What active ingredients are commonly used to treat rosacea type 1 and rosacea type 2? Learn about the most common and effective medications here.
Rosacea is not a one-size-fits-all condition.
Some people struggle with persistent facial redness from rosacea, while others experience symptoms more in line with acne blemishes that won’t go away, and some people deal with both.
For the most common types of rosacea, type 1 (flushing, redness) and type 2 (acne-like blemishes), there are lots of medications on the market that target more of the redness, blemishes, or both -- so which ones are the best fit for you?
Below, we will cover the rosacea treatment options currently on the market, and help guide you in the right direction to get personalized treatment for your rosacea.
Also Read: Is Rosacea Contagious? And Other Common Rosacea Questions
As far as the over the counter treatment options for rosacea go, there are not a lot of targeted OTC medications that are specific for rosacea.
However, some people do find some rosacea relief by switching to more gentle and protective skincare products.
These OTC product recommendations should also be followed to help with your rosacea symptoms whether you are using a prescription rosacea treatment or not.
Part of choosing a gentle cleanser and moisturizer is knowing what ingredients to avoid, that may exacerbate rosacea flares.
Avoid skincare products that contain benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, propylene glycol, and topical retinoids, as these may make rosacea symptoms worse.
Choose a cleanser and moisturizer that is formulated for sensitive skin, is creamy and hydrating, and does not feel harsh of stripping on the skin.
One of the most common triggers for rosacea flares is UV light exposure, so wearing a daily sunscreen of at least 30 SPF is a must to help keep rosacea flare-ups at bay. Find a face sunscreen that is non-comedogenic to make sure it does not cause pimples from clogging your pores.
Topical prescription medications applied daily are the usual medications prescribed for people that have type 1 rosacea, type 2 rosacea, or a mix of the two.
The medications are selected based on your personal presentation of rosacea symptoms.
If you are using multiple medications for rosacea, you can sometimes get the medications compounded together, like in our Rosacea Formulas with 2 or more prescription medications.
Read Related: What Is the Root Cause of Rosacea? 6 Potential Rosacea Development Factors
Azelaic Acid is a gentle anti-inflammatory topical agent to reduce redness, and it can also help pores from becoming blocked and forming the blemishes associated with rosacea, making this good for both rosacea type 1 and 2.
This medication can be applied once or twice daily, and is generally well-tolerated, even in those with sensitive skin.
Oxymetazoline is a medication that helps constrict the vessels under the skin of the face, to reduce them from excessive dilation and making the face look red and flushed.
It is indicated for the persistent redness associated with rosacea, and can help relieve redness for up to 12 hours after its application.
This is a once-daily medication which is normally applied in the morning.
Brimonidine is another medication which helps constrict the underlying vessels in the face to reduce flushing and redness for up to 12 hours after application.
This is a once-daily medication, normally applied in the morning.
However, in some studies, 4%-15% of patients using brimonidine experienced rebound worsening redness and flushing with use.
Azelaic Acid is a gentle anti-inflammatory topical agent to reduce redness, and it can also help pores from becoming blocked and forming the blemishes associated with rosacea, making this good for both rosacea type 1 and 2.
This medication can be applied once or twice daily, and is generally well-tolerated, even in those with sensitive skin.
Ivermectin is a topical medication that is an anti-inflammatory to help with redness, as well as an antiparasitic that can help reduce the numbers of common skin mites called Demodex mites, which may play a role in the immune response and blemishes associated with rosacea.
Ivermectin is applied once daily to the forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
Metronidazole is a topical antibiotic, and for rosacea, it is thought to help with the acne-like blemishes and redness due to its topical anti-inflammatory effects.
It is normally applied once or twice daily to the face.
When using metronidazole topically be sure to use sunscreen as it may cause your skin to be more sensitive to UV light.
Dapsone is another topical antibiotic agent that is utilized for its anti-inflammatory properties to help with rosacea.
It is FDA approved for acne in Australia, and for Rosacea in the US.
Dapsone is normally used once daily applied to the face, and can be used for up to 12 weeks.
Minocycline, doxycycline, erythromycin, clarithromycin, and clindamycin have all been used in their oral form to help clear the papules and pustules associated with type 2 “acne” rosacea.
However, oral antibiotics are often used as a last resort for this type of rosacea to help avoid systemic exposure to antibiotics, whole-body side effects, and the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Topical applications like the ones listed above are normally the recommended first-line treatments for these reasons.
Here at Strut Health, we understand the importance of making sure you feel comfortable in your own skin to live your best life. And, that includes not worrying about if your face is red, or if your rosacea is flaring up.
We formulated multiple Rosacea Formulas that target the redness, flushing, and blemishes associated with Rosacea so that you can get rosacea off your mind.
You can have a Free Online Questionnaire-Based Visit in 10-15 minutes with our U.S. licensed doctors.
Our doctors will review your symptoms and images of your skin and, if you are a good fit for a medicated rosacea cream, they can prescribe an appropriate treatment for you containing a combination of oxymetazoline, azelaic acid, metronidazole, and ivermectin.
Your rosacea medication can be shipped discreetly to your home with our free shipping, and our doctors will be standing by if you need a refill or have any questions throughout the course of your therapy.
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