A Simple Rosacea-Safe Skincare Routine

By Dr Magnus Lynch
MA(Cantab) DPhil(Oxon) MRCS FRCP
Consultant Dermatologist & Dermatological Surgeon

Rosacea is a common inflammatory skin condition that causes facial flushing, visible blood vessels, sensitivity, and red bumps. Because the skin is often very sensitive and harsh products can trigger flares, a simple, gentle, and consistent routine is important.

Key Principles for Rosacea-Safe Skincare

• Keep it simple: Use fewer products, fewer steps, and fragrance-free products.
• Daily SPF: UV light is a major trigger—use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every day.
• Introduce actives slowly: Patch test and start 2–3 times weekly to assess tolerance.
• Know your triggers: Common triggers include heat, sun, wind, alcohol, spicy food, hot drinks, stress, and harsh skincare.

A Simple AM Routine

1. Gentle Cleanser (optional): If your skin isn’t oily on waking, you can rinse with lukewarm water only. Otherwise use a mild, non-foaming, fragrance-free cleanser. I like Cetaphil cleansers.
2. Moisturiser: If your skin is dry you may need to use a light moisturiser. If your skin is not dry this is not essential.
3. Sun Protection (essential): Broad-spectrum SPF 30–50. I like the Anthelios range (La Roche Posay).
4. Other tips: Green-tinted products neutralise redness.

A Simple PM Routine

1. Cleanser: Use a gentle cleanser, for example Cetaphil foaming cleanser.
2. Targeted Treatment (if using): Apply prescription or over-the-counter actives on clean, dry skin. Start 2–3 nights per week and increase as tolerated. Always test new products on a small area of the skin for a few days first.
3. Moisturiser: Use a light moisturiser such as Cerave/Cetaphil. This is not needed if your skin is oily.

Active Ingredients

• Ivermectin (prescription): In my experience this is the most effective active ingredient for inflammatory rosacea.
• Azelaic acid: Anti-inflammatory, reduces bumps and redness.
• Metronidazole (prescription): Less effective than Ivermectin.

Use With Caution (Introduce Slowly or Avoid During Flares)

• Retinoids: Can be helpful, but must be introduced very gradually.
• Exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA, PHA): I would generally avoid these in patients with sensitive skin.

When to Seek Medical Care

• Frequent or severe flares despite a gentle routine
• Persistent bumps/pustules or significant redness
• Eye symptoms (dry, gritty, burning, red eyelids) suggesting ocular rosacea
• Skin thickening of the nose/cheeks (phymatous changes)

Effective prescription options include topical/metronidazole or ivermectin, oral antibiotics (e.g., low-dose doxycycline), systemic retinoids and vascular laser for redness and visible vessels.

Related articles

• How to Introduce New Products Without Flares
• Best Ingredients (and Worst Irritants) for Rosacea
• Sunscreen for Rosacea
• Minimalist Routine for Rosacea

About Dr Magnus Lynch

I am a London-based Consultant Dermatologist and Dermatological Surgeon. I am highly experienced in skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, Mohs micrographic surgery, facial reconstructive surgery, laser treatments, regenerative dermatology, acne, rosacea and acne scarring. Since 2019, I have been passionate about sharing information online about dermatology and skin care. I studied at the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford, and completed my dermatology training and Mohs fellowship at the prestigious St John’s Institute of Dermatology. I graduated from medical school in 2003 and have worked exclusively in Dermatology since 2012.

I lead a research team at King’s College London investigating the molecular biology of skin cancer and skin cancer diagnostics, and I constantly aim to translate the latest findings into better patient care. You can learn more about my Research.

In recent years I have been involved in Media Appearances, including the Channel 5 series 'Skin A&E', where I perform skin surgeries and treat various skin conditions. Filming for the next series has recently completed and the series will be released later in 2025.

How I can help

My NHS practice is at Guy's Hospital. I consult with private patients at several well-appointed and conveniently located sites across central London:

• London Bridge Hospital: Conveniently situated within The Shard, next to London Bridge station.
• Skin55 Ltd: Located at 55 Harley Street, this beautiful Edwardian building houses one of the largest private dermatology facilities in the UK with a comprehensive laser suite.
• OneWelbeck: Located close to Bond Street underground station. Mohs surgery, lasers, and other skin surgeries are performed in the state-of-the-art surgical suite here.

A new consultation is £250, a follow up consultation is £220. For more information on fees, please visit Prices.