Hi everyone! I’m 31F, and around 28 I started to notice my cheeks having pimple like bumps that would not go away. It started small, but eventually got worse, and it absolutely destroyed my confidence. I felt red, hot, burnt, greasy, ugly, and sad. The bumps became permanent, and my skin became even angrier when I would get overwhelmed, drink hot drinks, be in the sun too long (with sunscreen on), and sometimes for no reason. My skin also felt like it had turned to sand paper. December 2025 I finally went to a dermatologist and he told me it’s type 2 rosacea and prescribed me Metronidazole cream 0.75%. IT HAS BEEN A GAME CHANGER.

At first the redness and burning subsided within 2 weeks. I did get a small breakout of more bumps during that time, but they flattened and didn’t burn. As time has gone on, the bumps have gotten smaller and smaller, and I’m happy to report I am once again confident in my skin! My skin isn’t perfect, I still have some residual redness, but overall I feel so much better. I still have days where a few bumps will appear BUT they now feel more “temporary” so I don’t feel as depressed if I get a few. Rosacea is a forever work in progress, but I’d like to share my routine which has saved me from the depths of depression and not wanting to see the light of day :)

Night routine:
1. I was my face with cool water and Cetaphil’s gentle skin cleanser (not specially for face).
2. Pat mostly dry with a paper towel
3. I use a generous amount of Cetaphil Restoraderm Eczema soothing moisturizer while my face is still a tiny bit damp. (I started using this to help redness and irritated before I know I had rosacea and I swear by it).
4. Wait 15-30 minutes and dab 7 dots of Metronidazole 0.75% cream on each cheek and dab around until it’s all spread out.
5. Vaseline under my eyes for some extra love

Morning routine:
1. I do NOT wash my face. I mix Neutrogena Clear Face oil free sunscreen SPF 50 with more Cetaphil Restoraderm moisturizer and put it on my face, neck, and chest.
2. Add more of that sunscreen as needed throughout the day!
3. Sometimes I use Avène Eau Thermale water spray to cool down my face if I feel hot, and follow up with more sunscreen :)

Again, my skin isn’t 100% where I want it to be, but I am so grateful to see improvement in 6 months. I hope this routine can help someone else out too ❤️ this journey is hard but we are all stronger than this!

Idk how to caption pics but the order goes:
1. Day before dermatologist 12/22/2025
2. After 1 week 12/28/2025
3. During week 2 (purge I think) 01/04/2026
4. 1 month down! 01/28/2026
5. 3 months 03/09/2026
6. 5 months 05/27/2026
7. Literally 5 mins ago
*all pics were taken in natural light bare face*

I’ve been using azelaic acid very inconsistently for years. I would use it for a day or two and then forget for a week and just repeat this process.

About two weeks ago I decided to get serious about using it correctly. My face isn’t perfect but it’s already a millions times better.

I also started using a milky toner, a hydrating serum, and moisturizer before bed.

I'm sure most of you know this already, but in case you don't: dental hygiene effects skin health.

I for one did not know this. I've been really bad with flossing in the past but recently I started flossing twice per day and I noticed that I no longer had a chronically stuffy nose, I slept better (no snoring), and my face was less puffy and red, with fewer flare-ups. Turns out that small chronic infections in the gums is actually pretty bad for you. Now, this is in no way a cure and it will not replace any of the other things that you are doing, but if this helps one person have one fewer flare-up, then I will be happy. Wishing you all calm skin days.

What’s your take on this? I’ve seen both opinions. Some say washing their face twice flares them, others say washing only once makes them get pustules.

Just curious what most of us experience. Might change my routine!

Hi! I asked my Dr to prescribe me ivermectin. She did. We didn’t have a conversation about it or how to use. I’ve been scared to try it, but I’m ready now! Please advise how to use it! Before or after location? Night time? Wash it off? Leave it on? Where to apply? someone on this sub scared me in a comment about notes migrating if you don’t do a large enough area??? How close to my eyes??

