Facial Cleansers for Rosacea

A red face is the hallmark of rosacea, a chronic, inflammatory skin disease that can be mistaken for acne, allergy or eczema. Pimple-like pustules may develop, and visible blood vessels can appear on your nose, cheeks, chin and forehead as the disease progresses, notes RosaceaNet, a website provided by the American Academy of Dermatology. The site recommends gentle skin care and cleansing with mild, fragrance-free cleansers to avoid irritating the skin and exacerbating the problem.

Dove

One of the products that MayoClinic.com recommends for cleansing rosacea-prone skin is Dove because cleansers should be non-comedogenic, meaning a product that does not block pores 14. According to the Dove website, soap can contain harsh ingredients that can irritate the skin and leave behind a drying residue 4.

Dove claims it provides deep, gentle cleansing without residue or any of regular soap's irritants 4. Each Dove bar is 1/4 moisturizing cream to hydrate the skin and help maintain its natural moisture 4. Original Dove is scented, but unscented Dove bars and facial lotions are available 4.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Dermatologist Recommended Face Moisturizers

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Cetaphil is another mild facial cleanser suggested by MayoClinic.com for use by rosacea patients 1. The Cetaphil website describes its product as ideal for daily use because it supports your skin’s natural pH balance and does not strip skin of its natural protective oils.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is non-comedogenic and is fragrance-free. Recommended by Cetaphil for a variety of skin conditions, including rosacea, eczema and acne, it is gentle enough for children to use.

Eucerin Redness Relief Soothing Cleanser

Eucerin describes its Redness Relief Soothing Cleanser as safe for sensitive skin and suitable for rosacea. According to its website, the soap-free gel cleanser removes makeup with a non-irritating formula that is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.

It maintains your skin’s proper moisture balance and does not leave your face feeling tight, dry and itchy as soaps can do. Eucerin's Redness Relief system was designed to provide immediate help with redness and contribute to your skin’s general improvement in four weeks.

Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser

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Neutrogena offers another appropriate facial cleanser to consider if rosacea affects you. Its Extra Gentle Cleanser is soap-free, fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. The Neutrogena website states that the cleanser moisturizes your skin with each use and helps it retain suppleness and resiliency after cleansing. Chamomile and vitamin E add anti-irritant benefits to the formula that cleans gently and efficiently without leaving a residue.

Aveeno Ultra-calming Foaming Cleanser

The Aveeno website cites feverfew, an herb related to chamomile, as the secret to its soothing cleanser. The website claims that using this product will visibly reduce redness in your face and calm your irritated skin as it cleans. Said to be gentle enough for every-day use, Aveeno Ultra-calming Foaming Cleanser is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and soap-free. It is hypoallergenic and purported to remove makeup, oil and dirt without over-drying sensitive skin.