Rosacea is one of the most common skin conditions in the UK. But with an overwhelming amount of information and advice available online, it can be hard to cut through the noise and know what will work for you. 

That’s why we’ve gathered some of the UK’s best skin experts, all of whom have a wealth of knowledge about rosacea, to ask for their tips on tackling the condition. From the ingredients to use (and what to avoid) to the most transformative treatments, here’s what they recommend. 

1. Incorporate ceramides, azelaic acid and SPF in your daily routine

Debbie Thomas, founder of the award-winning D.Thomas clinic, is the go-to person for celebrities and those in the know when it comes to rosacea treatment. She says there are two ingredients that will improve rosacea. “My top two, easy ingredients are ceramides for barrier support and azelaic acid to help with rosacea symptoms,” she says. “Both should be used consistently to manage and prevent flare-ups.” 

Azelaic acid is a mild but effective chemical exfoliant that has enzymes in it that help to reduce congestion and even out skin texture. More importantly for rosacea, it is a natural anti-inflammatory so it’s beneficial in calming the skin when used correctly. Thomas adds: “Azelaic acid will target blemishes and uneven skin texture by speeding up skin cell turnover, brightening the skin and clearing blocked pores. With azelaic acid, look for 15-20% strength, but start out using it every second night. If your skin tolerates it well, try every night. If at any point it feels too much, just reduce frequency.”

Marie Reynolds, a holistic wellness and skin expert, adds: “Ceramides are lipid molecules and lipids are made up of vitamins, fats and oils. These are hydrophobic, meaning they repel water. The lipid molecules in our skin’s lipid barrier are key to keeping toxic elements out and moisture in. Ceramides are naturally found in our own skin’s lipid barrier, but applying topical ceramides plays a crucial role in maintaining this protective film in our skin’s ecosystem. Ceramides work to seal in moisture, keeping the skin hydrated and resilient against harmful substances such as pollutants, allergens and toxins.”

SPF protects our skin from more than just the sun’s harmful rays: it helps with hyperpigmentation, counteracts the effects of pollution and external aggressors, and protects sensitive skin from being quite so reactive. Mariam Hakimi, skincare expert pharmacist at Boots Beauty, says: “No matter your age, skin type or condition, one of the most important steps in your daily skincare regime is a broad-spectrum sunscreen, I recommend using SPF30 in winter and high UVA protection all year round to help protect the skin and prevent damage from both UVA and UVB rays.”

2. Avoid fragrance and alcohol

A survey of over 1,000 rosacea patients conducted by the National Rosacea Society found that over 41% of people said certain skin care products caused flare-ups, while 27% said certain cosmetics also led to rosacea aggravations. “To minimise rosacea flare-ups we recommend avoiding products containing alcohol, menthol or fragrance because they contain compounds that can irritate the skin and exacerbate rosacea symptoms,” says Dr Catriona Maybury, a consultant dermatologist and medical lead for Dermatica.

In particular, products with fragrances cause more irritation than any other ingredient, Dr Maybury says. “Traditional exfoliators and astringents should be avoided because they remove oils and strip the skin, which can disrupt the skin barrier and make rosacea patients even more vulnerable to triggers, causing flare-ups.” 

3. Use prescription ingredients

Consultant dermatologist Dr Emma Craythorne founded Klira, a bespoke prescription skincare service and virtual clinic to “get really effective skincare to people who want to see a change in their skin”. The brand offers a skin analysis service to create bespoke, potent night serums with highly effective ingredients, many of which you can only get on prescription.

Craythorne says the three ingredients most commonly recommended for rosacea patients are ivermectin, azelaic acid and tretinoin – and Klira is the only brand that combines these prescription ingredients in a single formula. 

CellDerma Retin-ACE serum isn’t prescription-only but it is high potency - and without the irritation commonly associated with retinol. CellDerma Founder Dr Dev Patel says, “when it comes to treating rosacea, I truly believe that with the right skincare and lifestyle, people can see incredible improvements. I have seen the biggest impact with the CellDerma Retin-ACE serum (containing a vitamin A derivative) which promotes skin renewal and supports cell turnover for long-term relief from redness and sensitivity as well as reducing clogged and open pores. Retin-ACE provides essential retinoid and antioxidant action without irritation. In fact, it also provides essential anti-inflammatory and hydrating benefits.”

