If You Have Rosacea, Doctors Say These Are The Best Products To Use (2024)

The persistent skin inflammation that is common in complexions affected by rosacea can lead to a compromised skin barrier (that's the outer protective layer of skin), says Dr. Castilla. That's why she recommends this pick from derm-favorite brand La Roche-Posay. First, it contains the brand's soothing thermal spring water, which is rich in a natural antioxidant called selenium, as well as a peptide called Neurosensine that helps to make skin feel more soothed. (It's also free of fragrance and other ingredients known to cause skin reactions.)

Second, the product is formulated with lightweight hydrators like glycerin to help restore the function of the skin barrier and repair any damage. And lastly, the green pigment instantly neutralizes redness so you'll be motivated to continue using the product and see more lasting results.

Rave review: "The lotion is light and doesn’t feel sticky or gross at all. It helps so much with the redness. You may see some light redness bleed through, but for the most part is covers redness very very well."

Let's be clear: Sun damage can compromise skin in a way that makes you more prone to rosacea flares. That's why protecting your skin with sunscreen is essential. So why not use one that also delivers a noticeable reduction in skin redness? This pick, recommended by Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in New York and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical Center, does just that.

It contains all-mineral sunscreen filers (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide here) to shield skin from UV damage, as well as a proprietary blend of ingredients such as niacinamide, bisabolol, and ginger root extract to calm and soothe away redness. Plus, it's slightly greenish undertones provide an instant effect. In fact, in company-funded clinical studies, 100% of users reported a noticeable reduction in facial redness after using the product for twelve weeks.

Rave review: "The first time I bought this product was from a plastic surgeon's office. It seems really thick initially, but when you put it on your face and smooth it in, it's light and has great coverage. It makes your face look smooth and healthy. I get tons of compliments when I use it."

Remember: Gentle is best when it comes to rosacea—and that especially applies to your cleansing habits. Instead of harsh washes that may only exacerbate the redness, swelling, and irritation you may already be experiencing go with a cleanser formulated especially for those with easily-aggravated skin, like this affordable option from Vanicream.

"This cleanser helps to get rid of makeup, dirt and excess oil but is free of common irritants found in other cleansers such as fragrance, dyes, parabens, formaldehyde and other preservatives, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin," says Dr. Garshick. "It’s gentle enough to be used every day and can remove makeup and excess oil, without drying the skin out."

Rave review: "If you're on the hunt for a fragrance-free, gentle cleanser that caters to scent sensitivity, Vanicream might just be the answer to your prayers. As someone who has struggled with skin sensitivities and the dreaded fragrance-triggered reactions, I can confidently say this product has been a game-changer in my routine."

You might take one look at a green concealer and think, "What the heck am I supposed to do with that?" But hear us out: Color correcting concealers work based upon the well-established principles of color theory, explains Stacey Tull, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with St. Charles County Dermatologic Surgery in Cottleville, MO. Green, for example, appears on the opposite side of the color wheel from red, allowing it to neutralize redness—in this case, on your skin.

That's why choosing a green-colored concealer can help to mask the redness typically associated with rosacea. Dr. Tull recommends this affordable option, which comes with a precision-tip applicator wand for targeted coverage (a little goes a long way with these products, so start with a small amount and build from there).

Other great features of this concealer are that it's super hydrating (you can thank the hyaluronic acid and rose flower water in there for that), crease-free, and leaves a beautiful satin finish in its wake. Oh, and did we mention the price? It's under five bucks!

Rave review: "It's such a skin-friendly formula and very versatile for all areas of the face. I like to dab dots of it around my face and then blend it in well."

Dr. Tull calls this pick—from derm-favorite brand SkinCeuticals—a "gentle and effective moisturizer." It's a targeted blend of biomimetic peptides and soothing botanicals to help skin feel calmer and cooler, combat flushing, and leave your complexion looking and feeling smoother.