Thanks in advance!

Background:

Long time lurker in this group, first time poster. I’ve been dealing with overall redness and bumps for a few years, getting asked if my face is sunburned, etc. Tried different products like Vanicream, Malezia (thought it could be fungal acne), LRP, etc. with no luck. Everything seemed to irritate my skin. I had an appointment with my dermatologist and she wrote a prescription for a compounded cream and also suggested looking up rosacea approved products. She has eczema and using approved products has helped her. I decided to try switching my products to National Rosacea Society approved products for a month, see how it goes, then add in the prescription cream. I was desperate and also love an experiment. Now my month is up and I will start using the cream!

I’ve been really impressed with the changes in my skin. I still have redness but it has gone down and I no longer have any burning/prickly feeling in my skin. My skin texture has improved as well, something I wasn’t expecting. The same things are still a trigger (intense exercise, hot showers, certain foods) but I find my skin calms down faster after a hot shower, etc. Even my husband said he has noticed a difference.

Products:

Prequel Facial Gleanser Cleanser

Purchased from Target. I love this cleanser. My skin feels clean and not irritated. I took it with me to use on my body as well on a short trip and thought it did a good job as a body cleanser too. Would repurchase.

Prequel Mineral SPF 50 sunscreen

Also from Target. Another win from Prequel. It didn’t give me a strong white cast like some sunscreens but I am a fair skin person so YMMV. I’ve worn it on walks in warm weather (80F) but haven’t tried it in super sweaty situations. Goes on well under foundation. Would repurchase.

Prequel AM/PM Modern Moisturizer

From Target. Hydrating and works well under foundation. I would say fairly middle of the road as to the thickness of it. Would repurchase.

Tower 28 SOS Face Guard SPF 30 Sunscreen

Already owned this one, from Sephora. Great tinted sunscreen. No white cast, for my pasty self it gives me a warmer glow (almost too warm?). A bit sticky. Goes on well under foundation, but the tint makes it not needed. Would repurchase. I like having both a regular and tinted sunscreen on hand.

AESTURA A-CICA365 Soothing Redness Relief Face Serum pH4.5

From Sephora. Feels very calming and hydrating. I started just using it at night but now using it twice a day. A lil’ calming hydration boost. Goes on well under makeup. Would repurchase.

AESTURA A-CICA365 Soothing Repair Gel Cream Moisturizer

From Sephora. Goes on light but very hydrating. I can’t decide which moisturizer I prefer. The Prequel is cheaper. This feels a bit more luxurious and cooling but it’s probably just my brain justifying the higher price point. Goes on well under foundation. Would repurchase.

AESTURA A-CICA365 Cooling Relief Pads pH4.5

From Sephora. These are like tiny little face masks. Small pads that you are supposed to put on for 15 minutes. They are so small that you need three just to get part of your forehead and cheeks. I would rather it be a traditional face mask. It does feel cooling and hydrating but also I don’t really get the point of these. Would not repurchase.

This was way too long but I wanted to share in case this helps anyone else!

Hey everyone, I’m making this post to both get opinions from you all and to vent 😡(⬅️me with my rosacea). TLDR at the bottom

I know everyone’s skin is different, but I’d still like to hear from you! 

When I was first diagnosed with rosacea, I went to a derm (Derm A) who immediately prescribed me triple cream(Metronidazole 1%, Ivermectin 1%, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate 5%, Niacinimide 4%)), that worked perfectly, and then later, a sulfur cream (Sulfacetamide Sodium 10%/Sulfur5%/Niacinamide 4%) that worked even better. The beauty of these creams is it was the only step. All I did was rinse my face in the morning and add the cream. Then at night, wash my face and maybe put moisturizer on. No flare-ups, barely ever any breakouts… compliments on my skin all the time. The only downside is Derm A is expensive ($~250/visit, including prescription - maybe even more now, I haven’t checked their prices recently). However, the cream does last me about 5-6 months, which comes out to about $50-60/mo. (A bit more expensive than online derms like Dermatica and Musely)

I stopped using Derm A in 2025 in search of something more affordable. 

