Best Skincare Products For Rosacea And Sensitive Skin.

My Rosacea Journey So Far.

About a year and a half ago I started having some flare ups of Rosacea on my cheeks, probably linked to the first lockdown and situational stress, with perhaps a less healthy diet and increased caffeine intake (as in zero to one cup of coffee a day). As it wasn’t a great time for visiting the Doctors, I did a lot of self research about how to improve my skin and reduce the inflammation and dryness of my skin. Thankfully I have not had a flare up in over 8 months and my skin continues to make steady improvements. My Rosacea is Type 1+2 when it flares. Here are some of products that I have been using over this period which I feel have been helpful in improving my own skin. Many of them have been recommended by Dermatologists or other sufferers of Rosacea. Disclaimer: I am not a skin specialist of Medical Doctor, if you think you may have Rosacea or have been diagnosed already please understand that this is not medical advice and is only based on my limited experience of having mild Rosacea. I personally have not tried any prescription medications as I didn’t require them (yet). There are many different triggers for Rosacea so it’s best to start slowly and not go out and buy a whole load of products at once that your skin may possibly react to. I guess the first place would be to start with finding a cleanser or two that your skin seems to like and go from there. Don’t forget all the lifestyle triggers also: alcohol, caffeine, fatty or sugary foods, hot temperatures, makeup, wind, central heating etc. The list is vast. But hopefully this post might help you a little. Please comment at the end if you have anything to add or suggest for other people which has helped you.

Contents: Cleansing | Toning | Exfoliating | Serums | Retinol | Moisturizers | Sunscreen | Accessories

Step 1. Cleansing.

Cleansing is the first step in maintaining the health of your skin. A year ago I started the Korean inspired double cleansing. First I use a cleansing balm to remove dirt, make up or sunscreen then cleanse with a cleansing milk to remove any of the residual balm and dirt. Here are the cleansers that I have currently tried that worked for my skin type (dry with oily t-zone and fairly sensitive).

Yadah Green Tea Pure Cleansing Balm - This cleansing balm is perfect for sensitive skin and is vegan and cruelty free. It’s also free from parabens, sulphates, phthalates, benzophenone and mineral oil. Made with green tea powder and organic olive oil. Cleansing balms are used on dry skin to remove make-up, sunscreen and skincare products without irritation. The solid balm melts into the skin on contact and makes a milky emulsion when rinsed with warm water. The pot has lasted me around 6 months if you are careful with the amount you use (it comes with a spatula for hygiene and applications. I apply with my fingers and massage into my face and neck.

Paula’s Choice Calm Nourishing Cream Facial Cleanser - This milky cleanser is a great step two of your cleansing routine. Only a small amount is needed and it contains aloe vera, hyalaronic acid and camomille flower extract to help calm the skin. I apply the cleansing milk with my fingers or a muslin wash cloths to gently cleanse the skin. It also removes make up including eye make up.

La Roche Posay Make-Up Remover Micellar Water Gel Wash - This micellar gel is perfect for taking off makeup and cleansing the skin without irritating your skin, it has a lovely cooling effect and is also great for removing oil from the t-zone if you don’t want to fully cleanse the skin with water. Suitable for sensitive skin and eyes.

Step 2. Toning.

Toners always seemed like a bit of a waste of time to me, but since managing my Rosacea I have come to appreciate the importance of a good toner. Here are the toners I have been using which have helped calm my inflamed skin. So far I have only tried these two as they last quite a long time but they were both very calming and not like your typical astringent toner (the old dreaded witchazel or alcohol based ones).

Paula’s Choice Calm Redness Relief Soothing Gel Toner - designed for normal to dry skin and for red or rosacea prone skin. ultra-gentle toner soothes and nourishes dry, extra-sensitive skin with a potent blend of antioxidants and skin-replenishing ingredients. The soothing, alcohol-free formula reduces redness and boosts hydration, for softer, smoother, healthier-looking skin. After cleansing, apply a little bit of toner on a cotton pad to your face and neck. Do not rinse off.

Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner - This is a great K Beauty brand (Korean Beauty) who I have been using for a while. It contains Aloe leaf water is infused with hyaluronic acid, BHA and snail filtrate to fight acne, brighten and tighten skin. The BHA also helps to remove dead skin cells without aggravating the skin (physical exfoliation is a big no no for those with Rosacea). Apply a moderate amount over the face and pat lightly for better absorption.

