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. 

Makeup and skincare products may sometimes seem intimidating or downright risky for someone dealing with sensitive skin, but the ability to safely disguise rosacea’s symptoms can be an empowering weapon in the arsenal of any rosacea patient.

Here are a few tips for those hoping to use makeup to reduce the outward effects of rosacea on their appearance and maintain a healthy skincare routine.

The National Rosacea Society is getting behind a national contest called Break Up With Your Makeup, which is designed to educate the public about the signs and symptoms of rosacea and how to proactively manage the skin condition. Rosacea patients are encouraged to submit a no-makeup selfie (a close-up photograph of the face) to show others how they stay confident even when they are suffering a flare-up. The winner will receive a trip for two to the 2015 New York Film Festival.

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. 

Q.  What do you advise for rosacea patients who are considering permanent (tattoo) makeup rather than tolerating the reactions of regular makeup?

A.  The ink in tattoos may be irritating to the sensitive skin of rosacea patients, and because tattoo makeup is permanent, any irritation caused by the ink may be present as long as the ink is present.  While tattoos may be removed, the process may be difficult and unsuccessful, and is costly and time-consuming as well.

Cosmetics can instantly improve the look of your skin and boost your self-confidence about your appearance. Here are some tips to help you look and feel your best.

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.