My Simple but Effective Rosacea Skin Care Routine

For years, I struggled with a complicated skincare routine. I tried countless cleansers, serums, and exfoliants, thinking more products would fix my rosacea and acne-prone skin. Instead, it was irritating and worsened my rosacea, leaving my face red, inflamed, and frustrated.

After a lot of trial and error, I realized that less is more. By simplifying my routine to a few key, gentle products, my skin finally started to calm down. The redness decreased, flare-ups became less frequent, and my skin felt hydrated and resilient without the stress of a dozen products layered on top of each other.

Now, I follow a simple morning and evening routine that focuses on hydration, soothing, and targeted treatment, while avoiding anything that might trigger irritation. Here’s a step-by-step look at what works for me.

Morning Routine: Gentle, Soothing, and Protective

I start my morning by rinsing my face with cold water. This wakes up my skin without stripping it of natural oils or causing irritation—especially important for redness-prone areas. Then I use these 4 products that calm and prepare my skin for the day. Occasionally, about 2 times a week after my shower, I use a calming face mask to soothe redness and irritation. I leave on the mask for 15-30 minutes, then rinse off and move on with my morning skin routine. This extra step gives my skin a boost of hydration and calm without overwhelming it with active ingredients.

1. Hypochlorous Acid Facial Mist
   Next, I lightly mist my face with a hypochlorous acid facial spray. This soothing, antimicrobial mist helps calm inflammation, supports the skin barrier, and preps my skin for treatment.

2. Ivermectin Topical Cream
   For targeted treatment, I apply ivermectin cream to areas prone to redness or flare-ups. This helps reduce inflammation and keep sensitive skin balanced.

3. Moisturizer
   I finish my morning routine with a rich moisturizer to lock in hydration and protect the skin from environmental stressors. A well-moisturized face is less reactive and better able to handle daily triggers.

4. Mineral Tinted Sunscreen
   I finish my morning routine with a mineral tinted sunscreen to protect my skin from UV damage while adding a light, natural tint. This step is crucial for preventing flare-ups triggered by sun exposure and keeping sensitive, rosacea-prone skin safe during the day.

Occasional Addition: About 2 times a week after my shower, I use a calming face mask to soothe redness and irritation. I leave on the mask for 15-30 minutes, then rinse off and move on with my morning skin routine. This extra step gives my skin a boost of hydration and calm without overwhelming it with active ingredients.

Evening Routine: Cleanse, Treat, and Repair

At night, I start by double cleansing my face with a basic, gentle cleanser. The first wash removes makeup, sunscreen, and surface debris, while the second ensures my skin is thoroughly clean without irritation. Then, instead of rubbing or towel drying my face, I allow my face to air dry, which minimizes friction and helps reduce redness. I then use only two products to prepare my skin for the night.

1. Azelaic Acid Serum
   Next, I apply azelaic acid serum, which helps calm inflammation, even out skin tone, and reduce redness. Azelaic acid is gentle yet effective, making it a staple for sensitive skin.

2. Moisturizer
   I finish my evening routine with a moisturizer to seal in hydration and support skin repair overnight.

Once Weekly Retinol Swap: Once a week, I replace my azelaic acid serum with a retinol serum (specifically made for sensitive skin) at night. This allows me to get the benefits of retinol—improved texture, collagen support, and anti-aging effects—without over-stressing sensitive skin.

Tips for Sensitive or Rosacea-Prone Skin

• Always patch test new products before applying them to your entire face.

• Avoid harsh scrubs or exfoliants that can worsen redness.

• Keep a consistent routine—sensitive skin often responds best to predictability.

• Protect your skin barrier with moisturizers and gentle treatments, especially when using active ingredients like retinol or azelaic acid.

By simplifying my routine to a few key, gentle products—and occasionally adding a calming face mask—my sensitive and rosacea-prone skin finally feels calm, hydrated, and resilient. It’s a reminder that sometimes, less truly is more, and taking a gentle approach can be the most effective way to care for delicate skin.