Step 3. Exfoliating.

As I mentioned previously physical exfoliation of the skin if you have inflammation or Rosacea is to be avoided. But using chemical exfoliators can be a bit scary if you don’t know what you are doing. So here are the ones I have tried that help reduce the dryness of my skin (especially my forehead, lower cheeks and neck). If you have active inflammation then I would just put the chemical exfoliators around the inflamed area as I tend to do until it has settled.

Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 1970 - There are four different versions of Biologique Recherche’s Lotions P50 available in the UK; the Lotion P50, the Lotion P50V, the Lotion P50W and the Lotion P50 PIGM400. Each one provides the same core benefits, but their formulations change slightly to suit each and every skin type. All Lotions P50 contain a potent combination of AHA, BHA and PHA exfoliants: lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, salicylic acid and gluconolactone, to act as a chemical exfoliator. As its name indicates, the Lotions P50 gently renews the skin over 50 days – ‘P’ stands for peeling and ‘50’ stands for 50 days – which represents about two epidermal cycles, for a gentle yet effective exfoliating process.This is an expensive product but definitely worth the price.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5%+ 10%+ HA 2% - A high-strength lactic acid superficial peeling formulation, would recommend starting with the 5% then progress to the 10% as needed.

The Ordinary Gylcolic Acid 7% - With 7% glycolic acid, amino acids, aloe vera, ginseng and tasmanian pepperberry. This I actually use mostly on my body but occasionally on my face. Great for if you break out at the back of your neck or for dry elbows/ankles.

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid10% +HA - With AHA and Hyaluronic Acid. This is recommended as the best one to start with if you have sensitive or inflamed skin. Only a small amount is needed and don’t use daily to start with.

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% - This product is often recommended by Dermatologists for people with Rosacea. This azelaic acid has a slightly lower concentration than a prescription strength one but way cheaper if you are someone who has to pay for their prescription. This works well with the pustules and inflammation that comes with Type 2 Rosacea, I only had to use it a few times before noticing a much improved skin on my cheeks. Only a small amount is needed and its good to layer a moisturiser over the top as it can be a bit drying on the skin. Now I only use this maybe a couple of times a month just to keep on top of things. One container lasts a long time so well worth the price.

Paula’s Choice Skincare Calm 1% BHA Lotion Exfoliant - This gentle leave-on exfoliant contains 1% BHA (salicylic acid) to remove built-up layers of dead skin on the skin’s surface and inside pores, revealing a smooth, radiant complexion. Perfect for sensitive skin, this lightweight lotion includes soothing plant extracts to calm and hydrate skin. I use mainly on my oily t-zone of where I get the occasional breakout.

Step 4. Serums.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 - This formulation combines low-, medium- and high-molecular weight HA, as well as a next-generation HA crosspolymer at a combined concentration of 2% for multi-depth hydration in a water-based formula. This system is supported with the addition of Vitamin B5 which also enhances surface hydration. Apply a few drops to face AM and PM before creams.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% - Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is indicated to reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and congestion. A high 10% concentration of this vitamin is supported in the formula by zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid to balance visible aspects of sebum activity. Apply to entire face morning and evening before heavier creams.

La Roche Posay Rosaliac AR Intense - A great serum for using on my red areas such as my cheeks and around my nose. Very calming and suitable for sensitive skin.

The Ordinary Amino Acids +B5 - Offers non-greasy hydration support for the maintenance of healthy, functioning skin. It may cause a temporary tingling sensation upon application. If desired, the formula can be mixed with other serums or creams upon application to reduce its strength. Apply a few drops to face in the AM and PM before creams. A tingling sensation can be expected after application.

Beplain Cicaful Ampule - a great every day HA serum, I apply this once a day in the morning underneath my other serums.

Osmosis Rescue Epidermal Repair Serum - Epidermal Repair Serum features a patented calming ingredient, Ozonized Ethyl Oleate (Trioxolane), which improves the appearance of skin's texture and uneven skin tone. This multifunctional serum calms, soothes, and is recommended for all skin types, especially skin sensitized by acne or rosacea.

