Do you have redness, bumps and pimples around your cheeks, nose and chin? You may be one of 16 million Americans suffering from a common skin condition called rosacea. Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that typically appears in men and women over the age of 30.
 
Rosacea can cause flushing, persistent facial redness, bumps and pimples, visible blood vessels, and in some cases, can affect the eyes. It can vary substantially from one individual to another, and one or more of the symptoms typically appear.
 
While the condition can be uncomfortable and embarrassing at times, it can successfully be managed by slight lifestyle alterations, skin care regimen adjustments and with the use of prescription treatment. Here are some of my go-to rosacea-smart skin care tips to help manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
 
Think gentle when it comes to your daily skin care regimen. The skin of rosacea patients tends to be sensitive to certain skin care products and cosmetics. It’s best to avoid cosmetics, creams and cleansers with added fragrances, harsh scrub, toners or astringents, and products with alcohol, witch hazel, menthol, peppermint and eucalyptus oil. Additionally, harsh cleansers like exfoliators or scrubs can irritate your skin and worsen symptoms. If you’re not sure if an ingredient will set off your symptoms, test a little bit of the product on a small area on your neck first.

Track and avoid triggers. What causes a flare-up for one person may have no effect on another. It’s helpful to keep a personal trigger diary and track which products, foods, drinks and activities induce a flare-up. Trigger factors can include sun exposure, heat, cold, exercise, food and stress. Identifying and avoiding lifestyle and environmental factors that may trigger flare-ups can help rosacea patients improve their chances of maintaining remission.

Be picky about sun protection. It’s a fact that daily sunscreen and moisturizer is a must, but not all skincare products are created equal. The best bet if you are prone to rosacea are mineral sunscreens with titanium oxide and moisturizers that are specifically developed for sensitive skin.

Visit a dermatologist. Without proper medical treatment, the symptoms of rosacea can worsen over time, and may become more difficult to treat. There are several FDA-approved products available to help manage rosacea symptoms, including Mirvaso Gel, the first and only prescription treatment specifically developed and indicated to treat the persistent facial redness of rosacea. For the bumps and pimples of rosacea there is Soolantra Cream, a once-daily, topical treatment or, for those who prefer an oral medication, Oracea is a convenient, once-daily pill.
 
While there is currently no cure for rosacea, prescription treatment is available to control its signs and symptoms, including the options outlined above. Individuals who suspect they may have rosacea are urged to see a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and a treatment regimen tailored to their specific needs.
 
About the expert
Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board certified dermatologic surgeon, is an associate at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatologic Surgery and American College of Mohs Surgery.