(Part 2) Best products from r/Rosacea

I have erythematotelangiectatic rosacea with a papule or two every month. My cheeks are covered in permanent telangiectasias, but I don't mind them because I can cover it with makeup easily. I've had them since I was a kid. Occasionally I get a small papule or two

My nose has worsened over the last 5 years. I have no telangiectasias but my whole nose up to the bridge has diffuse erythema. Above the bridge of my nose has some redness too, leaving the bridge of my nose white... The redness goes away if I press on my nose (it blanches - not permanent). It is difficult to keep makeup on my nose throughout the day without it coming off. This is the most annoying thing about rosacea for me.

My forehead has patches of eczema either side that I've had success treating with elidel (pimecrolimus cream) and a better skincare routine. I have rosacea in the middle of my forehead. Easy to cover with makeup.

I've tried metrogel and finacea, both without effect. Finacea just hurts my skin. I'm taking 50mg doxycycline capsules and I thought they were working, but then I forgot for a while. It's difficult to tell. Rosacea is difficult to control, unfortunately.

___

I currently use the following of an evening:

• Mineral oil massage to remove makeup - emulsify and remove in the shower with water.
  
  
• Sulwhasoo Snowise Ex Cleansing Foam - low pH cleansing foam that leaves my skin lovely and clean without over-cleansing.
  
  
• Actives - Elidel for eczema if required.
  
  
• Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Toner - Not astrigent at all. Super slippery base makes the next steps more effective.
  
  
• Holy Snails Shark Sauce and Snowbang Essence - Small amount, mix together in hand and wipe across face. Contains ceramides to help replenish lipid barrier, niacinamide and n-acetyl glucosamine for anti-inflammatory effects, lots more lovely stuff.
  
  
• Mizon Snail Repair All In One cream - Small amount all over face. It's a very light cream, almost like a gel. It has a lovely texture.
  
  
• Shara Shara Honey Bomb Ampoule - niacinamide, so good. Small amount, all over face.
  
  
• La Roche Posay Lipikar Baume AP+ - One pump to cover whole face (400ml bottle has a pump). I love this stuff. Niacinamide (anti-inflammatory), glycerin (humectant), shea butter (emollient), mineral oil & silicone (occlusive emollients).
  
  
• CosRX Ultimate Moisturising Honey Overnight Mask OR Mizon Snail Repair Recovery Gel - Moisturising gel to "set" the layers of moisturiser beneath. I'm still testing out the snail recovery gel, not sure if I like it because it doesn't "set" as well.
  
  In the morning I gently wash the set slippery layers off with water and apply:
  
  
• Actives - Elidel for eczema if required.
  
  
• Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Toner
  
  
• Holy Snails Shark Sauce & Snowbang Essence
  
  
• Mizon Snail Repair All In One cream
  
  
• Lipikar Baume AP+ on bad skin days, or CosRX Ultimate Honey Overnight Mask on good days.
  
  
• Shiseido Hada Senka Mineral Water Gel SPF 50+ - I love the finish of this sunscreen. Sunscreen is super, super important, especially with the niacinamide use. Use a sunscreen every single day, even in winter, even if only inside. Every day!
  
  I take a resveratrol capsule every day to combat sirtuin inhibition caused by niacinamide.
  
  I've been following this routine for four months and my skin has improved a lot in terms of texture. The flaky patches went away and the eczema almost completely disappeared with occasional maintenance use of elidel and just generally looking after my skin. The rosacea erythema has stayed the same, but I have developed fewer papules. Hopefully, if I can remember to take the doxycycline, the redness of my nose may also improve.

Of course! I remember making posts a year ago and two years ago and desperately awaiting for someone to answer my questions. So I always like to pay it forward!

So to be honest. I stuck with a very basic routine of wash, apply medicated lotions, moisturize, and then sunscreen.
I did that for a long time. Because I was so nervous to add new products in.
Right now, my face wash can be one of two products. My face loves Vanicream, which I get at target. Or I will use La Roche Posay face wash (the non foaming kind. Anything with foam kills my face).
Those two are my HGs in terms of face wash.
CeraVe PM moisturizer is my HG. I use it AM, PM and any time in between. Lol. I love it. I will go through bottles and I don’t care how much it costs.
Elta MD sunscreen is my HG. I love that it’s tinted. It’s a physical barrier rather than chemical. (Which my face hates) it doesn’t smell like sunscreen. It goes on great. It’s bomb.

