Rosacea is a chronic dermatological disorder that usually affects facial skin, causing persistent flushing, redness and bumpiness. Ocular rosacea appears around the eyes; symptoms include watery or bloodshot eyes, burning, stinging and itching. If you suspect you have rosacea, see your doctor. Although there is no definitive cure, symptoms can be controlled, and even reversed, with proper treatment. Moisturizer can be very beneficial in cases of ocular rosacea—it provides a soothing protective film, increases the water content of the skin, restores the skin barrier, and maintains skin integrity—but it has to be free of ingredients that can be irritating. Armed with some information, you can make the right choice.
Gently clean the area around your eyes with a mild, non-abrasive skin cleanser. You can also use one part baby shampoo to ten parts water. According to The National Rosacea Society, a regimen of proper skin care can help control rosacea. Don’t pull or tug at eyelids, and use a light, careful touch. Never use a scratchy or abrasive washcloth.
Rinse well with lukewarm—not hot—water, and carefully pat the area dry with a thick cotton towel.
Choose the proper moisturizer for your rosacea. It must be hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic (that means it won’t block your pores) and should have emollient qualities, meaning it smoothes and softens skin. According to Rosacea Support, which lists 15 moisturizers dermatologists use in their own practice, the ingredients that appeared with the most frequency were glycerin, petrolatum and cyclomethicone or dimethicone. Other good choices are moisturizers containing shea butter. Also good to use are moisturizers made especially for rosacea, which contain assorted vitamins and aloe along with glycerin.
Hydrate and protect the skin around your eyes and on your eyelids by carefully applying moisturizer, being careful not to get any into your eyes.