Concern · Sensitive & Barrier · Rosacea

P. 16 · GUIDE

Rosacea.

Vascular reactivity, not inflammation alone. Trigger-led.

Persistent central-face redness, visible vessels, easy flushing, sometimes papules and pustules. The most-misdiagnosed condition we see — frequently treated with the same anti-acne stack that makes it worse. The fix is trigger management plus the right anti-inflammatory, not a stronger BHA.

— § 01

The triggers worth tracking.

Sun & UVA

The single largest trigger. Daily SPF non-negotiable.

85%

Heat & spice

Hot food, hot showers, hot yoga, summer cooking. The Indian kitchen is rosacea-hostile.

62%

Alcohol

Particularly red wine and dark spirits. Vasoactive sulphites.

70%

Topical irritants

Fragrance, alcohol denat., AHAs, retinoids — at the wrong dose.

55%

⁂

— § 02

Ingredients that actually work.

Tier

Molecule

Role

Evidence

Azelaic acid 15% (Rx)

Anti-inflammatory · papulopustular

First-line, multiple RCTs

Tier A

Metronidazole 0.75%

Anti-inflammatory · Rx

Reference Rx for decades

Tier A

Ivermectin 1% (Rx)

Anti-Demodex · Rx

Strong RCT data, faster onset than azelaic

Niacinamide 4–5%

Erythema · barrier

Replicated reduction in flushing

Centella / madecassoside

Open-label & small RCTs · symptomatic

Tier B

Brimonidine 0.33% (Rx)

Vasoconstrictor — short-term

Rebound flushing common; reserve for events

⁂

— § 04

On our shelf.

GaldermaTier A

Finacea Foam 15% (Rx)

Reference azelaic for papular rosacea. Foam vehicle excels.

90⁄100Not yet reviewed

La Roche-PosayTier A

Toleriane Sensitive Riche

Fragrance-free, neurosensitive-tested. Minimalist barrier cream.

84⁄100Not yet reviewed

AvèneTier B

Antirougeurs DAY

Ruscus extract + thermal water. Mild redness reduction over 4 weeks.

76⁄100Not yet reviewed

Skin1004Tier A

Madagascar Centella Ampoule

Cleanest centella formula at honest price. Soothes flares.

82⁄100Not yet reviewed