Effective skincare regimens for both men and women, and the careful use of cosmetics can help to control rosacea symptoms and minimise the appearance of redness.
You will need to experiment as there is not one regimen that suits all people. Here are a few pointers to get you started:
- Use a soap-free cleanser and lukewarm water to wash your face morning and evening. Blot dry with a soft towel – do not rub.
- Avoid steamy baths, saunas and hot tubs.
- Choose products that do not contain potentially irritating alcohol, witch hazel, peppermint or menthol.
- Make sure that any fragrance included does not aggravate your skin.
- Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Use a moisturiser to protect against the cold and wind.
- Choose water-soluble cosmetics containing as few ingredients as possible.
- Wear black mascara and eye liner instead of coloured eye makeup as coloured products are more likely to aggravate your symptoms.
- Green makeup and tinted foundation can mask redness. Avoid make-up with pink or orange tones. Skin camouflage, specially formulated creams and powders with high covering power, can help mask redness and give the appearance of normal skin colour.
- Wearing black and white clothes can accentuate any redness on your face – wear softer colours instead.