This condition has several common characteristics:

• Thickened skin on the nose, creating a “bulbous” appearance
• Swollen eyes and eyelids
• Red, swollen bumps, sometimes filled with pus
• Tender, hot and flushed skin

Which symptoms you experience depends on what type of rosacea you have.

Some people think rosacea is just the tendency to flush, but it’s more than that. It’s a skin condition that can cause discomfort, which is why a good rosacea skin care routine is so important.

There are four main types of rosacea recognized by dermatologists. Some people have more than one.

What is Ocular Rosacea?

Ocular rosacea affects the eyes. Common symptoms include the following:

• Eyelid cysts
• Dryness
• Sensitivity
• Irritation
• Burning

When patients have ocular rosacea and another type, ocular symptoms often appear first. Since this condition isn’t always accompanied by other symptoms, it can be easily misdiagnosed.

What Is Phymatous Rosacea?
Phymatous rosacea is the rarest type and shows up in men more often than women. Its main characteristic is the “bulbous” nose that appears large and red.

This condition is caused by scarring and thickening of the skin. Fortunately, it’s very treatable.

What Is Papulopustular Rosacea?
Papulopustular rosacea resembles acne and is often misidentified as such. However, rosacea pustules are different than pimples caused by acne.

Though this condition is associated with the face, it can also appear on the chest, neck and scalp. For this reason, it’s essential to develop a rosacea skin care routine that treats these areas as well.

What Is Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea?
Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea is associated with easily flushing. Redness appears in the skin from enlarged blood vessels, creating a “blush.”

Though it may not seem as serious as the other three types, this condition can be just as embarrassing and uncomfortable. In fact, it can lead to permanent redness if not addressed.

Dermatologists don’t know the underlying cause of rosacea at this time. However, they theorize that it could be a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

While you can’t control your genes, you can control your environment to a certain extent. For example, a rosacea skin care routine can help you avoid triggers and nourish your skin.

What Are Common Rosacea Triggers?
Some environmental factors can “trigger” symptoms. Common triggers include the following:

• Irritation from cosmetic or skin care products
• Temperature extremes
• Spicy or hot foods
• Alcoholic beverages
• Exercise
• Strong emotion

Obviously, there are some triggers you can’t avoid. However, treating your skin well can reduce the intensity of symptoms.

Finding a good skin care routine can be difficult for people with rosacea since they may have other needs as well. For example, some people have oily skin while others struggle with dryness.

The best thing you can do is make your routine simple. In fact, you only need three steps to keep your skin healthy.

1. Cleanse Skin
   You should wash your face twice a day: once in the morning and once at night. Since irritation can cause a flare-up, don’t scrub with harsh materials; instead, gently rub with your fingertips.

2. Moisturize
   Dryness can exacerbate rosacea, so make sure you’re moisturizing. You should apply a moisturizer after washing your face.

   If you experience rosacea on your neck and shoulders, you should also moisturize those areas. If you experience it on your scalp, you can use a moisturizing shampoo.

3. Use Sun Protection
   Sunlight is a huge trigger for flare-ups, so it’s essential that you use sun protection when you go out. To make sure you find sunscreen that won’t irritate your skin, look for 30 SPF products with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. You can also find SPF hats and other coverings that protect you from UV rays.

4. Skip the Toner
   Toner is meant to clear away impurities, but it isn’t a good idea to include it in a rosacea skin care routine. Not only is it drying, but many toners contain ingredients that trigger flare-ups.

If you’re struggling with clogged pores, there are other options. For example, you can try a mild exfoliant.

People with rosacea have sensitive skin, so it can be difficult to find a product that addresses your other skin care needs, but doesn’t cause irritation. As you’re looking for the right option, proceed cautiously; try a new product on a small area first to ensure you don’t have a bad reaction.

Gentle Cleansers
Cleansing is essential to preventing acne and other issues, but harsh products can cause a flare-up. When you shop for cleansers, look for products designed for sensitive skin.

You may also want to look for moisturizing cleansers if your skin is very dry. Softening cleansers are also a great option.

Cream Moisturizers
While moisturizing is crucial to preventing flare-ups, not all moisturizers are made equally. For example, lotions often have ingredients that can cause irritation.

Instead, add a cream moisturizer to your rosacea skin care routine. Products with nourishing elements are especially effective.

Retinol Serums
Retinol can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so some people with rosacea stay away from it. However, serums containing this substance can help you manage your condition.

If you have papulopustular rosacea, retinol can help reduce the appearance of bumps. Please note that you should consult with your doctor before using these serums regularly, as they can sometimes make redness worse.

Prescription Medications
If your symptoms are getting worse and a rosacea skin care routine isn’t helping, you may need a prescription medication. In extreme cases, your doctor may prescribe acne medication.

However, more mild cases can often be managed with oral antibiotics or topical treatments. Topical products usually come in the form of a gel.

BHA Exfoliants
BHA exfoliants contain salicylic acid, which is often used to treat acne. When used correctly, it can help alleviate symptoms.

