extremely attractive as you can imagine.)They aren’t cysts, nothing is in them but everything I do seems to aggravate them and make them redder. Makes me very self conscious at work. I was just searching the internet, trying to figure what the heck it could be and after reading up on rosacea, I’m wondering if it could be a type of it. Thanks to all of you for sharing. It’s been really helpful.

#65013 Lisa on September 18, 2011 at 4:41 PM

Hi Guys,

I’ve just been reading your comments and they are very knowledgeable and helpful,
my skin started to get very sensitive after I used the sunbed a few times back in 1988, I developed a rash and was prescribed hydracortizone cream by my doctor….after the rash had gone I kept getting a redness to my cheeks and chin and have suffered ever since. I’ve tried everything in the past and it hasn’t really worked I’ve just had to cover it up with a thick concealer.

When Clinique launched their Redness Solutions Range I had a sml sample and now I’ve never looked back, my skin has greatly improved and I don’t even wear foundation now.

I’d recommend this range to anyone..

Ps….I live in the UK…and as the weather gets colder my skin finds it tougher..

#65436 Shelley on September 25, 2011 at 11:41 PM

Hi. I am 36 and have always had very dry skin. Actually as a child I was diagnosed with ichthyosis. Around age 30 is when my rosacea kicked in. I have tried so many different products….Aveeno, Clinique, Philosophy, my derm prescribed metrogel. The metrogel just made my skin drier.
At the moment I am using First Aid Beauty. I discovered their products at Sephora. I bought the cleanser and Ultimate Repair Cream. I love it so much! My skin is actually moisturized and calmer than it has been in a very long time. Give it a try!

#68175 julia on November 9, 2011 at 3:43 AM

have suffered w/rosacea for years. think i first really noticed it after my first child,whom i had in my early 30′s…hormones ? i’m 51 now and been going thru god awful menopause the last couple years,which i am sure has made the situation worse. have tried dermatologists expensive creams,cosmetics,antibiotics(which i do not want to be on all my life !)and Clinique’s bulls**t cotisone…cause they advertised the redness thing. i was so pissed off w/myself i bought cortisone for like 35 bucks,that i could have gotten at the friggin’ drug store for like a couple bucks-store brand.have done the aveeno,proactive years ago…more for the kids…def.dried the skin,garnier moister gel,olay burned,…guess i’ll give shelly’s comment a try…sephora. last step…laser=$$$ ! I’ll miss the vino too ! ‘specially special occasions. ah,maybe for my birthday and new years !

#68178 julia on November 9, 2011 at 3:48 AM

hydracortizone…ah,you all probably already knew what i was talkin’ ’bout !

#72867 Laurie on November 27, 2011 at 10:37 AM

First, I have to tell you, I have been in the medical field for over 25 years. I sought help from a dermatologist. She prescribed antibiotics and strong facial washes for me for 15 years. Though it did help clear my face somewhat, I was very annoyed when I discovered that by changing my diet I was able to get off all treatments and my face has been completely clear for over 10 years! No more doctor visits or prescriptions. I was vegetarian during the time I was diagnosed with Rosacea but when I decided to go vegan (for compassionate reasons) my face (and all my allergies) completely cleared! I firmly believe Rosacea is an allergic reaction. I take care of my skin with gentle cleansers (Suki has wonderful products) and I don’t wash my face in hot water. I stay away from alcohol, sugar, I don’t smoke, I wear sunblock….and I drink plenty of water….so I am still careful but no one believes I was ever treated for Rosacea.
I hope this helps, it is certainly worth a try.

#81545 Theresa on December 27, 2011 at 11:52 AM

Greetings and thanku to everyone for all your helpful words. It helps so much not to feel so alone with this. I wonder Laurie if you would say some more about your diet as I do believe allergies have a lot do with my rosacea. Nothing has helped so far. I wake every morning with a bright red sore face. I too have spent a fortune on dermatologists, doctors, creams, supplements.
Has anybody else found that being in front of a computer makes it worse?
Thank you for any replies.

