If you’re prone to rosacea flare ups, you’ll know how difficult it is to find a suitable skin care product that will help to soothe your irritated skin as well reduce the appearance of the redness that comes with it.
Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that most commonly affects people with sensitive skin, and causes redness, bumps, visible blood cells and flushing throughout your complexion.
As well as these symptoms, rosacea can also cause the skin to become extremely dehydrated, which results in dry, flaky skin that doesn’t only have an affect on your skin’s appearance, but can also be painful and sore.
For that reason it's really important to factor in a moisturizer as part of your daily beauty regimen. A good quality moisturizer will help to repair the epidermis and your skin’s natural moisture barrier, which in turn will keep your skin hydrated, and do a much better job of keeping irritants and allergens out of your pores.
However, there are hundreds of moisturizers to choose from and, if not researched carefully, applying the wrong one to your skin could end up irritating your rosacea even further.
So, to help make things a bit clearer and to help you find the right moisturizer for your skin’s needs, we’ve listed five of the best moisturizers for rosacea below, along with a handy buying guide that’s packed full of advice on what to keep in mind before making your purchase.
If you’re in a hurry and need to find a great moisturizer that will help alleviate rosacea, then our top pick is the cream of the crop...
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Best Moisturizer for Rosacea - Comparison Table
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Best Moisturizer for Rosacea - Reviews
By using minimal ingredients, without compromising on quality, this dermatologically tested moisturizer from Vanicream has been specially formulated for use on sensitive skin that is prone to rosacea, and is gentle enough to use on even the most delicate skin without causing irritation.
Totally free of any dyes, fragrances, lanolin, formaldehyde or anything else that can cause rosacea flare ups, it’s ideal if you’re looking for a moisturizer that you can use daily without any risk of skin irritation
The non-greasy formula absorbs into the skin quickly, and it’s non-comedogenic properties leave your skin feeling silky smooth without any risk of clogging up pores, which can lead to outbreaks of acne.
Easy to apply thanks to the super useful pump design, this moisturizer is a fantastic choice for all the family and has even been awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Society!
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Ideal for skin that is prone to irritation and needs that extra bit of care, Skin Food from Weleda is a great choice for anybody that suffers with rosacea and wants a moisturizer that can be used on both the face and the body.
The plant-extract formula provides instant hydration without using any chemicals that could cause flare ups, and it quickly absorbs into the skin to get to work straight away, feeding your skin with the moisture it needs to look and feel beautifully soft.
Amongst the natural ingredients in this moisturizer is pansy extract which is well known for its deep moisturizing properties and skin hydration support, as well as calendula extract which is rich in essential oils and is kind and gentle to dry, sensitive skin.
Totally free of synthetic oils, fragrances, preservatives and colorants, this light cream offers gentle, effective moisturization, and the natural blend of lavender, orange and vanilla will bring a calming, spa-like effect to your skin care regime.
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This super moisturizing face and body cream from Honeyskin feeds your skin using entirely organic ingredients, providing relief from irritation and leaving your skin feeling and looking amazingly smooth and clear.
One of the ingredients contained in this moisturizer is Manuka honey, which has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to calm and soothe any redness as well as killing any bacteria and ensuring no breakouts.
It also contains aloe vera which helps to soothe and moisturize skin deeply and contains multiple skin-feeding vitamins, as well as MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) which helps to brighten the skin by boosting collagen production.
Non-comedogenic, paraben free and fragranced using only natural ingredients, this moisturizer is ideal for anybody with sensitive skin that is prone to irritation and rosacea.
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Added to your daily skin care regime, this medicated gel will help to heal, soothe and control your rosacea symptoms without any need for harsh chemicals, and provide fast and effective relief for irritated skin.
More than just a moisturizer, this medicated rosacea gel from Prosacea contains ingredients specifically formulated to target and reduce the redness and irritation associated with rosacea, and leave your skin looking and feeling soothed and clear.
The lightweight, water-based gel contains homeopathic sulphur that has been proven to relieve rosacea symptoms such as redness, bumps, pimples and irritation. It also contains super-ingredient aloe vera, which is renowned for its soothing and moisturizing properties.
This advanced non-prescription treatment is gentle enough to use on sensitive skin without compromising on healing power, and contains no alcohol or petroleum based ingredients that can dry out skin or clog up pores.
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This daily hydrating lotion from Cetaphil is a lightweight moisturizer that provides immediate relief and intense hydration to dry, irritated, sensitive skin and helps to soothe the redness and pain that is associated with rosacea.
Containing hyaluronic acid, an amazing ingredient for sensitive skin types that is known for its ability to retain up to 1000 times its own weight in moisture and lock hydration into the skin, this hydrating lotion provides deep moisturization to help keep rosacea at bay.
Dermatologically tested and free of any artificial fragrances to further ensure there’s no irritation to the skin, customers that previously purchased this moisturizer found that the results were almost immediate, and that a little bit of product went a long way, so you’ll be getting excellent value for money.
The oil-free formula quickly absorbs into the skin, and it’s non-comedogenic properties mean that no product is left behind in the pores after use which can lead to acne breakouts and further irritation. It’s also hypoallergenic, so is perfect for use on sensitive skin.
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Best Moisturizer for Rosacea - Buyers Guide
As with all skin care products, what works well for one person may not necessarily work for you, so it’s really important to make sure that you find a moisturizer that is specifically formulated for your individual needs.
To make sure you get it right the first time around, we’ve put together some key points that you should take into consideration when you’re looking for a moisturizer that will help combat the appearance and soreness of rosacea, and leave your skin feeling and looking smooth and clear.
