A Code Red for Rosacea Awareness Month

The key to better controlling rosacea is an integrated holistic approach that addresses all aspects of skin health, including everyday skin care, as well as medical therapy and lifestyle changes, leading dermatologists say.

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.

“There is an ever-growing number of FDA-approved treatments for each of the diverse phenotypes associated with rosacea,” said Dr. Zoe Diana Draelos, clinical faculty in dermatology at Duke University and president of Dermatology Consulting Services, PLLC.1 “However, skin is a living organism, and using gentle cleansers, moisturizers that help repair the skin barrier and sunscreens that protect from solar radiation can both augment medical therapy as well as improve the skin’s natural ability to resist environmental triggers.”

Medical research has already uncovered many of the unique characteristics of rosacea skin that produce the disorder’s signs and symptoms. But prior to diagnosis, some rosacea sufferers may turn to skin care products and cosmetics as a way to remove or cover up the telltale signs, mistaking them for a sunburn or acne. However, harsh cleansers, acne medications and even bar soap may make matters worse by irritating or drying out the skin and damaging the moisture barrier.

Insidious Triggers

Even many gentle skincare and cosmetic products may contain ingredients that could cause a rosacea flare-up, such as alcohol or fragrances, Dr. Draelos noted. For example, in an NRS survey of 1,104 rosacea patients, 82% reported that certain skincare products and cosmetics aggravated their condition, and 70% said there were specific ingredients that irritated their skin. The most common irritants were astringent alcohol (63%), perfumes or fragrances (57%), witch hazel (31%) and menthol (30%). Around a quarter of respondents were affected by peppermint or eucalyptus oil, dyes and pigments, sulfates and parabens or other preservatives.

Seal of Acceptance

Fortunately, the NRS launched a new Seal of Acceptance program in 2024 to identify skincare and cosmetic products that may be helpful for people who suffer from rosacea. Each product earning the seal has gone through clinical testing to determine safety and low risk for irritation and sensitization in people with rosacea, and applications are anonymously reviewed by an independent panel of dermatologists. The NRS Seal of Acceptance is displayed on the packaging of approved products, and more information about the Seal and a directory of accepted products can be found online at rosacea.org/seal-of-acceptance.

In addition to medical therapy and gentle skin care, patients can help minimize their chances of a rosacea flare-up by avoiding their personal triggers and making diet and lifestyle changes that reduce stress and inflammation.

“Each individual’s triggers are different, and patients may find it helpful to keep a diary to track when flare-ups occur and which foods, activities or environmental conditions may have contributed,” Dr. Draelos said.

The most common triggers reported by patients include sun exposure and hot weather, emotional stress, wind, heavy exercise, alcohol consumption and spicy foods.

“In addition to avoiding physical triggers, focusing on emotional well-being and stress reducing techniques such as yoga and meditation can be effective in reducing the likelihood and severity of rosacea flare-ups,” she said.

Updated Management Options

The NRS Expert Committee published updated management options for rosacea in 2020, including the use of gentle cleansers and nonocclusive moisturizers that do not irritate their skin. Because sun exposure may be a leading influence on the development of flushing and redness, patients are also advised to always use sunscreen, preferably mineral-based products that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, because they provide physical protection rather than potentially irritating chemical protection.

During Rosacea Awareness Month and throughout the year, the NRS conducts public education activities to reach the many millions of rosacea sufferers who may not realize they have a medical condition that can be treated, emphasizing the warning signs and urging those who suspect they may have rosacea to see a dermatologist.

Educational Resources

Bulk quantities of educational materials are available to health professionals for their patients through the NRS website at rosacea.org or by writing the National Rosacea Society, 4619 N. Ravenswood Ave, Suite 103, Chicago, IL 60640; calling the NRS toll free at 1-888-NO BLUSH; or via e-mail at [email protected].

Those interested in spreading awareness during the month of April are encouraged to visit the official Rosacea Awareness Month landing page at rosacea.org/ram for ways in which they can participate.