My big thing was starting facemask sheets. I did a lot of research on what facemasks were best for those with sensitive skin or rosacea. What I found was Leaders Insolution tea tree face masks. My face loves tea tree.
Any of the Leaders facemasks were awesome for me. I still buy them on amazon.

I also did research on Rosacea and chemical exfoliation. I was one of those people who used to rub the horrid St Ives scrub all over my face thinking it was exfoliating. Not realizing that I was damaging my moister barrier. I read on several subreddits that those with Rosacea benefit more from AAs rather than BHAs or AHAs. So I found a thread that recommended Melazepam.
https://www.amazon.com/Ecological-Formulas-Melazepam-Cream/dp/B018IVHWRQ
That’s the one I use. I use it every third day or so. It helps chemically exfoliate my skin.

I have FINALLY just started using Witch hazel as a toner. I bought Thayers alcohol free with rose hip in it. And it’s awesome. I apply it after I wash my face and before I moisturize.

I also just bought The Ordinary’s Nicinamide and Zinc serum. It has been wonderful for minimizing pores and helping with the texture of my skin. My face loves nicinamide. ( Which is why CeraVe PM lotion is my HG). And zinc.

To help with redness. I use a a small amount of color correcting primer along with the tinted sunscreen. It works wonders.

Good luck!!

Disclaimer! I deal with persistent face redness, broken capillaries, but my derm says I don't have Rosacea, just that "it's genetic". I have since become interested in the hypothesis that my redness is an effect of histamine intolerance, as my skin has improved with discontinuing drinking black tea, and using Vitamin C (anti-inflammatory & antioxidant) topically. Someone mentioned recently that BHA was good for rosacea; I use Stridex maybe twice per week. I also have been looking for a good Green Tea product, one that meets my specifications: no fragrance, no fatty alcohols, low pH. I've also been wanting to incorporate Ceramides into my routine to help with TEWL, I like this one.

Products:
Hada Labo Oil Cleanser
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser - switching to Vanicream because I had some stinging today from this
(not pictured) COSRX Aha/BhA toner - I do a quick swipe of this to lower my skin's pH from washing cleanser off with our high pH water.
Soon Jung 5.5 Toner - I use this as a hydrating toner - sometimes 3 skin method
Benton Deep Green Tea Lotion - a very thin lotion, bought to incorporate green tea into my routine
Holika Holika Good Cera - incorporating ceramides in routine with limited? fatty alcohols.
Australian Gold Mineral Lotion SPF 50 tinted - I LOVE chemical sunscreens, but the past few times I apply my skin goes red. So I've been using this one, and it hasn't irritated my skin. But not sticky and gross feeling either.
Supergoop shimmershade SPF eyeshadow - expensive but I do like it, was impulse purchase. Figured it was good to protect my eyes with spf and have shade as well for double duty product.

Lower Left Photo:
Three Vitamin C products -
-Vitamin C Serum 20% Pure L-Ascorbic Acid, Ferulic Acid, Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid for Face and Eyes 1oz. by Dr. Brenner
-L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Vitamin C Serum - in silicones
-The Ordinary L-Ascorbic Acid Powder ( I mix this with The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid + B5) - so far been using 1/4 scoop
I try to remember to apply Vit C in the morning... if I forget I do it at night on the days I don't use retinol.

Lower Middle Photo:
The Ordinary actives I've been using. The Vit C & Retinol 1% in Squalane. Just started this after using .25% for about 4 months. Using every third night to start.

Please ask any questions!

I have mild rosacea on my face and scalp. (And mild psoriasis in my ears and some scalp area.) I used to be someone who just washed my face with the rest of my body using bar soap. Not much of a makeup or suncreen user, so my Celtic skin is damaged by years of gardening and everyday sun exposure. That became rosacea in my 50s, when acne and face-flaming became a regular thing. The first time my face flamed out after having a glass of wine, I had no idea what was going on.

I have had success by, first, having an actual skin care routine, for the first time in decades. My millennial makeup-queen daughter helped me navigate the sea of products.

I clean my face/neck with Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes every night and apply Cetaphil Redness Relieving Night Moisturizer, 1.7 Ounce. I have gotten pretty good at not forgetting (mostly).

