How to cleanse your skin when you have rosacea?

A skin prone to rosacea is sensitive and must be treated with great delicacy. This primarily involves the choice of gentle products that do not dry out the skin or harm its natural hydrolipidic film. For this, we recommend relying on treatments specifically formulated for sensitive skin and containing neither alcohol, nor fragrances, nor menthol. Indeed, these ingredients can exacerbate skin inflammation and sensitivity, which can trigger rosacea flare-ups.

Furthermore, before using a new product, do not hesitate to perform a skin tolerance test to ensure that its use on your skin does not cause an allergic reaction or irritation. To do this, apply a small amount of the product on your forearm or behind your ear and wait 24 to 48 hours to see if a reaction occurs. If not, you can apply it to your face.

It is crucial to cleanse your face gently and delicately to avoid irritation. This is especially true for those suffering from rosacea and have sensitive skin. Contrary to popular belief, you can cleanse your face morning and evening, provided you use the right techniques. Indeed, deep cleansing in the evening is a vital step to rid the skin of impurities accumulated throughout the day (pollution, dust, allergens, bacteria, makeup, etc...), which could trigger rosacea flare-ups. Morning cleansing, on the other hand, helps eliminate traces of sweat, excess sebum, and dead skin cells.

In the evening, we recommend first using a gentle makeup remover, preferably a micellar water. A recent study conducted with 60 patients suffering from persistent erythema demonstrated the benefits of this skincare routine. For 8 weeks, the participants cleaned their face morning and evening with micellar water. In the morning, they then applied a cream containing shea butter, argan oil, and grain wax, an ingredient commonly found in products intended for individuals with rosacea. In the evening, a serum containing sunflower oil, niacinamide, and panthenol among other ingredients was used. After 8 weeks, the scientists observed a significant reduction in erythema by 16%.

Regarding the application of micellar water, we recommend dispensing a few drops into your previously cleaned hands and evenly distributing the product across your entire face and neck by making gentle circular motions. Start with your eyes and lips, the most sensitive areas of the face, then continue from your nose outward, not forgetting the neck. You can then proceed in the same way with a gentle facial cleanser to complete the cleansing. In the morning, the use of a gentle toning lotion is sufficient. This type of product helps to maintain the balance of the hydrolipidic film, which is necessary for the protection of the epidermis. To cleanse your face with a toning lotion, soak a cotton pad in the product and then pass it over the entire face by gently patting and without rubbing.

Several studies have highlighted that heat triggers an exacerbation of inflammations and irritations characteristic of rosacea flare-ups. Indeed, in response to a thermal stimulus, the ionotropic TRVP1 receptors activate and change conformation. This then triggers a signal that will propagate along the sensory fiber to reach the central nervous system where the information will be processed and interpreted as painful. A burning sensation and hot flashes are then experienced.

To prevent these symptoms, it is recommended for individuals suffering from rosacea to avoid using excessively hot water when cleansing the skin. Furthermore, it should be noted that cold water is also harmful to sensitive skin and can disrupt the hydrolipidic film. Therefore, the use of lukewarm water is strongly advised for rinsing off cleansing products.

After cleansing the skin, it is crucial to moisturize it with a suitable cream or balm in the case of rosacea to restore the hydrolipidic balance of the epidermis. Moisturizing treatments containing natural active ingredients such as chamomile oil, aloe vera, or green tea extract are particularly recommended as they can help soothe inflammation while strengthening the skin barrier. Indeed, several studies have been conducted on these ingredients and they have demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing erythema, irritation, and itching.

After cleansing and patting your skin dry with a clean towel, take a small amount of moisturizing cream and apply it all over your face, starting from the center and stretching it outwards. Perform circular motions and gently massage to promote the absorption of the treatment by the skin. Don't forget to also apply it on your neck.

• STEINHOFF M. & al. Recent advances in understanding and managing rosacea. F1000 Research (2018).

• REINHOLZ R. & al. Efficacy and safety results of micellar water, cream and serum for rosacea in comparison to a control group. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2020).

• ALI F. & et al. Rosacea. British Journal of Hospital Medicine (2021).