If you have rosacea, you've probably had a grim time of late, because this maddening skin condition tends to be at its worst in colder months. For those lucky enough to be unfamiliar with it, rosacea is a reddening of the face – from mild flushing in the cheeks to an angry, itchy red rash, complete with an uneven, pimply surface. Women between 30 and 60 are three times more likely to develop rosacea than anyone else. It can be uncomfortable and unsightly, and needs treating with lots of kindness, using very mild and gentle products.
There are many rosacea treatments on the market but I would always recommend making a GP your first port of call, and requesting an appointment with a dermatologist for extreme cases. Certain medications can really help, though I would steer clear of the often-prescribed steroid creams because I believe they adversely affect the skin's condition over time.
I receive so many questions about rosacea that I wanted to get my recommendations widely tested, so three months ago I sent out 40 of the products I rate to 25 rosacea sufferers, and asked them to report back after 60 days of continuous use. These six were the most popular and effective. I hope they bring you some relief.
Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Primer in Adjust, £12.50, smashbox.co.uk
Not a skincare product, but a great quick fix for smooth makeup.
Ole Henriksen Nurture Me, £32.39, beautybay.com
The star of my trial. Testers saw a massive improvement, and a little went a very long way.
Origins Mega Mushroom Skin Relief Serum and Face Cream, £44 and £46, origins.co.uk
The smell divided testers, but all agreed these left skin smooth.
Avène Redness Relief, £13.05, escentual.com
One of the few treatments with an oily/combination option, this redness and left skin softer.
Avène Relief Concentrate For Chronic Redness, £20.70, escentual.com
Calms redness and soreness in minutes, with greater results over time.
La Roche Posay Rosaliac SPF15 moisturiser, £16.50, boots.com
Sunlight can aggravate rosacea, so this soothing day cream was welcomed. Anti-reddening, too.
