This week’s discussion question is: What is the one product you love and would recommend to others?
Every Friday I open up a discussion topic and ask you for your recommendations, experiences, questions, or general feelings on a specific topic. They are public for anyone to read, but you can only comment if you’re subscribed to my Substack, so if you’re still on the fence let this be your sign to join us - it’s free and we are lovely!
I would love for these Threads to be a resource for you to share your knowledge and meet other people in the community, so please comment and do feel free to like and reply to other people as well - we’re all here because we are in the Rosacea Club! 🧡
It's so hard to pick one, but if I go by my most recommended product over the past decade, it's probably La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 (https://amzn.to/4dVTPH0). It's a great barrier cream for winter dog walks, helps soothe the skin after a flare up, can be used on minor burns, scrapes, nappy rash... it's flipping brilliant. There's also a lighter version if you find it a bit heavy: full review of both products can be found here https://talontedlex.co.uk/2018/09/20/la-roche-posay-cicaplast/
My holy grail product is pure zinc cream- CVS BRAND IN THE USA. My dermatologist told me to put a layer on my cheeks at night and sleep with it- or use it at home in the daytime. It keeps the redness at bay and prevents/clears bumps and pustules. I had to learn to sleep on my back- which is annoying at times. However, the zinc cream makes me feel protected- physically and mentally. May sound weird but it does. Brings me comfort.
I don't think that sounds weird at all. Having a skin condition can make us feel so vulnerable - it's literally our protective barrier for everything that keeps us alive, so anything affecting that is understandably really scary. I'm so pleased that you've found something that helps.
Also, side note, I'm very jealous that you've trained yourself to sleep on your back. I have tried and just can't - I tried again when I had my ears pierced recently and just couldn't do it. I ended up buying a neck pillow so I could sleep on my side with the central hole part under my ear!
Vanicream in the tub — I will never be without it again! I hadn’t realized that my previous moisturizers weren’t doing enough to protect my skin, which was exacerbating the rosacea. There was a noticeable improvement after only a few days using Vanicream, and with continued use the skin barrier healed for the first time in many years. So grateful to have found it!
My top rec would have to be an LED mask with red and near-infrared light. I use my Omnilux mask every night (for 10 minutes) to reduce inflammation and redness, but also to simply relax. The not-too-bright red lights are incredibly soothing to me and I look forward to winding down with it each evening. It's an investment but it's by far the best thing I've done for my rosacea (and relaxation) at home. I've had my mask for almost 2 years and it's still going strong with daily use.
A few products that consistently work for me are hypochlorous acid spray right after cleansing, Theramid Azid serum and Prequel Redness Reform serum. Apologies to those who can't get Prequel in their country yet.
I really want to try a LED mask, I've heard such great things. And I can imagine it would be so relaxing to use - although my dog Douglas would probably be petrified!
I’ve been wondering whether I should invest in a red light mask - my facialist uses red light at the end of each session so I ?think? It works. Glad to see your recommendation too.
maybe I haven't found the holy grail yet...but right now in Italy I would choose Canova sensiven zelaic...it's a soothing cream with azelaic acid (I love it). I apply it in the evening because it doesn't work as a make-up base, but I think it works very well to soothe redness.
50 ml rosewater (or swap with more distilled water if your skin doesn't tolerate plant essences)
2 T glycerin
Mix and store in a spray bottle or mister. This recipe was a game changer for me when my skin needed relief and I couldn't find a commercial moisturizer that my skin could tolerate.
1- Bioderma Sensibio micellar water was the first product that shook things up for me. I realized my face didn’t hurt so much from my sweat during workouts when I used only this micellar water to clean my face every day. My routine has changed since, but I still keep it on hand to clean off makeup.
2- Vanicream moisturizing cream (not the lotion) is my barrier cream of choice at night. It is perfect for layering over medication (or when my skin is reactive) to keep things simple and protected.
3- Elta MD UV Clear sunscreen feels like a dream on my skin, calms redness, and made me love sunscreen. I would want this on my face when I’m buried in my casket.
