Patients with acne and rosacea are often confused about selecting appropriate skin care products, cosmeceuticals, and cosmetics to add into their daily routine. While they want to continue to see results with the treatment regimen from their dermatologist, they also want to be comfortable using products that address other skin issues, such as wrinkles or that protect their skin, such as sunscreens. They also may want to select skin care products that can help improve the overall appearance and health of the skin during treatment, especially if their medications have left their skin with redness, dryness,
or inflammation.

At the 69th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), dermatologist Diane S. Berson, M.D., FAAD, discussed how proper skin care and using some of the newly formulated cosmeceuticals can improve the skin of acne and rosacea patients, as well as helping them comply with their treatment regimen.

Cleansing 101: Gentle, Gentle, Gentle

When it comes to cleansing the skin, Berson recommends gentle cleaning and cleansers for skin prone to acne and rosacea. Scrubbing the skin will actually worsen acne, as it can remove skin lipids and can increase irritation. Instead, Berson recommends gently washing with a non-irritating, pH balanced cleanser to decrease inflammation. She also recommends the use of body washes, which contain moisturizers that can deposit moisture back into the skin.

Moisturizers: Good for All

It is a common myth that patients with acne should not use moisturizers, but Berson explains that this is simply not true. If patients do not use a daily moisturizer, their skin can become red and peel easily due to the drying effect of their acne medications. By using a moisturizer, patients counter the effects of these medications by adding moisture back into the skin. For patients with rosacea, Berson notes that their skin is more sensitive and likely to react to ingredients in both prescription medications and skin care products. Moisturizers containing lipids, such as ceramides, are usually well tolerated and improve the barrier that is often compromised in patients with this condition.

New Technologies Improving Sunscreen Formulations

While the health consequences of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight and artificial light sources are well known, some acne and rosacea patients might not be aware that sunlight can also further aggravate their condition. Berson recommends the daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects from both UVA and UVB light.

Cosmetics and Cosmeceuticals Offer Many Skin Benefits

Manufacturers of cosmetics and cosmeceuticals are continually improving their products by adding ingredients that offer many benefits to the skin, including skin affected by acne or rosacea. Many nonprescription acne products now contain salicylic acid to reduce inflammation and help exfoliate in and around the pores.

In conclusion, according to Berson, when the skin is stripped of lipids, which are part of its protective outer layer, the skin barrier is compromised and can worsen acne and rosacea, by keeping the skin well hydrated with the proper skin care products, the barrier will stay intact, allowing patients to better tolerate their medications.

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