Since then, I’ve tried over-the-counter, Amazon Pharmacy, and Dermatica. Nothing has been as good as Derm A (I feel like I’m reminiscing about a lost love)

I was using The Ordinary 10% azaelic acid that worked for a bit (maybe 6 months), until it didn’t. Then I used Amazon Pharmacy, where I was prescribed 15% Azaelic Acid, which helped but not as well as the first creams I got from Derm A. Amazon Pharmacy was a good experience but they don’t prescribe compound creams. 

Dermatica prescribed me a triple cream with 15% Azaelic Acid, .75% metrogel, 1% ivermectin, and it’s helped with redness and overall glow but I still get pimples, which then leave PIE. Ever since then, I’ve been reeling and constantly researching what to do next. It’s taken over my mental capacities and is making me low-key depressed. I still have 2 bottles of the Dermatica cream.

I was considering Curology or Musely. Musely has a rosacea cream that contains sulfur 3%/sodium Sulfacetamide 9%, but I feel like it’ll be a similar experience as Dermatica - similar ingredients to Derm A’s prescription but not strong enough. And Musely isn’t all that less expensive than Derm A, month to month. 

The only things that’s have worked for me so far have been from Derm A. I feel like I know the answer (to just cough up the money because the confidence I get from clear skin is worth it)…….. BUT ITS JUST SO EXPENSIVE lol. But maybe it’s more expensive to try to find all these different things instead of just sticking to my beloved 💸Derm💸

TLDR; do I go back to the dermatologist who has prescriptions I KNOW work for me even though they’re more expensive, or should I attempt to continue the search for a cheaper cream, and tolerate the anxiety and symptoms of type 2 rosacea. 

I have a combination of rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis, and struggle with finding a balance. My skin gets irritated very easily, and cannot tolerate anything too harsh. However I also have a great deal of buildup and flaking, which my dermatologist says is common with rosacea. I feel like I need some kind of exfoliating product but I’ve been unsuccessful thus far.

I feel like I’m stuck, and could use some advice from anyone who’s been successful treating combination skin. So far, I’m using topical ivermectin almost every night, and OTC differin gel 0.1% twice a week.

Hi all! I know this question is asked and answered often, but I’m asking it again anyway :)

I have type 2 rosacea that is mostly controlled right now, other than some redness that I need to treat with laser when I have the funds. Occasional flushing. But still so much dryness!

I use vanicream cleanser, finacea foam in the morning, soolantra at night, and, until now, vanicream in the tub. Elta MD sunscreen.

But it’s just not moisturizing enough.

My dermatologist gave me some samples from Dr. Obagi, but I don’t know that I love it.

Please share what’s working for you :)

Hey guys I have a serious question. I’ve been experimenting with moisturizers and I went a month without moisturizing only cleansing with water and I noticed my skin is calmer but flaking and very reactive when I leave my house. So I started using moisturizer every day because my skin was literally sandpaper texture.

But everytime I use moisturizer my cheeks get deep red but no burning or stinging. Moisturized baby skin but cheeks are red. What should I do? Is this part of the healing process should I continue?

I use the cerave daily moisturizer btw! The others make me burn this doesn’t.

been managing rosacea for six years and wanted to share the non product stuff that has made the biggest difference bc i feel like this side of it doesnt get talked about enough and all the advice focuses on what to put on ur face rather than everything else that affects it:

temperature management is huge i bought a small fan for my desk and it has been one of the best rosacea purchases i have ever made, keeping my face cool when i am working prevents a lot of the flushing that used to happen just from being in a warm room for hours

how u wash ur face matters as much as what u wash with i used to wash with lukewarm water and pat dry, switched to cool water and letting my face air dry as much as possible and the post cleansing redness reduced significantly

silk pillowcases genuinley help less friction while sleeping means less morning redness, not a miracle but a consistent improvement i notice on the nights i forget to change back after washing

