Rosacea cream is an ally to care for and prevent the disease, but the product needs to have specific formulations. To stay on top of the subject, dermatologist and trichologist Joana D’Arc Diniz (CRM: 67786-8 RJ), Scientific Director of the Brazilian Society of Aesthetic Medicine and the Brazilian Hair Society (RJ), spoke more about the topic. Follow up!
What is rosacea and how to identify the disease
“It is a benign, chronic inflammatory vascular disease, with periods of remission or worsening. Also erroneously called “acne rosacea”, as acne is a disease of the sebaceous gland, totally different from rosacea. It mainly occurs in adults between 30 and 50 years of age. It is more frequent in women, but affects many men and, in them, the condition tends to be more severe, evolving continuously with rhinophyma (gradual enlargement of the nose due to thickening and dilation of follicles). In addition, it rarely occurs in blacks. But the origin of rosacea is not yet known. However, there is an individual predisposition, genetic as well, closely related to stress”, points out Joana.
According to the dermatologist, the disease mainly affects the central region of the face. Skin with rosacea is sensitive, usually drier, which starts to turn red easily. This type of skin ends up being more irritable to acids and products in general. It is necessary to keep an eye on it, because little by little, the redness, called erythema, tends to become permanent, with the presence of thin vessels (telangiectasias). It is also noticed papules and pustules that resemble acne, and it is possible to appear edemas and nodules.
As for the diagnosis, in order to indicate a certain cream for rosacea, Joana points out: “The patient’s history regarding the appearance and presence of erythema (redness) and telangiectasia, accompanied by papules and pustules (there is evidence of contamination by bacteria and fungi that are present in our skin) help to close the diagnosis. There is a relationship of worsening with alcohol consumption. The physical examination of the patient in the period of exacerbation of the condition is very important”.
7 essential care for skin with rosacea
Skin with rosacea needs a lot of attention when choosing products. Therefore, an evaluation with a dermatologist is super important.
“Skin with rosacea is a skin that is more sensitive and hyperreactive to various substances for chemical or physical use, such as soaps, abrasives, alcohol-based products (astringents and alcoholic lotions) and peelings. Any irritation to sensitive skin generates an inflammatory reaction that greatly exacerbates the initial condition. Therefore, the medical prescription is essential for choosing the appropriate vehicle, as well as the concentration of the substances used. This also applies to sunscreens”, he adds. See below the main care prescribed by the dermatologist!
- Avoid fragrances and some preservatives in formulations: this is because fragrances and some preservatives are highly allergenic. Joana comments that the most commonly used in cosmetics is paraben. In addition, ingredients such as menthol, eucalyptus oil and peppermint are identified as enemies, although they promote refreshing action, they are not indicated in rosacea cream, as they can generate a burning sensation and, sometimes, itching.
- Avoid using certain acids: “acids also intensify skin irritations. For this reason, salicylic acid (commonly used for acne-prone skin), retinoic acid and its derivatives (used for cell renewal) can irritate and dry out, aggravating the classic symptoms of the disease, such as redness”, explains Joana.
- Use specific soaps and protectors: in your routine, use mild soaps for skin cleansing, without abrasive ingredients. Sunscreen should have high protection against UVA and UVB, with a vehicle suitable for the patient’s skin. Joana prefers the more fluid and dry touch.
- Bet on products with soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients: “all soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients can be used on this skin type. Products containing compounds such as: allantoin, known to be an anti-inflammatory and topical healing agent, improving skin hydration; bisabolol, a substance extracted from chamomile and responsible for the calming effect; niacinamide, helps increase the synthesis of natural ceramides in the skin; and oat extract (Avena Sativa), which has soothing, moisturizing and emollient properties”, says the dermatologist.
- Include hyaluronic acid in your routine: Joana comments that one of her favorites is hyaluronic acid. This component leaves the skin hydrated and helps maintain moisture! How not to love? Even for skin with rosacea, it helps prevent skin aging. However, the formulation must be thought of in a personalized way, bringing lower concentrations, but which will be effective with regular use.
- Invest in low power lasers: in some cases, the dermatologist clarifies that laser treatments or low power lights, such as pulsed light, may be prescribed.
- For rejuvenation, one option is glycolic acid: “I prefer glycolic acid, which is usually better tolerated in creams or even in peeling”, he concludes.
Care for those who have the disease also includes the use of rosacea cream. Using products designed for your skin type, to calm and keep it hydrated is one of the secrets.
7 best creams and other products for rosacea
How about knowing the products for rosacea that will help your skin a lot? Next, the dermatologist listed some options for you to include in your routine. Check out!
1. Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Soap – $
Soap with glycerin in the formula, which helps in effective cleaning, but without drying dry and sensitive skin, as the dermatologist points out: “indicated for sensitive skin, as it is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. I recommend using it to wash your face in the morning and at night.”
2. Nutrel Balm Profuse Smoothing Cream – $$
With its ultra-light formula, this rosacea cream guarantees hydration without weighing you down and has a well-thought-out formula! “A moisturizer that contains prebiotics, has a soothing and anti-redness action for sensitive and sensitized skin. It contains hyaluronic acid and avenanthramides, which improves skin hydration, protects the skin barrier, thus preventing skin dehydration”, explains Joana.
3. Toleriane Sensitive Cream – $$$
An alcohol-free and fragrance-free product that prevents skin redness and contains La Roche Posay thermal water. “It’s a moisturizing cream for sensitive skin; it has ceramides, glycerin and thermal water, which helps to soothe the skin in addition to hydrating it”, says the doctor.
4. La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water – $$$
Thermal water is highly recommended for sensitized skin as it is perfect for soothing the skin and reducing irritation. “Patients with rosacea can use and abuse thermal water, always before creams”, he adds.
5. Photoage Mineral Color Dermage Facial Foundation SPF 50 – $$$
A protector with fluid color and texture that doesn’t weigh you down throughout the day. The best thing is that its formulation does not harm sensitive skin or those with rosacea. “I recommend Photoage Mineral Fluid SPF 50 with a base color, which is great for sensitive skin and does not cause adverse reactions”, as Joana signs.
6. Superlatif Revitalizing Cream 2 Anna Pegova – $$$$
With excellent assets, this cream promotes skin renewal and revitalization. “It has glycolic acid, ceramides and vitamin E. For night use”, indicates the dermatologist.
7. La Roche Posay Retinol B3 Serum – $$$$
A true combo, with active associations and anti-wrinkle action. “This new product has fast-release and slow-release retinol, as well as hyaluronic acid and thermal water. Therefore, it can be recommended for sensitive skin. It has been well tolerated by sensitive skin and even the driest skin, due to its moisturizing action”, he explains.
If you are looking for a rosacea cream with results for your skin, you will find that hyaluronic acid is a frequent ingredient in formulations. Learn more about the wonderful effects it can have on your skincare!