While rosacea can’t be cured, there are several ways to control flare-ups. In addition to avoiding triggers and adopting new lifestyle habits, choosing (and using!) skincare products with the right ingredients and seeing an esthetician, doctor, or dermatologist for medications or treatments can benefit rosacea.

What Is Rosacea Treatment?
Rosacea treatment is not any one thing. What works best on rosacea is a multi-pronged approach that includes prescriptions or treatments rendered by physicians and estheticians, natural skin care products, and lifestyle changes you can adopt at home. Consult a doctor if you suspect you have rosacea. Dermatologists can diagnose rosacea and prescribe medications to inhibit rosacea flushing and provide treatments to manage symptoms and slow progression. However, general physicians can assess and treat medical conditions associated with rosacea, such as gastrointestinal disorders, metabolic acidosis disorder, seborrhea, hormone imbalances, liver disease, etc.

Topical or Oral Medications:
There are several rosacea treatment prescriptions doctors may prescribe to inhibit rosacea flushing:

• Rosacea treatment with antibiotics is often the first course of treatment.

Why is rosacea treated with antibiotics? Antibiotics like doxycycline and clindamycin kill the inflammation-causing bacteria from the waste of the (demodex folliculorum) mite, reducing rosacea symptoms. They also eliminate the SCT Enzymes that can cause rosacea bumps and pimples (papules and pustules). Furthermore, antibiotics reduce Matrix Metallo-Proteinases (MMPs) associated with inflammation and rosacea.

• Rosacea treatment with metronidazole, another type of antibiotic, is also prescribed to treat papules and pustules.
• Rosacea treatment with ivermectin is another option that may offer anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Rosacea treatment and steroids like hydrocortisone should only be used short-term, as long-term corticosteroid use may induce rosacea.

• Antihistamines may reduce rosacea flushing if you have allergies and respond strongly to foods high in histamine or those that cause a histamine release in the body.

These typically require 2 to 6 weeks to see results. Unfortunately, many patients experience side effects such as increased redness, dryness, stinging, burning, and sun sensitivity. Ivermectin has more significant side effects, potentially affecting the entire body.

Rosacea Treatment Light Therapy & Laser
Laser, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)or Photo-rejuvenation Treatments, and pulsed dye lasers are often recommended to help reduce facial redness and other rosacea symptoms.How does rosacea laser treatment work? A specifically selected light wavelength targets the blood inside the blood vessel or capillary, which absorbs the light from the laser. This heats up and injures the capillaries, closing the vein and causing the body to absorb them.  

Treatments are usually 3-5 weeks apart, with newly formed capillaries requiring additional periodic treatments. Some sources indicate that LED therapy with red light speeds healing and reduces redness, inflammation, and discomfort, but consult a dermatologist or physician for expert diagnosis and care.

Natural Ingredient and Product Solutions for Rosacea
Those looking for rosacea treatment without antibiotics or other medications can prevent flare-ups with consistent use of the proper skincare regimen. Skin care products for rosacea-affected individuals must include high concentrations of the best ingredients for rosacea in advanced formulations powerful enough to address microcirculatory and inflammatory problems. But rosacea sufferers also need gentle formulas that cool, soothe, reduce redness, repair, moisturize, strengthen, constrict capillaries, and even reduce allergies. To help accomplish this, the best products to treat rosacea will also be free of irritating Sulfates, Alcohol, Mineral Oil, and Acids.

Green Tea, Chamomile, Licorice, French Rose, Guarana, Allantoin, Panthenol, and Vitamin E are some of the best ingredients to treat rosacea symptoms. Here’s why:

Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) – This potent, yet natural, skin-repairing anti-irritant provides antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Rich in polyphenols, it fights free radicals, along with bacteria and microbes, as it soothes, calms, and reduces irritation.

