Rosacea
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a skin condition that usually starts in adulthood. There are two main types:
Redness with small visible blood vessels
Pimples and pustules that can look like acne
Many people have a combination of both types. Rosacea appears across the nose and cheeks but may spread to the forehead and chin over time. It tends to run in families and can be made worse by sun exposure, dry climates, or other environmental triggers.
Less common forms that need treatment from a dermatologist include:
Ocular rosacea (affecting the eyes)
Rhinophyma (thickened, bumpy skin on the nose)
How do I treat rosacea?
Most people with rosacea improve by combining simple lifestyle changes with the right skincare:
Avoid triggers: Common flare-ups come from hot drinks (coffee, tea, hot chocolate), spicy foods, chocolate, alcohol, and extreme temperatures. Try to dress warmly in the cold.
Topical treatments:
Azelaic acid – effective and safe, even in pregnancy. Can be combined with niacinamide.
Sulfur – an excellent anti-inflammatory that reduces redness. Available as bar soap, gel, or mask in different strengths (3–10%). It has a sulfur smell, but most products mask it well and it doesn’t linger on skin. See instructions for the wash below.
Moisturize: Use CeraVe moisturizing cream to help calm dryness and protect the skin barrier.
Temporary redness relief:
Clinique Redness Solutions base – a good cosmetic option for covering redness.
Oxymetazoline (Afrin nasal spray, used on skin) – can reduce redness within minutes for 1-3 hours. Apply sparingly to affected areas, but not daily.
⚠️ Caution: Frequent use of oxymetazoline can cause “rebound redness” when the effect wears off, making redness worse over time.
Additional tips:
Reduce stress: Stress is a common trigger. Deadlines, tough conversations, or illness often cause flares. Try stress-reducing habits daily, and start treatment early if you know a stressful event is coming.
Eat healthier: Many people find fast food and junk food worsen rosacea, especially during stressful times. Shifting meals toward whole-food, plant-based options can reduce flares.
Sun protection: UV exposure worsens redness and flares. Use a gentle daily facial moisturizer with SPF 30+ and wear sun-protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats.
Steps for using a sulfur wash:
In the shower, rinse your face.
Lather the sulfur bar soap in your hands and apply it evenly over your face.
Leave it on for 5–10 minutes to allow the medicine to work.
Rinse off thoroughly.
Use once or twice daily as your only face wash (avoid scrubs or exfoliating cleansers).
Note: Sulfur can be drying. Apply a gentle moisturizing cream afterward.
What if my rosacea isn’t getting better?
For many people, the steps above are enough to keep rosacea under control. Sometimes, though, prescription creams or pills are needed, especially if you notice eye symptoms. If over-the-counter options are not working, look for a board-certified dermatologist in your area. If you are in or near Utah, see one of my excellent colleagues at the University of Utah or me virtually with Honeydew.
DISCLAIMER
The statements expressed and content of this website are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Readers should seek their own professional counsel for any medical condition or before starting or altering any treatment, exercise, or dietary plan. Please see our full disclaimer here.