Apply topical medication first, allow it to dry, then
apply moisturizer.
According to many dermatologists, moisturizer is a key for preventing the burning, stinging, itching and irritation often associated with rosacea, as well as building a strong moisture barrier to help keep out impurities and irritants that may aggravate sensitive skin.
Rosacea often involves a defective moisture barrier in the facial skin as well as greater than normal transepidermal water loss, both of which may contribute to the skin’s irritability and susceptibility to inflammation. In addition, rosacea usually appears after age 30, when facial skin naturally tends to become drier, and it has been estimated that approximately half of all rosacea sufferers experience dry skin. Winter or dry weather may especially pose difficulties for individuals with rosacea as dry air — both outdoors as well as in buildings that are warmed with a dry heat — intensifies the challenge to already-sensitive skin.
Facial moisturizers have now been developed specifically for signs and symptoms experienced by many people with rosacea. They are specially formulated with ingredients intended to calm and soothe facial skin and to help prevent redness from irritation, and may also contain sheer green color neutralizers to correct the appearance of redness. Used daily, moisturizers can help soothe irritation, improve appearance and restore the skin’s proper functioning.
Applying moisturizer to your face should not reduce the effectiveness of topical medication. First, clean your face with a mild cleanser and let it air dry. Then apply your topical medication and allow it to dry. After that, you should be able to follow up with any moisturizer or make-up products without interfering with your medical therapy.
Rosacea patients with sensitive skin might try a moisturizer combined with a sunscreen, which may be gentler and less likely to cause skin irritation. Men may wish to use a moisturizer to help soothe the skin after shaving.
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