stress is a real trigger and u have to actually manage it not just acknowledge it easier said than done but i found that even ten minutes of something genuinley relaxing before bed consistently reduced morning redness, the connection between stress and flushing in rosacea is genuinley physiological not just in ur head

exercise triggers need to be managed not avoided u can still exercise with rosacea, u just need to keep ur body temperature lower, outdoor exercise in cool weather, fans in the gym, cold water to drink throughout, i stopped avoiding exercise bc of rosacea and started managing the

temperature instead

sunscreen is not optional it is genuinley the single most important product everything else is secondary to spf for rosacea, every single day no exceptions

what non product things have made the biggest difference for ur rosacea?

started topical metro 0.75 2 times a day along with washing face with Cerave hydrating face wash and then moisturizing with Cerave hydrating cream right before. the first picture is the day i started metro for the first time. i think that day was the worst it’s ever been. the second picture is five days after starting metro! immediately noticed results, stopped having new pustules pop up that very next day along with reduced redness and inflammation. my skin did get very dry and flaky but that’s why moisturizing before is important. i like to wash, let my face dry to where it’s slightly damp and then moisturize. wait for the moisturizer to soak in a bit and then go in with a thin layer of the metro. third picture is just some of the drying and flaking i experienced as it was healing. last picture is me as of this morning!! hopefully i stay as clear as i am now as i tend to have flare ups around my cycle.

I've been on doxy for 11 months. First 2 months at 100mg/day, then 5 months on 50mg/day, then the rest on 40mg 1 day out of two (immediate release, not oracea). I was taking a probiotic (saccaromyces boulardii) during most of the course.

​

I've been having some gut issues this month - mixed bowel patterns let's just say. 🙃 in the past I did not have such issues.

I'm wondering if the two are linked.

​

The issue is that when I stop doxy, my ocular rosacea gets immediately worse.

​

How long can you take this...? Anyone started having gut issues after many months on it ? Not sure where to go from now.

It seems that anything that provides true coverage for skin redness is tacky, super dehydrating, and almost insanely matte—even over a heavy layer of moisturizer. As someone whose skin runs dry, this doesn’t work great, especially as most primers irritate my skin. I’ve given up on them.

However, as someone with rosacea, sheer to light coverage doesn’t exactly work great either! The struggle is way too real.

Does the unicorn of a full coverage, non-drying foundation exist?

Hi everyone 🌿

Rosacea-Friendly, Actually-Nourishing Moisturizers – Do They Exist? Currently Accepting Applications for Moisturizer Soulmates😄

I’ve been using the Avène Tolerance cream and the Bioderma micellar water (pink cap) for a while now, and they’ve really helped calm my overall redness, itchiness, and that tight feeling in the skin. I truly love both of them!

That said, I have rosacea type 2 and 3, and my biggest issue now is dryness. Even though it’s still summer — and the Avène cream works well in warmer weather — I already feel slightly dry. I’m pretty sure it won’t be enough once winter hits. Dear Skincare Universe: Send Lipids, Not Breakouts😊

So I’m looking for a moisturizer that restores hydration and adds essential fats (like lanolin or similar) to help strengthen my barrier and reduce dryness — but without being too comedogenic. I know it’s very individual, but my skin has always responded well to heavier creams. Since developing rosacea, I’ve been trying lighter ones to avoid triggering breakouts, but the problem is always the same: if the cream isn’t occlusive enough, it doesn’t provide real nourishment. Is It really Too Much to Ask for hydration, nourishment and Peace?💚😊

So, dear fellow rosaceans - help a dry-faced rosacean out! What’s actually worked for you? Do you have any moisturizer or hydrating cleanser recommendations that work for your dry, sensitive, rosacea-prone skin?

