While rosacea sufferers enjoy a wider range of therapeutic options than ever before, without proper skin care they may not get the most out of treatment, dermatologists warn. The National Rosacea Society (NRS) has designated April as Rosacea Awareness Month to educate the public on this chronic facial skin disorder estimated to affect more than 16 million Americans, and to urge those who suspect they may have it to see a dermatologist for diagnosis, treatment and guidance on gentle skin care. 

The NRS has introduced a new Seal of Acceptance program to identify gentle skin care and cosmetic products that have been clinically tested, expertly evaluated and found to be unlikely to irritate sensitive rosacea skin. Look for a growing list of products that have received the NRS Seal of Acceptance on rosacea.org. Each listing includes a photo and description of the product with a link to learn more and purchase.

This January, the NRS will be launching a new Seal of Acceptance program to identify gentle skin care and cosmetic products that may be suitable for people with rosacea. One of the most common requests the NRS receives from rosacea patients is for information about which skin care and cosmetic products are appropriate to use. We are excited to offer this new way to provide guidance to rosacea sufferers by recognizing products that have been shown to be unlikely to cause a flare-up. The first group of products is going through the review process now.

New developments in skin care and cosmetics may increase the comfort of rosacea patients while laying a foundation for managing the condition as well as improving appearance, according to a presentation at the American Academy of Dermatology summer meeting. 

The knowledgeable use of cosmetics combined with topical medication prescribed by your dermatologist can camouflage the embarrassing redness, bumps and pimples of rosacea with a smooth appearance while medical therapy works to minimize or banish the underlying condition.

Q. I have special sunscreen, topical medication and special makeup. In what order should these three things be applied to my face?

A. From both medical and cosmetic standpoints, it makes much more sense to apply your medication before applying your sunscreen and makeup.

The best offense against a common skin problem such as rosacea is a strong defense, according to Charla Krupp, noted beauty expert and best-selling author, in offering some "makeup makeover" tips and other advice to help rosacea sufferers look their best.

One of the first and most important steps a rosacea patient should take is to ask his or her dermatologist for help in formulating a skin-care plan as early in treatment as possible, Ms. Krupp said. "The average woman spends $100 on beauty products each month, and trial and error is just too expensive."

Wedding and vacation seasons are fast approaching, and what would those times be without photographs? But many rosacea sufferers shy away from the camera, fearful of an unflattering photo. Here are some tips to put you back in the limelight.

• Try camouflaging cosmetics. Green-tinted foundations, concealer sticks and green-tinted moisturizers can help counteract the redness of rosacea.

Nat Dean, a 51-year-old artist, designer and writer from Santa Fe who was diagnosed with rosacea in her late 40s, was among the many rosacea sufferers who feel self-conscious about their appearance during outbreaks -- but not anymore.

Nat said her dermatologist diagnosed her condition when she began to develop a few small pustules on her cheeks, and he prescribed a topical medication that she continues to use to this day. She also applies a special face wash and a rotation of lotions to combat the dry New Mexico climate, in addition to avoiding her rosacea triggers.

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.