4. Supercharge your skin with a sensitive-skin-appropriate facial

Hydrafacial is a great example of a sensitive and effective facial suitable for rosacea. A non-invasive, three-step treatment (cleanse, extract, hydrate), it bridges the gap between medical and consumer beauty. It uses a unique delivery system to cleanse, extract and hydrate the skin and delivers an immediate glowing complexion that looks and feels gratifyingly radiant.

Hydrafacial recently launched its new Hydralock HA Booster to help combat dehydrated, dull, and stressed skin, all of which are symptoms commonly associated with rosacea. The brand claims its booster is clinically proven to increase skin hydration by over 300% following one treatment. 

5. Book a free consultation with a derm-trained pharmacist

Last year, Boots opened Boots Beauty – a ‘destination store’ at Battersea Power Station, south London, featuring over 250 brands, new services and masterclasses. The store’s dermatological area is aimed at people who can’t afford or can’t find the right dermatologist, with dermatologist-trained Boots pharmacists offering free, bookable consultations and clinical advice on a variety of skin concerns.

Dermatologist Dr Justine Hextall, who consulted on the ranges and services at Boots Beauty, says the service aims to help people with skin concerns get advice or a diagnosis earlier. “We realised that most people come to a pharmacy first, then a GP. By the time they come to me as a dermatologist, I can’t help but think if only they’d been recommended X, Y and Z treatment earlier, they may never have needed to come to me in the first place,” she explains.

“We’ve been teaching lots about acne, rosacea, sensitivities, allergies, and eczema, among other things, so you will really get dermatologist-led advice.” 

6. Consider LED 

LED phototherapy is the application of clinically proven, therapeutic wavelengths of light, which energise the cells to accelerate natural regeneration and repair processes, without any discomfort or downtime. No needles or chemicals are needed and the treatments can bring about significant improvements within days – after 10–20 minute sessions.

One of the most unique features of LED phototherapy is that it’s suitable for all skin types, even skin that’s currently inflamed or mid-break-out. LED pioneer Dermalux recently launched the Tri-Wave MD, said to be the most powerful phototherapy device in the world. It regenerates skin and helps treat acne, psoriasis, skin inflammation, pigmentation and redness.

Dr Nina Bal says: “It calms the skin and stimulates regenerative pathways. The results it achieves for inflamed skin are unparalleled, but unlike some other treatments, it doesn’t strip the skin of its healthy microbiome. Instead, it leaves you with an immediate glow with no downtime.”

7. Look to lasers

Laser, IPL and thermal treatments are trending thanks to their instant, transformative results. They can be incredibly effective for the redness and broken capillaries associated with rosacea.

Thomas says her clinic in Chelsea offers several “very effective options”, including the newest AdvaTx laser, cold plasma devices, an IPL (intense pulsed light) and a Fotona laser. “We assess each client at their initial consultation and work out which option or combination of options would work best for their skin.”

Intensive treatments harnessing thermal energy are effective for rosacea, says aesthetics practitioner Dr Karen Doherty. She recommends NeoGen Plasma, which delivers precisely controlled thermal energy (converted from nitrogen gas into plasma) to the skin. “It’s often found that patients suffering with rosacea have damage to the dermal connective tissue that, in turn, causes inflammation,” she explains. “As NeoGen Plasma is antibacterial and anti-fungal, it helps with the pathogenesis of rosacea… [and provides] a full remodelling of the skin architecture.”

Skin Laundry is a pioneer and expert in bespoke skincare and dermatology hailing from California. The brands’ Signature Laser Facial uses laser to break down hemoglobin in the blood vessels on the skin’s surface, noticeably reducing redness and flushing, making it particularly helpful for rosacea sufferers. While at Dr Rasha’s Knightsbridge clinic the team often recommends a combination of broadband light (BBL) and Moxi, which uses gentle yet powerful fractionated laser technology to reduce redness and offer comprehensive skin renewal. It’s suitable for all skin types. 

Imagery: courtesy of brands