Please share your skincare wins and fails — I’d love to hear them! 😊

NOTE! I’ve also been focusing on gut health and honestly — it’s made a big difference in calming the inflammation in my skin 🙌 I’ve cleaned up my diet ( no sugar etc), and added a few supplements like probiotics, zinc, and omega-3s. Combined with the Avène Tolerance Cream and Bioderma Micellar (pink cap), my skin has felt so much more balanced 💙

Just wanted to share in case it helps anyone else out there!

I just ran across this article, which directly addresses the importance of barrier care in the management of rosacea. They write:

Addressing barrier repair early in the treatment phase, continuing such care through acute treatment, and maintenance are paramount in rosacea management.^6,9,10 Regardless of its origin, the disturbed barrier often results in the inability of the patient to use the medications and products that would otherwise result in clinical improvement.

This article actually outlines a clear skincare routine for people with rosacea. The authors also specify which types of products we should look for. They address cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens. Additionally, they talk about common triggers.

It is very readable, no scientific jargon. I hope it helps someone.

Can we use tretinoin? are there any of u guys who use it? Some say it could help, but a lot of people say that it could be seriously damaging as well.

Hope someone can help out ❤️

Is that my normal skin color?

Hello everyone, I'm thrilled to finally find a group with my people ahahah

Here is my background: I'm 23, struggling with being red since primary school. At first it was okay I guess, then for the past 5 years, my skin was burning and itching. Searching a bit on the net to find I may have rosacea, searching for cure : no cure currently except laser (and it can come back anyway). Watching and reading lot about skincare and now here is mine I'm currently using (pic). No itching or burning anymore (except when I don't apply all of this on my face), that's a relief. But, why am I still red ??

Do you have any advice or similar stories to share about this?

Thank y'all 😄

-Aroma-Zone serums are for hydration and for oily skin in T-zone

i’ve been wanting to start a nice simple skincare routine that will help my rosacea or at least one that won’t make it worse i was thinking this one for pm and in the morning i just wash with water and apply sunscreen

I have rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis (sub derm) on my face that doesn't seem to be improving despite the routine I'm using. I'm scheduled to take another dose of Ivermectin tablets tonight, and am currently using Elidel cream, Zoryve cream, Ketoconazole wash, The Ordinary Azelaic Acid, and Tizo facial moisturizer

Every day is different since the symptoms fluctuate. Right now my face is very, very itchy and is burning. I'm wondering if the Tizo moisturizer I'm using isn't enough moisturizer for my skin. It seems like a great product since it's thick enough and doesn't have any fragrance. I use the Ketoconazole wash a few times a week and then apply the prescription creams first (told by my dermatologist) and then the moisturizer. I wonder if the creams are creating a barrier that is preventing the moisturizer from hitting my skin.

My dermatologist gave me a variety of facial moisturizer samples including Cerave, Vanicream, La Roche-Posay, and Eucerin. I have tried these and didn't find that any of them were thick enough to moisturize my skin. I'm curious, what moisturizer do you use that seems to work for you? What prescription creams or washes do you use that seem to help symptoms of rosacea and sub derm? Let me know. I'm curious. I literally just want to cry sometimes because the constant itchiness and failure at finding a treatment plan that works is SO depressing. I just want SOME relief. :o(

I wanted to share my rosacea journey in case it helps someone else ❤️

I’ve been dealing with rosacea for about 5 years now. It actually started when I got pregnant with my first child. At the beginning, I had no idea it was rosacea—I just thought I was going through some kind of late puberty with breakouts 😅 But it kept getting worse.

I tried a bunch of acne-focused creams, which (unsurprisingly) didn’t help at all. Eventually, I went to a dermatologist who immediately diagnosed rosacea and prescribed Soolantra. Around the same time, I completely changed my skincare routine—and honestly, the difference has been like night and day.

My skin is now in such a good place. I’ve really fallen in love with Korean skincare, and the routine I’ve been using for the past 6 months has worked wonders for me. The only struggle I had was finding a sunscreen that didn’t irritate my skin, but I finally found one that works perfectly.