It's a lightweight formula that's perfect for sensitive and reactive skin that you can use daily for the best results. Simply smooth it on morning and night after cleansing to get the full benefits. You may want to pair it with an antioxidant serum (to further protect from environmental aggressors that can cause redness) and you'll definitely want to slather on sunscreen after.

Rave review: "I love how moisturizing this product is. I've used one full bottle and have seen a huge improvement. Halfway done with my second."

Environmental stressors play a signifiant role in inflammatory skin conditions, including, perhaps, rosacea. The issue: Many products formulated with antioxidants can be harsh on sensitive skin. That's where this product comes in: "This Vitamin C serum contains 17 additional antioxidants in addition to vitamins C and E to help protect against free radical damage and environmental stressors," explains Dr. Garshick. "Additionally, it contains Allyl PQQ, super-potent patented antioxidant technology as well as an antipollution complex that, together, reduces dullness and improves redness and brightens the skin, which makes it a great vitamin C for someone dealing with rosacea.

It has a lightweight texture that makes it ideal for daily usage—simply apply it to clean, dry skin both day and night for the best effects. In one 12-week study, participants enjoyed a significant and measurable difference in brightness and the appearance of redness.

Rave review: "This product has been a complete game-changer for my face. My complexion's texture and pigmentation has dramatically improved and fine lines have softened. This will be a staple in my routine."

Another favorite of Dr. Garshick's is this rich barrier repair cream, which is deeply nourishing, making it perfect for those with the driest skin, especially during wintertime. "This restorative cream can be used to help heal dry skin, while also helping to calm redness and inflammation," she says.

For those who are cautious about slathering on such a thick, occlusive product—don't be with this one, Garshick urges. "It's fragrance-free and won’t leave the skin feeling greasy. It’s also non-comedogenic so it won’t clog the pores. It contains a post biotic restorative ingredient, helping to support the skin barrier and also protect the skin from external irritants."

Rave review: "This drastically improved my perioral dermatitis, which had spread to most of my face. Within a day or two, the stinging and itching was gone—and within two weeks, most of the bumps and my rash have cleared up. It's thick and needs to be rubbed in, but all worth it for clearing up my dermatitis."

Clinique's Redness Solutions regimen was specifically formulated for those with rosacea, says Dr. Tull, with lactobacillus ferment to soothe inflammed skin. One of the standouts of the three-product collection is this unique makeup primer—it's oil-free (no breakouts here!) and formulated with mineral sunscreen ingredients to protect skin for UV damage.

This one also has a sheer greenish tint to immediately counteract redness in the skin. Apply it after moisturizing and before you put on your makeup to help irritation-complexions heal.

Rave review: "This green cream tones down the redness on my face due to rosacea, making it so the red doesn't show through my makeup. I've been using it for years."

When you've got a complexion that's easily aggravated and prone to irritation, using certain active ingredients can only exacerbate the sensitivity. That's why it's key to look for ingredients that can get the job done with a softer touch. Enter azelaic acid. This naturally occurring acid found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye, has anti-inflammatory properties to calm redness as well as the ability to increase cell turnover and inhibit melanin production to smooth and even skin's tone. And it does all of this without the potential irritation of ingredients like retinol and vitamin C.

That's why this azaleic acid booster is one of Dr. Castilla's favorites. "It's not as strong as the prescription version but still very effective and easy to incorporate into an over-the-counter rosacea skin care routine," she says. "It can help improve the texture of your skin." In addition to the main ingredient, this formula is infused with salicylic acid to help keep those pus-filled bumps at bay as well as licorice root to quell redness and sensitivity. Use it twice daily on its own or by adding it to you moisturizer of choice.

Rave review: "This one is the best, period. I've tried all the others and this one wins—it has a creamy, elegant feel that soaks in and layers well with no pilling."

