Dr. Skotnicki-Grant: Rosacea, or acne rosacea, is a skin condition characterized by facial redness, flushing, pimples and broken blood vessels. The most important thing to remember regarding skin care for rosacea is that less is more. Avoid scented cleansers and moisturizers, which can aggravate. Also steer clear of cleansers that strip the skin, and those that contain sodium lauryl sulfate, a harsh ingredient used to make cleansers foamy.

A skin care line that I often recommend to rosacea patients is Toleraine, made by La Roche-Posay. The brand is made specifically for people with intolerant skin – it’s unscented and contains few irritating ingredients.

In terms of a skin care routine, I suggest using Toleraine Dermo-Cleanser, a milk cleanser that does not foam, twice daily. (A less expensive alternative is Spectro-jel.) The next step is to use a moisturizer – I usually don’t suggest a toner for those with rosacea, as it is drying. I like moisturizers from the Toleraine line and other unscented lines such as Marcelle and Clinique. With this condition, it’s best to pick moisturizers without anti-aging ingredients.

If you do apply makeup, try to buy unscented lines. I like Clinique, Marcelle, Almay and some MAC products. For more information, I recommend visiting www.rosaceainfo.com.

Find Dr. Skotnicki-Grant’s clinic at baydermatologycentre.com

First published in Fall 2005 issue of Allergic Living magazine.
To order that issue or to subscribe, click here.

© Copyright AGW Publishing Inc.