A traffic stoplight may just be the visual reminder people with rosacea keep in mind when visiting the cosmetic counter, as green-tone and yellow-based makeup often help stop the redness of rosacea from showing through, according to a new survey by the National Rosacea Society.

In the survey of more than 900 rosacea patients, 88 percent of the respondents said cosmetics help or somewhat help to conceal its effects on facial appearance. Of those surveyed, 54 percent said they turn to yellow-based natural tones or green-tone makeup to offset the rosacea redness, compared with 25 percent who reported using more traditional pink-based natural tones.

"In addition to medical treatment, creative and knowledgeable use of makeup can hide the redness and visible blood vessels often seen with rosacea," said Dr. Zoe Draelos, clinical associate professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. "Camouflaging with green- and yellow-tinted skin-tone foundations usually works best, while most should avoid those covering products with pink or orange hues."

The types of cosmetics used to cover rosacea included liquid foundation for 45 percent of the survey respondents and cream foundation for 19 percent. This was followed by pressed finishing powder and loose finishing powder, each for 25 percent. Nineteen percent said they used a stick concealer and 16 percent reported using liquid concealer, while 18 percent said they used powder blush and 3 percent used gel or cream blush.

More than 60 percent reported using pencil, crayon or powder eye makeup, and mascara is used by 62 percent of respondents. Only 7 percent said they used liquid eyeliner and less than 3 percent use liquid eye shadow, either of which may irritate patients with ocular rosacea (eye symptoms).

Over 59 percent of those responding to the survey said they use cosmetic products that are hypoallergenic -- associated with a low occurrence of an allergic reaction -- and 49 percent use fragrance-free makeup. Forty-eight percent of the respondents said they used cosmetics that are SPF-enhanced -- containing a sun protection ingredient -- and 44 percent use products that are oil-free.