It regulates a protein in genes (caspase-14) that dictates the skin cell life cycle. In addition, antioxidant EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) interrupts the inflammation cascade by inhibiting the production of gene proteins (prostaglandin E2 and interleukin-6) that cause inflammation, reducing genes expressed after cells multiply (proliferating cell nuclear antigens). It also lowers enzyme activities and signals transduction pathways, which may affect protein targets and alter the physiological responses of cells.

Licorice Root Extract (Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate) – A plant extract that provides decongesting, anti-allergic, and skin-repairing functions, encouraging the body’s anti-inflammatory response. Rich in antioxidants, B vitamins, choline, and folic acid, it soothes, reduces irritation, moisturizes, and helps to even skin tone.

Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis) – An anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, and antiviral active that functions to de-stress, repair, and moisturize, soothing irritation and softening dry, rough skin. Chrysin and Azulene are vital components that help speed recovery, while Coumarin provides natural anticoagulant or blood thinning benefits. Note: If allergic to Ragweed, Chrysanthemum, Marigolds, and Daisies, patch test products to ensure you won’t react.

French Rose (Rosa Gallica Extract) – A soothing floral extract that calms redness, reduces irritation, repairs, and imparts a fresh feeling and natural fragrance.

Allantoin – An anti-inflammatory botanical extract from the roots of Comfrey plants that promotes cell growth, calms, soothes, repairs, reduces irritation, desensitizes, and conditions.

Guarana (Paullinia Cupana) – An antioxidant that soothes, moisturizes, vasoconstricts, and imparts a natural color.

Panthenol (Vitamin B5) – A moisturizing emollient and humectant that supports skin repair and comforts rosacea-prone skin.

Vitamin E (Tocopherol) – An antioxidant and emollient that protects cell membranes from damaging free radicals, repairs, moisturizes, and reduces trans-epidermal water loss, improving barrier function. It also promotes proper oxygen utilization, which benefits all skin types and concerns.

Rosacea Skincare Recommendations
Treating skin gently (no rubbing, scrubbing, or harsh products) and using lukewarm (not hot!) water are musts for rosacea. Morning and evening use of a gentle cleanser, toner, serum, and moisturizer designed to protect, repair, moisturize, cool, comfort, and control blotchiness, redness, and irritation is an optimal regimen to improve rosacea. Pevonia’s RS2 Line offers a complete self-care regimen featuring high concentrations of key active ingredients in formulas crafted to penetrate deeply and achieve maximum results. Here’s how:

Cleansing with a creamy Sulfate-free* formula twice daily will gently yet thoroughly remove makeup and environmental pollutants. *Instead of Sodium Laurel Sulfate, which strips away skin’s natural, protective oils and causes irritation, a natural skin cleanser with Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids is a soothing way to cleanse.

Toning with an Alcohol-free* toner is imperative with rosacea. It completes the cleanse, removing all traces of make-up and irritating tap water and geo-aggressors. Aside from preparing your skin for the next step in your regimen, our RS2 Gentle Lotion repairs, calms, cools, and shrinks capillaries via Green Tea, Licorice, and Guarana, reducing visible redness and discomfort. *Alcohol can strip the skin’s natural protective barrier and leave it vulnerable to the environment.

Concentrates, also known as serums, are the best way to quickly comfort, calm, and control rosacea blotchiness. Choose one with high concentrations of Green Tea, Licorice, and French Rose to help repair, combat allergies, and decongest.

Moisturizing is the ultimate conclusion of a rosacea regimen. The best cream to calm rosacea will also seal in moisture, cool, and repair. Choosing one with skin-compatible Squalane and barrier-repairing Safflower Oil instead of occlusive and irritating Mineral Oil is the best way to moisturize rosacea-prone skin.
UV protection is essential for rosacea. Conscious sun avoidance and a minimum SPF 30 sunscreen are highly recommended to preserve the skin’s well-being. A great natural skin care option is a hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, easy-to-apply tinted cream with minerals that calm and camouflage redness.

Lifestyle Solutions for Rosacea:
Rosacea diet and lifestyle modifications can make a substantial impact.