#81556 Laurie on December 27, 2011 at 12:49 PM

Sure, I will tell you what I found by “accident” with regard to my diet. I was a vegetarian from about the age of 30. During this time I developed rosacea. I was treated by a dermatologist who never ever even inquired about my diet and whether it was good or bad for my skin condition….during my daughters college years we became animal activists and discovered that vegetarianism was not enough to help stop animal cruelty…we decided to go “vegan”. This diet has done more for my health and well being than anything the dermatologist ever did! I do not consume any animal products at all. No Milk, dairy, cheese, meat, eggs, fish..nothing that comes from an animal. Not only has my face completely cleared (I mean COMPLETELY) but I do not have any cholesterol problems, blood pressure issues , no more allergies and no weight problems, no arthritis,no diabetes… nothing!…and I am a 54 year old Nana with plenty of energy! But aside from cutting out the animal products, I also cut out most white sugar, all alcohol (I never really drank anyway, and wine has sulfates which will irritate), I don’t smoke. I drink plenty of water (no soft drinks or concentrated juice, too much sugar) I eat lots of fruit, vegetables and grains. There are lots of good informative books about being vegan and the benefits of it. Believe me your face will thank you. Most recently Dr. Neil Barnard recently put out a book called the “21 Day Kickstart”. This one explains this way of eating in easy to understand terms and also has some recipes.
A couple of other tips:
Do not wash your face in a hot shower or with a washcloth (washcloths tend to have laundry detergent residue still in them and this can irritate your face, not to mention the fact that scrubbing will too. I use a gentle foaming/lotion cleanser (Suki…love it) and tepid water. Try not to sit over hot bowls of soup or tea (so as not to “steam” your face) and never use any kind of exfolliant or peels.
Also, if per chance, you are allergic to gluten (a lot of people are) you may want to cut that out of your diet too…but give the vegan diet a try for 6 months and see if that is sufficient. I know this works…I work for a Dr and have suggested this to teenagers with acne and their faces clear up too…so it is not just for Rosacea! I do believe it would help people with Psoriasis and other skin disorders too.
Hope this helps you.
Laurie
I hope this

#81563 mrland on December 27, 2011 at 1:23 PM

I agree that your diet has a tremedous effect o your skin. I cut out the fast foods and especially sodas. I also use quadriderm (or generic product) and swear by it. I’m also taking skin vitamins, Maxi -Hair, by Country Life which are great!

#81621 Elizabeth on December 27, 2011 at 6:08 PM

I agree completely about the benefits of a vegan diet. I have been vegetarian for a long time and eliminated dairy and eggs from my diet a year ago, after I was diagnosed with gallstones and diabetes Type 2. I have lost 30 pounds in weight (I also eat only unrefined carbohydrates, no white flour, no sugar, no alcohol). I have never smoked. My rosacea is not completely gone, but it is much better. I manage it by using Topix Replenix CF Serum in the morning under a sunscreen with at least spf 30, as directed by my dermatologist. In the evening, I just use Topix Replenix CF Cream. I clean my face with Toleriane cream cleanser, followed by Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foaming Cleanser, and tone with pure rosewater.
Once a year I have an IPL treatment for maintenance, and that’s all.
I think diet has a huge effect on our skin, and in fact on everything! My diabetes is now completely under control with diet only, no medications, and I feel much better. My cholesterol is also low.
The only really unavoidable trigger for me is cold and/or windy weather. I can’t stay indoors all the time, so this does set off the flushing and stinging reaction, but otherwise I’m doing much better than a year ago.
I heartily endorse what Dr Neil Barnard says – I have two of his books, and all my family are now vegetarian, although as my daughter keeps chickens, she does still eat eggs.
I urge everyone with rosacea to experiment with this diet, and see what happens.

#89941 Eileen on February 20, 2012 at 10:34 AM

What is very helpful to control rosacea is a healthy diet, yoga/meditation, sunscreen, and mild cleansers. Even though I have rosacea my skin is oily what makes it acne prone. I never consume white sugar or white flour and I use only sea salt. I switched to almond milk, and I avoid alcohol and hot beverages especially if they have caffeine. I also apply Finacea and my favorite anti-aging is Replenix which a serum that contains green tea. Most people can’t tell I have rosacea. I wear only mineral make up. The Clinique redness solution powder is great to conceal redness. Don’t forget drink plenty of water. I live in a hot and humid weather of S. Florida so taking care of my skin is a full time job. I hope it helps. Good luck!