Ma:nyo Bifida Complex Ampoule - This is my favourite HA (hyalaronic acid) serum so far and it contains 10 different type of HA (size) which means it can penetrate different levels of your skin. Worth the money for sure and only a small amount needed per application.

Step 5. Retinol.

These are the only a few retinol/retinal products I have tried and I will be gradually moving to higher strength. So keep an eye for more additions in the not too distant future.

The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalene - This is the first retinol I tried and had good results. Only a small amount needed and moisturise 15 mins after applying. There is a retinol 0.3 and 0.5 if you have quite sensitive skin that might be better for you. Avoid eye area.

La Roche Posay Redermic Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Cream - A great one to start with , remember only a pea sized amount for the whole face. Build up slowly to daily use at night.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 - A step up from the La Roche above, doesn’t irritate but needs plenty of moisturizer on top to prevent dryness.

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% - A retinoid that is effective against acne and rosacea. Possible prescription required depending on where you live.

Step 6. Moisturizers.

Paula’s Choice Calm Hydrating Moisturiser SPF 30 - Gentle, lotion moisturiser replenishes dry, sensitive skin and protects it from the sun. Soaks in easily with no white cast. A great day cream.

COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream - this is a bit sticky to apply for obvious reasons but it really makes my skin feel soft. I use it at night time only.

Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream - another Korean beauty brand I love, especially this product. Although it’s blue when it comes out of the tube it blends easily on the skin. I wear only at nighttime when I notice some redness or after I have been in the sun for a bit. It’s very soothing.

Step 6. Sunscreen.

Paula’s Choice Calm Non-Greasy Moisturiser SPF 30 - This was the first sunscreen I used with my rosacea. It takes a few minutes t soak in but no white cast, can look a bit greasy so I tend to dap a little SPF powder on also. Removes easily with a balm cleanser. Great option for sensitive skin. Fragrance free.

La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Tinted Fluid SPF50 - This is a very thin liquid but has a pink rather than beige tint which is perfect for rosacea sufferers. Definitely worth buying in my opinion.

Suntegrity Impeccable Skin Moisturising Face Sunscreen SPF 30 - This is thicker than the above fluid and is tinted which gives more coverage of redness and blemishes. Great for sensitive skin and is easily removed when cleansing.

Suntique I’m Pure Perfect Cica SPF 50 - This is my favourite SPF so far and I will definitely be continuing to purchase. No white cast and no skin irritation and easy to remove with a cleanser. Easy to blend.

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EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF46 - no pilling or white cast.

EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF44 - not many shades but well worth a try if you can find a match.

EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF50 - a water resistant version if you are more of the sporty type.

Step 7. Accessories.

Silk Pillowcase - great for everyone’s skin and hair! They are so soft on the skin and reduce friction so less irritated skin and frizzy hair. And they come in a wide variety of colours to suit every bedroom!

Silicone Skin Cleansing Pad - I use this when cleansing make up or suncream off my face, you don’t have to rub hard but it helps to remove the dead skin that has been loosened by the chemical exfoliators, as the silicone is soft it doesn’t damage the skin like a scrub.

Hair band - to keep your hair out of the way whilst applying your skincare or washing your face.

Luxury Bamboo Facial Wash Cloths - super soft for delicate and sensitive skin.

I’ve only talked about the products that have helped me and not the ones that I have tried that either didn’t seem to work or that made my skin worse. I tend not to write about these publicly but feel free to message me if you have any questions about what might be best to avoid. One thing that I have removed from my skincare is plant oils ( which a lot of my old products used to be made up of) as I find these often irritate my skin on my face, instead I used them up on my body so as to not waste them.

Anyway I will be adding to this blog over time as I try new products that might be helpful so do check back every so often or send me an email if you have a specific question that I might be able to help with. P.S. the image at the top is me from June 2021 wearing make up which you can read about HERE.

P.S Here are the links to my other Rosacea and sensitive skin blog posts:

Best Make-Up Products For Rosacea And Sensitive Skin.

Best Retinol Serums And Creams For Rosacea And Sensitive Skin

Best Vitamin C Serum For Rosacea And Sensitive Skin

Disclaimer: This post does contain some affiliate links which if you do make a purchase I may receive a small commission which helps me to keep writing these posts for you about my skincare journey and product recommendations.

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