In the morning, I wash my face/throat with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser for All Skin Types, Face Wash for Sensitive Skin, 16 oz. Bottle. I do not like the SMELL of this product, but it goes away after rinsing and seems to work well with their other products - never get it in your mouth - yuck! (I did not like the "Gentle" version of this - felt greasy feeling and did not remove makeup residue.) Then I apply tinted moisturizer, Cetaphil Redness Relieving Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 20, 1.7 Ounce. ("Neutral Tint" looks like it is directed at light-colored skin - which is less useful to people with darker skin tones.}

It really smooths out my skin tone and calms the redness. My skin almost looks "dewy." It is not heavy or cakey, does not settle in my "fine lines" and stands up to sweat if you blot gently. Does not sting if sweat runs in my eyes outdoors. You need the makeup wipes to get it off at night.

Nothing hides everything. But this routine has made a big difference in how I look, and how I feel about my annoying skin issues. I even use a little eyebrow pencil now!

Good luck! If this doesn't work for your skin, try some other products, one by one. I know I sound like a Cetaphil fanboy, but the products are easy to find and inexpensive. If you want photos of my pale middle-aged skin before/after, DM me.

Another thing I would recommend is this sunscreen:

http://www.amazon.com/Eltamd-Clear-SPF-48-Gram-1-7/dp/B002MSN3QQ?ie=UTF8&keywords=elta%20md%20uv%20clear%20spf%2046&qid=1465442433&ref_=sr_1_1_s_it&s=beauty&sr=1-1

It has niacinamide and zinc oxide, which I found has a calming effect on the skin and tends to minimize UV-related exacerbation / progression of the disease. Don't use harsh soaps when you shower (I just rub with lukewarm water).

Depending on what your triggers are, avoid them if possible. Showering in luke warm water is an excellent idea. In general I would try to minimize simple carbohydrates in your diet, as sugar is inflammatory. Also the classic ones like red wine. If the flushing is more anxiety-related or related to social situations beta blockers (1st line is propranolol) may be beneficial for you. The azaleic acid cream is also a great idea, along with a good daily mild moisturizer.

I have type 2, I've heard that is the main kind that Ivermectin is good for, and I don't really have flushing and I don't think this works for that. Both the Ivermectin and Cliradex (tea tree oil extract apparently?) are meant to treat demodex mites, which is obviously just a theory. I'm not a doctor and I know that these things aren't for everyone. There's a good Facebook group called ROSACEA RESCUE that has a lot of people with varying degrees of success.

​

(the big breakout on my forehead happened between the time I ordered the horse paste and started using it, so that flared before I started using it. It's honestly better than it was at one point)

​

AM:

Wash with CeraVe Moisturizing Cleanser

Sparingly apply Durvet Ivermectin Apple Flavored Gel (called horse paste, but not paste, and it's a bit stick for daytime, so I only put a small amount)

CeraVe Lotion

Honeyskin Face & Body Cream

(Here's where I'd put on SPF, but I'm kind of having a hard time with that one right now. Lately my EltaMD UV Clear 46 has been burning a little, going to wait a bit to add it back in to see if it causes a reaction after I'm feeling solid about my routine)

​

PM

Wash with CeraVe

Apply Cliradex Foam to my eye area

Use the horse gel all over my face

​

I've only done this 4 nights/days now, and already my face is much smoother and the inflammation is down quite a bit. It for sure is not painful anymore. I'm cautiously optimistic.

I'm thinking he thinks it's Rosacea because of the red/ruddy cheeks.

But yes--go to the derm. See what they say. But be prepared, most dermatologists don't seem to see Rosacea (or KP for that matter) as a real "problem." Most just hand you a script for Metrogel (or equivalent) and say, try it, it might help. Everything I've done for my Rosacea I've figured out myself. I mostly try not to get too hot and stay out of the sun. Sunscreen is a huge must for me. I had my first real flair just last week after about 8 very good years. This has made a difference in just 4 days:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YHZFA5E/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza

Good luck, don't give up!

Yep! Definitely not safe for human oral consumption. I apply a very thin layer all over my face. The Durvet brand is best if you have dry skin since it's rather oily and the Horse Health brand is better for those with oily skin since it's more of a white paste.

I use this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I66UFCW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. It's cute, so quiet that my office mate can't hear it, and generates a strong enough breeze to keep my flushes down and calm one down if it starts.

Have you cut out all fluoride products? Your skin sounds a lot like mine. I have PD around the mouth too and getting rid of fluoride products was huge. A few weeks ago I used a travel toothpaste with fluoride in it and my face was itching like crazy.