#90613 Candice on February 26, 2012 at 4:26 PM

Hi everyone,

I am a biochemist who is formulating an organic herbal product line to help calm the symptoms of rosacea.

I have rosacea myself and would like to create something that will better the lives of people with this condition.

If you would be so kind, it would really help me out if you took my short survey to help me create the best product that I can for our community.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3M9RBC8

If you would like to contact me with questions, my email is cbetty@pacbell.net.

Thank you very much for your time!
Candice

#91304 Male on March 3, 2012 at 7:08 AM

As I read I am curious why I havent browsed any feedback from men? – anywho… I have red checks and nose and have started seeing the red veins on my face. I have to be clean shaven for work so I shave at night and moisturize before bed. Tine calms my face but I work in hot & dusty enviroment so i experience many triggers each day. Currently my face gets so warm and red that at the end of the day my cheeks feel wind burned. I have seen some results with Eucerin products, but short lived. Contemplating 2nd Dermertalogist consult with new Dr. as first one was a quack. This condition has humbled my vainity..

#91306 Laurie on March 3, 2012 at 7:35 AM

I know men suffer from this condition as well as women. I work for a Dr and we have many male sufferers. Obviously men cannot wear makeup to cover up the problem so can exacerbate a lack of self confidence. First, as I have stated previously, I would try a vegan diet. I know it seems like such an simple answer, but animal products are inflammatory to us humans and Rosacea is an inflammatory condition. So do not consume them and your body will thank you! I also don’t believe in using any chemicals or prescriptions, which is why I use Suki products (no I am not a representative of this company!)They have several items specifically for Rosacea symptoms..there are other food grade, all natural products on the market as well. Someone had good luck with Burts Bees, but I have no experience with this. I suggest not using a face cloth, avoid using hot water on your face, even in the shower, I wash my face prior to getting in, avoid sugar, alcohol and sitting over steaming cups or bowls of soup, coffee (use a covered up) etc. Obviously the sun will aggravate the situation too.
Wash your pillowcase frequently ( but ,No bleach)….your face is on it all night.
I do wonder why the dermatologist I saw for years never said any of this to me, she simply wore out her pen writing prescriptions that only mildly helped! UGH!

#91407 Lyne on March 4, 2012 at 9:20 AM

In response to Fiona I had the same pathology ,bumpy red spots on my nose and forehead,it’s probably”acneic rosacea”My dermatologist prescribed”metridinacole gel,wich here in canada ,is sold under the name of ”Metrogel”Also,it takes a couple of months to disappeard.

#96468 danimary on April 12, 2012 at 12:45 AM

Reading this forum shows how individual we all are! If one treatment works for some people, it doesn’t work for others. This is a tough condition to deal with. My rosacea had always been confined to around my nose, just under the eyes (pustules) and papules along my chin and jawline (sometimes going down my neck). The papules were so transient that not one doctor ever put two and two together. I was treated with antihistamines for “hives” instead. When the pustules started showing up under and over my eyebrows, lower on my face(closer to nostrils) and the papules got worse, I started my research. I’ve used some permethrin ointment 5% on my face 3 tuesdays in a row. If demodex is a problem for me, that should have got the little buggers! I still have a couple of pustules on my forehead but nothing closer to the eyebrows. I started on azelaic acid 15% gel a week ago and the pustules and redness are responding well. The papules however seemed to multiply!!! I resorted to using some hydrocort on my chin, applied twice in one day due to itching and burning, and today, two days later, nary a papule to be found. If I can keep my rosacea down to a dull roar, I’ll be happy. A clear face? I’d be ecstatic!

#97075 April on April 15, 2012 at 1:53 PM

Greetings

I have 3 different types of Rosacea – Aren’t I lucky! It took awhile to learn there are many types of Rosacea.

