Rosacea-Friendly Skin Care Tips from the Pros

April is Rosacea Awareness Month – Let’s Talk Skin Care That Works

Rosacea is more common than you might think—affecting over 16 million Americans—and many people don’t even know they have it. April is Rosacea Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to spotlight this often-misunderstood skin condition and how to care for sensitive, redness-prone skin.

Do I Have Rosacea?

If you notice frequent facial flushing, persistent redness (especially across the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead), visible blood vessels, or bumps that look like acne but don’t respond to traditional acne treatments, you might have rosacea. Some people also experience dry, sensitive skin, stinging, or burning sensations. In more advanced cases, the skin may thicken or the eyes may become irritated.

The good news? Rosacea is manageable—with the right skincare and treatment plan. At Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater, we help patients build routines that reduce redness, strengthen the skin barrier, and restore skin confidence.

Let’s break it down with some dermatologist-approved tips and highlight a few of our favorite products and in-office options.

Start with a Gentle Routine

Less is more when it comes to rosacea care. Harsh scrubs, over-exfoliating, and heavily fragranced products can make symptoms worse. A simple, calming routine is best.

Cleanser Tip:
Use a non-foaming, pH-balanced cleanser to remove impurities without stripping natural oils.

Our Picks:

• EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser – Soothes and purifies while preserving moisture.
  
  
• Skinbetter Science Cleansing Gel – A mild, sulfate-free gel cleanser that gently lifts away dirt and oil without irritation.
  
  

Never Skip Sunscreen

Sun exposure is one of the most common rosacea triggers. A broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen is a must—even on cloudy days.

Sunscreen Tip:
Choose zinc oxide-based formulas with added anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Our Picks:

• EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 – Contains niacinamide and zinc oxide to calm and protect sensitive skin.
  
  
• Skinbetter Science Sunbetter Tone Smart SPF 68 – 100% mineral, lightweight, and tone-adapting with added antioxidants for barrier support.
  
  

Soothe and Strengthen the Skin Barrier

Rosacea-prone skin benefits from products that calm inflammation, deliver hydration, and reinforce the skin’s natural defenses.

Barrier Support Tip:
Incorporate serums and moisturizers with antioxidants and barrier-repair ingredients.

Our Picks:

• Skinbetter Science Alto Defense Serum – Combats redness and protects against environmental stress.
  
  
• Skinbetter Science Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment – Deep hydration without heaviness.
  
  
• EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex – Ceramide-rich and fragrance-free to repair and replenish delicate skin.
  
  

Target Uneven Skin Tone and Redness

Rosacea often leads to uneven tone, visible vessels, and lingering redness. Brightening serums can help, when used consistently and under professional guidance.

Tone Correction Tip:
Use gentle brightening products that are free of hydroquinone and won’t trigger flare-ups.

Our Picks:

• Skinbetter Science Even Tone Correcting Serum – Helps reduce visible discoloration and restore a more even complexion.
  
  
• EltaMD Skin Recovery Serum – Designed to reduce redness and visibly improve overall skin tone using proprietary AAComplex technology.
  
  

Try Light-Based Therapy: Aerolase

When redness or broken capillaries persist, Aerolase offers a non-invasive way to improve skin tone and texture.

Laser Tip:
The Aerolase Neo Elite laser is gentle, fast, and effective for rosacea symptoms like redness, flushing, and inflammation.

Why We Love It: Safe for all skin tones, virtually pain-free, and requires no downtime.

Consider the VI Peel Precision Plus (with Dermatologist Guidance)

Chemical peels may sound harsh, but when professionally recommended and administered, they can help smooth texture, fade discoloration, and reduce inflammation.

Peel Tip:
The VI Peel Precision Plus can be customized for rosacea-prone skin. It’s best used as part of a broader treatment plan and only under the care of a licensed provider.

Why It Works: This peel helps improve uneven skin tone while reducing inflammation, redness, and skin sensitivity.

Know Your Triggers + Stay Consistent

Rosacea flare-ups can be set off by sun, heat, spicy foods, alcohol, stress, or even certain skincare ingredients. Track your symptoms and identify patterns—then adjust your habits and products accordingly.

And remember: consistency is key. Give your skin time to respond before switching up your routine.

Need Help Managing Rosacea? Let’s Talk.

If you’re not sure whether you have rosacea—or you’re overwhelmed trying to find products that actually help—our team is here to guide you. Whether you need a gentle skincare routine, targeted treatments like Aerolase, or a customized VI Peel plan, we’ll create a solution that works for you.

Author

Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater, located in Norfolk, Virginia, provides comprehensive personalized dermatologic care to patients of all skin types, conditions, and ages. Medical director Jonathan Schreiber, MD, PhD and the entire professional medical team at Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater approach dermatologic exams from the medical root of an issue, and similarly, cosmetic issues from the science of a treatment, using science-based support and results with the treatment services offered to patients.