Rosacea is a chronic condition characterised by extremely sensitive skin, so should you use moisturisers on your face if you have it? It's a tricky question, and one that needs a little explanation!

As a progressive, chronic vascular disorder, it’s true that rosacea can be a challenge to manage! The most obvious proactive way to address the problem is to do all you can to avoid the triggers that lead to flare-ups.

Triggers differ from person to person, but generally can include overexposure to sunlight, alcoholic drinks – the worst being red wine – exercise, spicy food, heat, and humidity. Doing all you can to steer well clear of your individual triggers is just a part of the battle won, but being such a complex condition rosacea also needs TLC in the form of a good moisturiser.

Many dermatologists recommend moisturisers as an effective way to both prevent and soothe the burning sensations and itchy, stinging discomfort that rosacea brings. They also recommend regular moisturiser use as a means of creating a barrier of moisture in order to help shield the affected area from any irritants that may worsen already sensitive skin.

Our skin changes as we age, losing its elasticity and becoming drier from the age of around 30, so keeping skin hydrated is really important as we get older. And of course, as if rosacea doesn’t already present enough to deal with, it’s estimated that about 50 percent of sufferers are also affected by naturally occurring dry skin. Daily use of a good moisturiser can not only soothe the irritation caused by rosacea, but also help to keep dry skin under control.

Be very careful to use only moisturisers, like Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream, that don't contain irritant ingredients! A moisturiser that flares up your rosacea is worse than none at all!

If you suffer from rosacea and dry skin it’s best to always bypass any products containing harsh synthetic preservatives, fragrance, and even natural ingredients like peppermint, eucalyptus oil, witch hazel or camphor. These ingredients can damage the skin, and only serve to dry skin out yet further, leading to more discomfort.

Can I use a moisturiser at the same time as using rosacea medication?

Yes, you can! Here's how:

• Gently clean your face with a mild cleanser and, without using a towel or cloth, allow it to air dry.
• Carefully apply your topical medication – which will be an ointment, cream, gel, lotion, or paste – and wait until it’s dry.
• Now you can apply your daily moisturiser!

For more information about managing rosacea, see our article How Do You Clear Up Rosacea?

Recommended products for rosacea-prone skin:

Balmonds have four different emollients that are particularly suitable for rosacea and which you can use in combination to keep your face well-nourished and well-hydrated, plus a non-irritant natural shampoo and body wash.

Balmonds Intensive Facial Oil
with rosehip, calendula, lavender & chamomile: great for night-time use

Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream
with shea butter and calendula: a great neutral unscented moisturiser for daily hydration

Balmonds Cooling Cream
with shea, menthol, aloe vera & lavender

Balmonds Skin Salvation
with hemp and beeswax: for intensive hydration

Balmonds Natural Shampoo & Body Wash
with calendula & chamomile: good as a shower gel or & facial wash for super sensitive skin