Tom's of Maine makes a good fluoride-free toothpaste, which has the seal of approval of my dentist: https://www.amazon.com/Toms-Maine-Antiplaque-Fluoride-Free-Toothpaste/dp/B00JUJ1E0W

I've never put much faith in all the natural remedies I read about. I think I'm immune to most of them because they had no benefits for me. Apple cider vinegar is horrible and I think it actually made my redness brighter.

I do take 1000mg Evening Primrose Daily capsules. Not sure if it actually benefits me or not, but it's recommended by many people, especially for women.

I also use a 99% natural aloe vera gel for my face. It really does help to heal my skin, stops it burning and itching so much during the day, but it also causes dry skin, so I have to use a moisturiser on top of that to stop the skin flakes.

Here's the link to the one I use:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07B66BD1P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

EDIT: I've just started using castor oil for my face. My skin does feel softer, but I haven't noticed a change in the redness yet. It's only been a few days though.

Here's the Castor Oil too:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07H3W58VB/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=AYGGMWI8Z0G1N&psc=1

I use the Sal3 sulfur/salicylic acid soap also from Braunfels, and I find is rinses away pretty much odorless too. The maker claims it's because of its "colloidal" formulation: https://www.amazon.com/SAL3-Salicylic-Acid-Sulfur-Soap/dp/B00685KUGA/ref=sr_1_3?m=AA82KDCI0X2JF&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER&qid=1565155864&s=merchant-items&sr=1-3

It can be very drying though, be sure to have a good moisturizer and maybe use every other day.

this one does not smell like apples

I prefer it to the Duravet brand horse paste, as that one smelled like a Jolly Rancher candy. I’ve had just as much luck with the horse paste as I did with Soolantra. I mix mine with sulphur ointment and Cereve PM lotion

Yes to: Oatmeal (specifically colloidal oatmeal- Dr. Dray has a good video on this), Niacinamide, Green tea, Chamomile and Raw honey.

No to: Coconut oil and Lavender essential oil - these really aren't good for sensitive facial skin!

Don't have much experience with the others.

My new favorite skincare thing is making a mask with 1 tsp Aveeno colloidal oatmeal (https://www.amazon.com/Aveeno-Soothing-Treatment-Itchy-Irritated/dp/B000UEAARO), 1 tsp raw honey, and 1 tsp yogurt. I've seen a lot of people on this sub make a similar mask.

I have been using Honeyskin that I got off of Amazon. There are a couple of others that are similar. https://www.amazon.com/Honeyskin-Organics-Psoriasis-Itchiness-Superfoods/dp/B00QUKS6NW/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1475266477&sr=8-1&keywords=honeyskin

Search for rosacea + MSM + cream and you should find a few.

Here's one I haven't tried that looks good. https://www.amazon.com/Psoriasis-Advanced-Non-greasy-Moisturizer-Dermatitis/dp/B00TOYNBA4/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1475266512&sr=8-4&keywords=rosacea%2Bmsm%2Bcream&th=1

Ms JessicaDiamonds,

I am in this thread here:https://www.reddit.com/r/Rosacea/comments/an7pk9/last_monday_vs_this_monday_only_4_days_on/

All I saw is you are using Ivermectin. From what I have learned in Reddit's 'UX' from this thread I didn't figure out what medium you are using Ivermectin with? It could be horse paste or it could be Soolantra. I have 'bothered' to try to figure this out and spent time going through the above thread and couldn't find what Ivermectin treatment you are using. If you look at this thread DABReddit says, "I have type two and use Soolantra and Finacia each once per day" who also mentions Soolantra as I did. Can you see, since I am new to Reddit, and I couldn't find what 'Ivermectin' treatment and concluded it was Soolantra that I am simply trying to help and I am not chastising you, that I am volunteering with links to demodectic rosacea treatments which includes ivermectin and other possible treatments? I am so glad you are having success with your ivermectin treatment. I finally discovered in your first post you are using "Durvet Ivermectin Apple Flavored Gel (called horse paste, but not paste, and it's a bit stick for daytime, so I only put a small amount) and CeraVe Lotion Honeyskin Face & Body Cream." I apologize for missing this earlier. Please indulge me with forgiveness for missing this. I have learned now that you have to carefully look at the poster's name, the date the post is published, and how the replies are also dated differently, and how the 'UX' works. Different from the forum style posting I am familiar with, you know what I mean, the 'UX'. Still haven't figured out what the red and gray arrows do.

Not too late! For your eyes, you want to try something like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06VW5J11K/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1

Elta MD