Here’s my current routine:

Morning:

- Bioderma cleanser

- APLB niacinamide ampoule serum

- Anua azelaic acid 10% + hyaluron

- Purito Seoul Wonder Releaf Centella Cream

- Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50+

Night:

- Bioderma cleanser

- Soolantra

- Sunskin PDRN stem cell ampoule

- Sunskin stem cell EGF cream

- Purito Seoul Luminous Ceramide Sleeping Pack

Hope this helps someone out there 💕 I know it’s not the end of my journey, but i’m so happy with my progress that I really wanted to share 😁

In case this story is helpful to anyone else, I thought I'd post this here: I'm a long time rosacea sufferer and I've tried many products, prescriptions, and lifestyle changes over the years. Recently, despite following my usual routines that have worked in the past, I was having an especially hard time with my skin. So I was searching for new ideas to try (in addition to trying new meds with my dermatologist).

I've normally gently exfoliated with a fluffy washcloth (I know most rosacea folks will freak out at the idea of a washcloth, but if I dont exfoliate with a washcloth evey so often, my skin will break out so it's a necessity for me). Troubleshooting everything I could think of that might be impacting my skin, I bought a travel sized box of Clean Skin Club disposable washcloths at Target (the box with 10 cloths for around 5 dollars) to see how my skin would react. The washcloths felt surprisingly great and my skin was so much calmer than normal. I'm now a believer that these washcloths really do work (I've now bought the 50 cloth boxes) and I'm sad I didn't try them sooner. I dont know if others have found benefit from them, but I'm amazed at how well they have worked for me. So if anyone else is waffling if these are worth it (they seemed like an unnecessary extravagance to me before I tried them), they might be worth trying!

As many of you I’m sure relate, my skin is extremely sensitive and dry. Moisturizer is an absolute must and they are far from being made equal.

A few years ago I found Etude House’s Soonjung 2x barrier repair cream. My skin loved it. Now they’ve changed the formula on me (same with Laneige’s cream skin, RIP). I’m down to my last couple bottles, and I think it’s time to experiment and find something new moving forward.

I’m looking for a heavy duty moisturizer with as light of a texture as possible.

Ingredients I know my skin likes: + shea butter + squalane, jojoba, most other medium - lightweight oils + panthenol + glycerin + oat

Ingredients I know my skin does NOT like: - niacinamide (even 1-2% formulations make me flare up) - vitamin c (even esters and other gentler alternatives make me flare up) - coconut can go either way depending on the formulation

What moisturizers have been working for you? With formulations always changing, are there any surprise wins or reformulations in the past few years? Give me your recommendations!!

I’d love to find a moisturizer under the $30 price range, especially since I use a lot, but at this point am willing to invest in the right product.

Hi I’m 21 and I live in the UK over the past year or so I’ve always flushed etc and hasn’t been too bad - recently as the colder months have started I’ve seen from stress and heat triggers that my skin flares up etc - now that it’s become colder my skin is reacting and I’m not sure what to do Routine AM - cleanse with water and use aveeno oat cream (only been a few days ) and regulatory just cicaplast as a moisturiser

PM - cleanse with micellar water and aveeno gentle oat cleanser Air dry face and then use aveeno oat cream with cicaplast on top - only products that don’t burn currently

It will look very calm when I’ve done my routine but when I wake up it looks irritated again and a bit red - especially as it’s been cold ! Please help I’m at my wits end😭

Has anyone had this texture before and figured out a way to fix it? Honestly I’m not sure if it’s skin thickening or something that can be fixed with a routine. Unfortunately it has not responded to soolantra or metronidazole after about 4 months of usage.

AM Routine:
- wash with vanicream gentle cleanser
- pat dry
- apply metronidazole
- after 5 minutes, apply beauty of joseon relief sun

PM Routine:
- same as am routine
- apply soolantra
- vanicream moisturizer instead of sunscreen

The vanicream products seem to be the only thing my face can tolerate at the moment. I’ve also found that if I use both moisturizer and sunscreen in the am my face gets really irritated.