The Best La Roche-Posay Products for Rosacea
La Roche-Posay is a premium French skincare brand renowned for its use of Thermal Spring Water in products designed for sensitive skin. The brand has a wide range of products available which target almost any skin type and dermatological problem, including redness and rosacea.
In this article, we'll take a look at La Roche-Posay products that can help control the symptoms of rosacea. Click on one of the links below to jump to that section:
What causes rosacea?
Rosacea is a form of skin redness or flushing that comes and goes, with symptoms fluctuating in severity over time. The cheeks, nose, chin and forehead are most commonly affected. Redness occurs when the fine blood vessels in these areas become dilated or broken. Sometimes pink or red bumps also form on the surface of the skin and these may fill with yellow liquid somewhat like acne.
The skin often feels dry, sensitive or sore when affected by rosacea and it may burn or sting after applying skincare products. Some people also experience a thickening of the skin or inflammation around the nose, eyes, eyelids and roots of eyelashes.
The cause of rosacea is not fully understood, but it is thought that genetics, the immune system and environmental factors all play a role. The skin condition is far more common in women than in men, but when men experience rosacea their symptoms tend to be more severe. People with fair skin seem to be affected more often than those with darker skin tones but all skin types can be affected in people aged between 40 and 60.
Many things are known to trigger rosacea. Alcohol, spicy food, cheese, caffeine and hot drinks can make the condition worse. Exercise, particularly aerobics, might also aggravate the redness. Some people also find that stress can lead to a flareup in their rosacea symptoms.
Skincare ingredients that target rosacea
Although there is no cure for rosacea, there are several active ingredients that can help control symptoms. Niacinamide and azelaic acid both have anti-inflammatory effects to reduce redness. Green tea extract is rich in antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation. Ambophenol is a powerful ingredient that calms visible redness and leaves the skin feeling soothed and relieved.
Sun exposure can lead to rosacea flareups, so it’s important to wear SPF protection when out and about if you suffer from this condition. You can either wear a standalone sunscreen on top of your other skincare products, or a moisturiser that provides SPF protection such as La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 SPF50 Soothing Repairing Balm.
It is thought that certain types of bacteria on the skin might cause or contribute to rosacea. Some antibiotics may help treat this; however, it could be the anti-inflammatory effects of this medication rather than the eradication of bacteria that controls symptoms.
There are certain ingredients in that a rosacea sufferer or someone with very irritated skin should avoid. These include:
- Alcohol
- Eucalyptus oil
- Exfoliating agents
- Fragrance
- Menthol
- Peppermint
- Witch hazel
La Roche-Posay products for rosacea
La Roche-Posay's Rosaliac range has been designed specifically for skin that is susceptible to persistent redness and is ideal for people with rosacea-prone skin. Its soothing and gentle products contain ingredients like ambophenol and neurosensine to reduce inflammation and redness.
Rosaliac AR Intense Redness Serum is an excellent choice for targeting localised areas of rosacea. It has a fresh, non-oily consistency that is quickly absorbed by the skin, allowing active ingredient ambophenol to get to work in reducing inflammation. This soothing serum should be used twice daily as part of your regular skincare routine and applied to clean skin before moisturising.
A great product to follow up with is Rosaliac UV Rich Anti-Redness Moisturiser. It works to limit the appearance of facial redness and burning sensations while also offering SPF15 sun protection. It has a rich, intensely hydrating texture which is ideal for fragile and dry skin.
The Toleriane range from La Roche-Posay is designed for very intolerant sensitive skin and is ideal for those with rosacea who find their skin to be reactive to other skincare products. Toleriane products are all fragrance-free and have very simple, clean formulations to minimise the risk of irritation. They also help to soothe the skin and relieve irritation, burning and tightness.
If rosacea seems to get worse after cleansing due to irritation caused by rubbing at the skin, Toleriane Foaming Gel Cleanser is a great choice. Its cooling gel consistency feels soft and gentle against the skin and allows it to lift away dirt and makeup efficiently yet gently with minimal rubbing and scrubbing. It leaves the skin feeling fresh, calm and hydrated.
Toleriane Ultra Cream is a brilliant moisturiser for people with rosacea because it gently soothes and hydrates the skin without causing irritation. It has been clinically proven to reduce skin sensitivity and is enriched with neurosensine, shea butter and glycerin to provide instant relief for reactive skin.
Frequently asked questions
What can be mistaken for rosacea?
Acne, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis and contact dermatitis are all often mistaken for rosacea since they cause similar symptoms. It's important to visit a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.
Should I exfoliate if I have rosacea?
Rosacea is often made worse by scrubbing at the skin, so it is best to avoid exfoliating products if you have the condition.
Is drinking water an effective rosacea treatment?
Drinking plenty of water is important for maintaining healthy skin, so staying hydrated may help to manage rosacea symptoms to a certain extent, but it is unlikely to make the condition go away.
What should you not use on your face if you have rosacea?
People with rosacea should avoid harsh ingredients such as alcohol, astringents, eucalyptus oil, fragrance, menthol, peppermint, and witch hazel. They should also avoid exfoliating agents.