It’s important not to over exfoliate, as that can dry out and irritate skin. Instead, limit exfoliating to once or twice a week.

No matter what type of rosacea you have, redness is a problem. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce it.

The major cause of redness is inflammation of blood vessels. It follows that if you can fight that inflammation, you’ll avoid the characteristic “flush” that comes with flare-ups.

Antioxidants
Antioxidants are common in skin care products because they have unique anti-aging qualities. Oxidation creates free radicals, which damage your cells and lead to signs of aging.

As their name implies, antioxidants prevent oxidation. For those with rosacea, antioxidants can prevent the inflammation process that leads to symptoms.

Hyaluronic Acid
Once of the most hydrating ingredients out there is hyaluronic acid. A naturally occurring component of skin tissue, hyaluronic acid not only hydrates, but also prevents moisture loss.

Since dryness is a major cause of flare-ups, this ingredient can be a game changer for your rosacea skin care routine. Fortunately, it’s very easy to find among serums and moisturizers.

Calming Agents
Many times, people with rosacea experience burning or tenderness during a flare-up. Calming agents not only fight inflammation, but also soothe away that discomfort. Many moisturizers and serums have calming agents as ingredients.

Ceramides
Ceramides are part of your skin’s chemical makeup and are responsible for preventing moisture loss. They’re a vital part of maintaining the moisture barrier, which protects you from damage-causing elements such as UV radiation and bacteria.

By keeping your skin nourished with ceramides, you can keep out many of the factors that cause flare-ups. Ceramides are also effective at calming sensitivity if you’re already experience it.

Just like there are ingredients that prevent or calm inflammation, there are substances that can exacerbate it. Unfortunately, many of these ingredients have other beneficial properties, so they’re commonly used in beauty products. However, you’ll want to avoid the following in your rosacea skin care routine.

Peppermint
Peppermint is a popular skin care component due to its cooling properties and delicious scent. However, it can be extremely drying. Many oils and moisturizers include peppermint, so make sure you check the ingredients list.

Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a common ingredient in toner; someone people even use it on its own. However, it’s very drying and can cause irritation if you have sensitive skin.

Menthol
Like peppermint, menthol is very cooling, so it can be tempting to use it during a flare-up. However, the drying effect is likely to make your symptoms worse.

Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol shows up in many cosmetics to help them penetrate skin. It also helps keep makeup stable in very high or low temperatures.

The amounts in cosmetics are generally low, but can add up if you use multiple products. To avoid irritation, it’s best to buy makeup for rosacea that doesn’t contain this component.

Eucalyptus Oil
Many people are familiar with eucalyptus in the form of vapor rubs, but the oil is also used in some skin care and cosmetic products. Like peppermint and menthol, it does temporarily offer a cooling sensation, but can end up doing more harm than good.

Fragrance
Fragrances have long triggered allergic reactions and irritated sensitive skin. This can be a real problem for people with rosacea, since even the most innocuous products often have added fragrances.

As you shop for products, look for items that are fragrance-free. Nowadays, many brands have these options for people with sensitive skin.

Camphor
Scientists have long known about camphor’s antiaging properties. As a consequence, it shows up quite frequently in creams and serums.

However, it can also make skin dry or irritated. If you have rosacea, it’s best to stay away from this ingredient.

Alcohol
Alcohol is common in many toners and cleansers, though it’s a controversial ingredient. Even people with normal skin can find it excessively drying.

For people with sensitive skin, it can cause irritation or even a flare-up. When looking for a cleanser, make sure there’s no alcohol in it.

ides are also effective at calming sensitivity if you’re already experience it.

Now that you know what to avoid, you’re probably wondering what you can safely wear. Fortunately, there are many products that are good makeup for rosacea.

When you’re in the middle of a flare-up, you want something that can cover up the redness, but won’t make your symptoms worse. Here are a few products that can do just that.

Silicone Foundation
Silicone is excellent for creating a smooth effect, so silicone foundation is a good choice if you’re in the middle of a flare-up. Products of this type can also protect your skin from damaging elements.

Mineral Powders
Mineral powders are unique in that they aren’t made with the same irritating ingredients found in other cosmetics, making them a great choice as makeup for rosacea. You can find many different mineral powder cosmetics:

• Blush
• Highlight
• Contour
• Bronzer
• Foundation
• Setting powder

Color Correctors
If you’re experiencing redness, you may benefit from color correctors. These small palettes come with several colors that reduce discoloration.

For redness, you’ll want to use a green color corrector. It’s especially effective when used in conjunction with the right concealer.

Antibacterial Concealer
Some rosacea is caused by bacteria; you’ll want to talk to your doctor about this when you get a diagnosis. If your condition is tied to the presence of bacteria, antibacterial concealer may help you manage your symptoms while covering up redness.

The first step to treating your condition is understanding it. Once you’ve got a diagnosis, figure out your triggers and create a rosacea skin care routine to keep your skin healthy and flare-ups to a min