Rosacea Type
Like many skin conditions, rosacea comes in many different forms, each of which has slightly different symptoms. With this in mind, the first thing to consider when you’re looking for a moisturizer to aid in your battle against rosacea, is what type of rosacea it is that you are suffering from. To help you self-diagnose and get a better idea of what you’re dealing with, we’ve listed these below:
Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea: Causes flushing, redness and the appearance of visible blood vessels
Papulopustular Rosacea: Manifests as swollen, red skin with acne breakouts
Phymatous Rosacea: Causes skin to appear thicker and produces visible bumps on the skin’s surface
Ocular Rosacea: Doesn’t only affect the skin, but also affects the eyes makes them irritated and red. Also makes the skin on the eyelids appear swollen
Steroid Rosacea: Appears as a side effect of taking steroids, specifically corticosteroids
Finding out which rosacea it is that you’re suffering from is the first step in being able to treat and heal it, so it’s absolutely imperative that you find this out before purchasing your moisturizer. That way you’ll be able to find the right one that is specific to your needs.
Ingredients
Once you’ve determined which type of rosacea it is that you’re dealing with, the next thing to consider is the ingredients that each moisturizer contains. Some will be stronger than others, and some may contain ingredients that will irritate your skin further, so it’s an important thing to look at.
As rosacea is most commonly found in people with sensitive skin, you’ll want to make sure that the moisturizer you choose is suitable for this skin type, and is gentle enough to use on irritated and even cracked skin, without exacerbating the flare up.
Moisturizers that contain natural ingredients are best for this, as they won’t use any harsh chemicals that could cause skin aggravation. One natural ingredient that is commonly found in moisturizers for rosacea is aloe vera, which helps to both soothe and moisturize the skin deeply, as well as bring antibacterial properties to the skin to prevent breakouts.
Manuka honey is also a great natural ingredient that doesn’t only provide deep moisturization, but also encourages collagen production and skin cell regeneration, so will help to speed up the healing process.
Another ingredient that can be found in some moisturizers is hyaluronic acid. Although the term ‘acid’ can seem a little bit of a scary thing to be putting on sensitive, irritated skin, hyaluronic acid is actually fantastic for rosacea. This is due to its ability to hold up to 1000 times its own weight in moisture, and lock hydration into the skin, helping to protect the epidermis from irritants and allergens.
Some moisturizers for rosacea are also medicated, so are ideal as a non-prescription choice for anybody that is suffering from a particularly bad flare up or has found it difficult to shift using other moisturizers.
Texture
The texture and consistency of your moisturizer is something else that you might want to give a bit of thought to, as this will have an affect on how easily the product absorbs into your skin.
Generally speaking, the ideal texture for a moisturizer that is being used to treat and soothe rosacea should be water-based and lightweight, as this will quickly and easily absorb into the skin, meaning that there’s no risk of irritating your skin further by spending too much time working it in.
There are, of course, thicker, creamier moisturizers available, however these do tend to take a bit more time to absorb into your skin and can leave a heavy, thick feeling behind.
Whichever you decide to go for, make sure that the moisturizer is non-comedogenic. This means that it will absorb into the skin, but won’t leave any excess product behind that can become trapped in your pores and lead to further irritation or acne breakouts.
Complimentary Skin Care
Bear in mind that, when you’re dealing with rosacea, a moisturizer will be the last step in your beauty regime. So, you’ll also need to find a daily cleanser that will help to calm your skin and reduce redness and irritation.
Look for a cleanser that is suitable for sensitive skin and contains similar ingredients to those you’re looking for in your moisturizer. This means that your entire skin care regime can work in harmony, and speed up the healing process.
Price
It’s a good idea to set yourself a budget before you start shopping around, so that you can make sure you’re getting the best value for money. If you research the ingredients properly, you may find that you’re able to get a great quality moisturizer at the lower end of the price spectrum.
Something else to remember as well, is how much product you’re getting for your money. Some moisturizers may come in a smaller container, however this generally means that you don’t have to use a lot of the product to get the full benefits of it, and it may be more effective at healing your rosacea than one that comes in a massive pump bottle.
Ultimately, try to focus on quality, not on quantity!
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes rosacea?
The actual cause of rosacea is unknown, however it is believed that there are certain environmental and hereditary triggers that can cause it to flare up. These range from certain foods to air pollution, and cause the skin to become extremely dry and sensitive, resulting in redness, skin bumps and visible blood vessels.
What is the best moisturizer to use when you have rosacea?
A moisturizer that contains natural ingredients and is gentle enough to use on delicate, sensitive skin is the ideal choice if you’re suffering from rosacea. Each moisturizer is different and has unique ingredients, so it’s worth researching what would work best for you. Take a look at our buyer’s guide for more information.
Why are natural ingredients better for rosacea?
Products that contain harsh chemicals can dry out the skin and cause further irritation, whereas beauty products that are made using natural ingredients will be gentler or sensitive skin, which is really important when you’re dealing with a skin irritation such as rosacea. Natural ingredients such as aloe vera or manuka honey are ideal, so keep an eye out for any cleansers and moisturizers that use these in the formula.
What type of rosacea do I have?
Rosacea comes in a variety of forms, and finding out which one you’re currently suffering from will help you find the correct products for treating it. The four main types are Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea, Papulopustular Rosacea, Phymatous Rosacea and Ocular Rosacea. The symptoms of each of these are unique, and we’ve outlined these above in our buyer’s guide.