Hydrated skin is healthy skin—and this elegant serum delivers just that, with hyaluronic acid, as well as a blend of soothing botanicals (cucumber, thyme, olive extract) to make irritation a thing of your past. It's on Dr. Garshick's hit list—and it should be on yours if you're dealing with troubling redness and sensitivity.

And let's talk about the texture: It's a cooling gel-serum that feels like a refreshing splash of water on your face. Smooth a few drops over your face and neck twice daily.

Rave review: "I love this product and have been using it for years. I use it every morning, and it's very calming, especially if I've used my retinol the night before. It delivers an instant boost of hydration and calms redness."

Removing makeup can be a delicate dance when you have skin that's prone to irritation and redness. You need a product that whisks away color without too much rubbing and scrubbing. For that, this micellar water—from the brand that pioneered micellar cleansing technology—can't be beat, says Dr. Garshick. It's formulated at skin's pH so as not to create an imbalance that can lead to sensitivity and won't strip away skin's protective barrier.

But don't just take our word for it. Dr. Garshick is all-too-ready to sing its praises: "This product works to eliminate makeup and buildup and won’t leave skin feeling dry or irritated," she says. "It doesn't need to be rinsed and is very gentle and soothing on the skin."

Rave review: "This removes eye makeup as well as sunscreen, dirt, and oil without irritation, stripping, or any additional oily feeling. It just leaves behind clean, normal feeling skin. Sometimes I still use a cleansing oil or gentle bar cleanser, but I've been using this alone 75% of the time and my skin looks and feels great."

Most dermatologists will recommend using a non-foaming cleansing cream if you're dealing with any type of inflammation—a hallmark of rosacea. That's why Dr. Castilla is a big fan of this one by Alastin: Yes, this cleanser is a bit pricey, but it's highly effective at removing dirt and oil without stripping away natural oils," she says. "It will not compromise the skin barrier."

But not only will this one not aggravate skin (a solid starting point), it also contains ingredients that can actually help to calm irritation and hydrate skin after you rinse it away. Silver mushroom hydrates, linoleic acid helps to support the skin barrier, and oat protein extract calms and soothes.

Rave review: "I'm so thrilled I finally found a cleansing cream that doesn’t dry me out. This feels rich and gentle at the same time, and I can use it with my skin treatments and not worry it being too harsh. I am extremely pleased."

A favorite of both Dr. Tull and Dr. Garshick, this all-mineral drugstore sunscreen is basically designed for those with sensitive skin. It contains 100% mineral filters (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide here) and is formulated without common skin irritants such as fragrance and parabens. Bottom line: This one should be gentle as a feather on your complexion. "I also love that it contains hyaluronic acid to help provide moisture, ceramides support skin’s natural barrier, and niacinamide to soothe skin, making it easy to apply," says Dr. Garshick.

One thing to note: Because it contains 7% zinc oxide, the formula may require extra blending for those with darker skin (and may be too whitish altogether for some). Your best bet is to smooth on a little at a time and blend, blend, blend.

Rave review: "Once I I figured out that I need to use a little less than other sunscreens, I was totally happy with this. The stuff is like a miracle. Also, the moisturizer is high quality and did not clog my pores, but left my skin feeling amazing."

Some skincare products, especially treatment products, can be pretty pricey. But you'll get a big bang for your buck with this azelaic acid serum, which is priced much lower than some of its competitors. In the bottle, you'll find a high concentration of the active ingredient (which, as a reminder, helps to control oil production and gently exfoliate), alongside niacinamide, vitamin C, and coffee seed extract to improve overall skin tone. What's more, this one's been developed to be kind to sensitive skin, so even the crankiest complexions can use this one.

Azelaic acid is often prescribed by dermatologists to treat rosacea, but Dr. Garshick thinks this is a solid over-the-counter option. "Using the same ingredient found in a commonly used prescription for rosacea, this azelaic acid serum works to reduce bumps associated with rosacea as well as redness and inflammation," she says. "The creamy and lightweight emulsion absorbs easily and it's soothing and won’t leave the skin feeling irritated."