From the website http://www.rosaceafacts.com/rosacea-types-treatment.aspx
Subtype 1. Facial Redness (I have this one)
Medical name: Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea
Symptoms: flushing and persistent redness, may include visible blood vessels, stinging, burning, and swelling.

Subtype 2. Bumps and pimples (I also have this one!)
(with some redness, sometimes with swelling and visible blood vessels)
Medical name: Papulopustular rosacea
Symptoms: bumps (papules) or pimples (pustules) that come and go, includes red patches.

Subtype 3. Skin thickening
Medical name: Phymatous rosacea
Symptoms: excess tissue often results in enlargement of the nose and irregular surface nodules (bump-like lesions).

Subtype 4. Eye irritation (and I have this one)
Medical name: Ocular rosacea
Symptoms: watery or bloodshot eyes, tearing and burning, swollen eyelids, recurrent styes.

Someone asked about your skin getting sensitive after being on a computer or in front of a monitor or display. My skin dr tells me skin with Rosecea can be impact by displays. So, I wear yellow tinted gaming glasses (though I never play games on the computer) and a sun shield when I am on the computer or in front of a TV or any length of time. It helps alot!

I also have found a product that calms my skin when it is really burning. It is called MyChelle Capillary Calming Serum. For me, this is the first thing I put on my face after i clean it using Aveeno . I think use a RX cream, and then I use either the Evan Healy Blue Chamomile Cream, or another cream from Clinique. Then an Aveeno sun screen for the daytime, or at night – I use pure organic Argan oil that I order online from France. The Argan oil particularly helps soothe my skin and eyelids. When the Rosacea is really burning during the daytime, particularly when it is sunny and or windy outside, I may also use the Argan oil, or even the Evan Healy Shea Butter. There are a little greasy, but it really helps to soothe the skin and relieve the pain.

Ocular Roseace is real nasty. I have to use different kinds of drops – including one which is RX, plus a speacial ointment – every single day. And, I have to take oral antibiotics. My eyes are really impacted by the sun, bright light, computer monitors and the TV, etc. Wind also gets them. It feels like steam then sand has hit the eyes. It is incredible painful!

#98982 Helena Gorman on May 7, 2012 at 10:10 PM

I have always been one to take my doctors advice with regards my rosacea which I have had all of my adult life (25 years) and have used metrogel and azelaic acid cream which reduced the redness marginally but caused extreme dryness and burning. I have used moisturisers by nivea, simple, garnier etc. which were all fine. They did however cause more papules and postules particularly to the side of my nose. Well to cut a long story much shorter I have been applying a rosacea cream by mamas natures and the difference in my face is so incredible I want to shout it from the roof tops even though I am scared of heights. My face is amazing and even my doctor is bemused. The mamas nature cream is also keeping my face nicely moisurised and although it did tend to be oily in the t zone since using this cream it is much less oily. Miracle cream that I hope one day is prescribed by the NHS.

#98992 danimary on May 8, 2012 at 2:25 AM

I’ve just finished my first month of Periostat. I didn’t start to notice results until week 3. I was in extreme heat (Dubai) at the time and my face all of a sudden was the best its been in months! I started with azelaic acid and it’s fine for the redness but didn’t have any effect on the pustules and seemed to make the papules worse. So this is what I’m doing now: just a wee bit of hydrocort on my chin line and upper neck when needed (that’s the only place I get the papules), metrogel for any pustules and if I get a nasty one (have a cold right now and my skin has responded with a small outbreak) use a bit of the azelaic acid for the itching and redness.

Skin care: wash with Cetaphil, moisturize with Elizabeth Arden’s Ceramide (I use 1/2 a pearl) and then, not before, the medicated ointments/gels. It’s an expensive moisturizer to be sure but I had some from my mom and my face wasn’t reacting! I have another 3 months to go of the Periostat (can’t get Oracea here in Canada) and I’ll see if another mild, recommended moisturizer will work. Oh yeah, also using Clinaderm sun block; zinc and titanium instead of the usual nasty chemicals (smells so much better too).