The effects of cosmetics on rosacea can vary widely from helping appearance to aggravating the condition, according to a new survey by the National Rosacea Society.

Among 921 rosacea patients responding to the survey on cosmetics, 30 percent reported that liquid facial foundation helped their appearance, followed by 19 percent who said pressed powder and 17 percent who said cream foundation helped. Another 17 percent reported powder blush helped, while 14 percent said loose powder and 13 percent reported mineral makeup powder improved appearance.

However, many respondents reported that certain cosmetic products aggravated their rosacea. Sixteen percent reported cream foundation aggravated their condition, followed by 13 percent for liquid foundation, 12 percent for gel or cream blush, and 11 percent for pressed powder.

Because some people with rosacea have sensitive facial skin, they must take special care to use only products that are nonirritating to their individual condition," cautioned Dr. Michelle Pelle, assistant professor of dermatology at the University of California - San Diego. "Usually the only way to determine what is irritating is to try it on a peripheral area such as the neck and see if a reaction occurs. If you have any reaction, avoid the product or consider consulting a dermatologist regarding the ingredients."

When asked about eye cosmetics, 12 percent of the rosacea patients reported that mascara improved their appearance, while 17 percent said it aggravated their condition. Ten percent of the respondents reported that pencil eyeliner helped appearance, while another 10 percent said it aggravated their rosacea. Fifteen percent reported waterproof mascara aggravated their condition, while 7 percent said it helped their appearance.

Thirty-five percent of the survey respondents reported that a green-tone concealer helped their appearance, while 24 percent said a natural-tone concealer helped. Six percent reported that yellow-based concealer aggravated their rosacea, followed by 5 percent for a green-tone concealer and 3 percent for a natural-tone concealer.