Rave review: "I've tried several other azaleic acid serums for my rosacea, and I finally tried this one and and love it. It's thin like a serum, but completely non-greasy, soaks into skin, and doesn't sit on top of it. This serum combines several good ingredients for my rosacea together in an easy and convenient way."

"Sulfur is an often overlooked but powerful over-the-counter treatment for rosacea," insists Dr. Castilla. That's why she says this no-frills drugstore treatment is one of the best things you can buy if you're living with the condition. The anti-inflammatory sulfur (formulated here at a percentage that is near odorless; otherwise, it can have an unpleasant smell) is paired with soothing aloe to calm, reducing redness and sensitivity and clearing up the acne-like bumps that are sometimes a hallmark of rosacea.

The key to getting all of the benefits without any of the drawbacks is to start slowly. Thoroughly wash your face and pat dry. Then, apply a small amount of the Prosacea gel to affected areas only once a day. If no dryness or sensitivity occurs, gradually up the dosage to twice daily and apply a thin layer to the entire face.

Rave review: "I started using this two weeks ago and within a couple of days, my skin was several shades less red. I still have some redness, but it's not nearly as bad as it was. This product does dry out my skin."

If you're active outdoors, you know that you need protection that will last. This mineral-based sunscreen really delivers, shielding skin from UV and blue light damage as well as pollution and infrared radiation. Plus, it lasts up to 40 minutes in the water or when you're breaking a sweat (because we all should be prioritizing sun protection during activity). "Chemical UV filters can exacerbate rosacea in some people, so try to stick to physical UV blockers," says Dr. Castilla, who recommends this product. "This one is also great because it's fragrance-free."

Rave review: "This is a very good product. I use it on my face after I moisturize, andI love how it goes on my skin without leaving a white cast like most sunscreens do. It's a little pricey but I use it everyday since I live in a desert and the sun rays are strong."

This is a new and promising addition to the skincare scene, from a makeup brand that made a name for itself by offering camouflaging products for those with with redness-prone skin. With a milky, fast-absorbing texture and special green pigments that reflect light to instantly neutralize the appearance of flushing, this everyday product is deeply hydrating without being greasy at all.

Company-funded studies determined that the product provides 24-hour hydration and can help to restore the skin's moisture barrier in just one hour. And a quick look at the ingredients is all it will take to convince you of how it accomplishes those benefits. Heavy hitter ingredients like peptides, niacinamide, glycerin, centella, and collodial oatmeal are surefire soothers that should be part of any rosacea routine.

Rave review: "What caught my attention initially was the cream's smooth texture. It effortlessly glides onto the skin, leaving a non-greasy, comfortable feel. But after incorporating the serum into my daily regimen, I noticed a subtle improvement in my skin's hydration and a positive difference in my skin's overall appearance."

Finding a foundation when you're dealing with moderate to severe facial redness is challenging—you need something that effectively camouflages the condition without feeling mask-like on skin. It's a tricky balance, but Dermablend's classic liquid product achieves just that. High-performance pigments can be built up to achieve anywhere from a medium to a full coverage finish and then wear without smudging or feeling cakey for up to 16 hours. A rare feat, indeed.

It also contains a significant dose of humectant glycerin to keep skin hydrated and titanium dioxide to protect skin from the sun (still wear sunscreen, though). Because of its unique properties, it's best to apply this foundation with your fingertips or a beauty sponge, working your way from the middle of the face outward.

Rave review: "This stayed for over 12 hours, and the heat and sweating and didn’t settle into my fine lines and pores.. I was amazed when I took off my makeup that night. The cotton round looked like I had just put on a full face of makeup and immediately took it off.

Carmen Castilla, MD, is a clinical instructor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist with Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in New York and a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical Center, Stacey Tull, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist with St. Charles County Dermatologic Surgery in Cottleville, MO