Manage Stress:
Since stress is a rosacea trigger, engaging in stress-reducing activities like deep breathing, massage, yoga, meditation, and walking can help manage symptoms. Unfortunately, due to heat and alcohol-induced flushing, unwinding with a hot bath or glass of wine is not recommended for rosacea sufferers.

Get your zzzs!:
Get plenty of sleep, as inadequate rest is linked with inflammation and rosacea.

Avoid sun, heat, & abrupt temperature changes:
When planning to be outdoors, remember to reapply your high-quality, broad-spectrum ocean safe sunscreen every two hours, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and use an umbrella.

Watch Dietary Triggers:
Limit intake of spicy foods, alcohol, hot and caffeinated beverages, and soups. Avoid foods and drinks that are acid-forming, have a high glycemic index, contain histamines and trans fats, or are linked to obesity. Consume foods and beverages that are alkaline, reduce inflammation, and are rich in vitamins, Essential Fatty Acids, minerals, fiber, and probiotics. For more information, see our blog regarding diet’s role in triggering rosacea.

Exercise: Get moving to help reduce acidic blood, stress hormones, and inflammation tied to rosacea. Just don’t overdo it, as extreme exercise can trigger flare-ups. Walking, swimming, and yoga are ideal, but skip heavy weight-lifting.

Aromatherapy: Rosacea treatment with essential oils can strengthen the stress response and help with rosacea. Chamomile and Lavender in our De-Stress Escape Aromatic Oil are well-known calming essential oils that reduce stress, by affecting the sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous systems. Chamomile essential oil is linked to the release of the happiness hormone (endorphin) and recognized for reducing stress and soothing the skin. And, when stress manifests as exhaustion, Lavender can help stimulate the nervous system, making you more alert.

Hum a tune: Humming elevates nitric oxide in the blood, which reduces stress. It may speed up wound repair by stimulating collagen production, dilating blood vessels, enhancing oxygenation, and centralizing immune cells, key for damaged tissue repair. However, this may not be advised since rosacea is associated with permanently dilated blood vessels.

Additional Beneficial Ingredients for Rosacea for those that also have other concerns:

Algae in the Myoxy-Caviar Timeless Eye Contour, Repair Serum and Cream, plus Micro-Retinol Collagen & Retinol Lip Repair Kit promotes repair, fighting inflammation, free radicals, and visible signs of aging.

Aloe Vera is a cactus found throughout the Pevonia range that cools, repairs, and soothes, plus can help cellular renewal, making it great for rosacea.

Arnica repairs, tones, soothes, and reduces inflammation linked with rosacea. It can be found in the Eye Make-up Remover, Enzymo Spherides Peeling Cream, Soothing After Shaving Balm, Rapid-Restore Neck & Chest Serum and Cream.

Calendula in the Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, Bright Skin Green Apple Mask, and Enzymo Spherides Peeling Cream calms, acts as an antiseptic, and stimulates immunity, reducing the discomfort, swelling, irritation, and bacteria associated with rosacea.

Ginkgo Biloba in the Enzymo Spherides Peeling Cream and C Evolutive Eye Gel decongests, neutralizes free radicals, and offers photoprotection.

Hesperidin in the Timeless Eye Contour is a citrus bioflavonoid beneficial for any capillary disorder as it increases intracellular vitamin C, aids capillary permeability and stability, and has anti-allergy, redness, and irritation relief.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) in the Timeless Eye Contour is favored for its anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and smoothing effects – essential for improving redness and barrier repair.

Vitamin C in less acidic MAP, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, or lipid-soluble Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate forms can be beneficial for rosacea due to its ability to fight free radicals.

Visit Find A Spa to discover a Pevonia “rosacea specialist near me” and schedule a series of professional RS2 Rosacea Mask Treatments for progressive recovery. With layers of high-performing ingredients sealed in with an advanced lift-off bi-thermal mask, it mobilizes stagnant blood, strengthening capillaries, and reducing redness.