4- It’s not really a product, but once my skin got over the worst symptoms, I’ve made progress in leaps and bounds by going to a trusted facialist for regular Hydrafacials. I don’t exfoliate at home very much because of my skin’s reactivity, and somehow these facials help keep my skin balanced.
5-Honorable mention is Eminence Bakichol + Niacinimide Moisturizer because my skin still can’t take retinol.
That's the first micellar water I ever tried and it still has a place in my permanent skincare stash. Alsso, that's the second recommendation for Vanicream - I don't think we can easily get it in the UK, but will have a look!
I work at a pretty well known hospital and it’s what their dermatologists use/recommend when I go in for a procedure. That and the Vanicream hydrocortisone cream.
Thanks to your recommendation I also can't live without La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 - whenever I have a flare up it is the first thing I reach for!
My holy grail rescue product is the REN Evercalm Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask. I use it whenever I have a flare up. Sometimes very lightly even during the day as a moisturizer and when my skin is very angry, I sleep with it slathered on.
I was hesitant at first because … well gross… but the Cosrx Snail Mucin serum has been a game changer. If I’m feeling flare coming I apply and it tones it down so quick! I’ve been using daily for a few weeks and my skin is so soft and fewer lines! Loving the rosacea help!
I've not used that specific one (though have heard really good things) but have used snail mucin in the past and although it's pretty grim when you think too hard about it, it really does work!
I really like Cetaphil's Moisturising Lotion for normal to dry sensitive skin. I bought it initially for winter as a heavier moisturiser, but have found it's the best one for me all year and it's for face & body, so one less bottle on the shelf! It's got niacinamide in, so again for me, one less step. The best azelaic acid I've used is Boots ingredients. It doesn't give the percentage of azelaic acid, but works better for me than prescription strength. I also like Amour's Healing Miracle cream. I must stress, that given the name, it hasn't completely healed my skin, but I do find it soothing and good for spots. These 3 products form the basis of my routine and whilst I'm not 100% happy with my face, my skin looks better, if that makes sense!
It's so hard to pick one, but if I go by my most recommended product over the past decade, it's probably La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 (https://amzn.to/4dVTPH0). It's a great barrier cream for winter dog walks, helps soothe the skin after a flare up, can be used on minor burns, scrapes, nappy rash... it's flipping brilliant. There's also a lighter version if you find it a bit heavy: full review of both products can be found here https://talontedlex.co.uk/2018/09/20/la-roche-posay-cicaplast/
My holy grail product is pure zinc cream- CVS BRAND IN THE USA. My dermatologist told me to put a layer on my cheeks at night and sleep with it- or use it at home in the daytime. It keeps the redness at bay and prevents/clears bumps and pustules. I had to learn to sleep on my back- which is annoying at times. However, the zinc cream makes me feel protected- physically and mentally. May sound weird but it does. Brings me comfort.
I don't think that sounds weird at all. Having a skin condition can make us feel so vulnerable - it's literally our protective barrier for everything that keeps us alive, so anything affecting that is understandably really scary. I'm so pleased that you've found something that helps.
Also, side note, I'm very jealous that you've trained yourself to sleep on your back. I have tried and just can't - I tried again when I had my ears pierced recently and just couldn't do it. I ended up buying a neck pillow so I could sleep on my side with the central hole part under my ear!
It helps that my mattress raises up and down- so I can sleep propped up! and it prevents wrinkles too! Haha 😆
Omg me too! I try to sleep on my back but always wake up face planted on my pillow.
Same! I think I constantly spin while I'm asleep, like a rotisserie chicken...
Thanks for the tip! The constant redness is what I really want to tackle. I seem to have the awful bumbs and soreness under control. 🤞
This is interesting. I use a mineral sunscreen and am convinced it's the zinc in it that helps my skin too
Vanicream in the tub — I will never be without it again! I hadn’t realized that my previous moisturizers weren’t doing enough to protect my skin, which was exacerbating the rosacea. There was a noticeable improvement after only a few days using Vanicream, and with continued use the skin barrier healed for the first time in many years. So grateful to have found it!
I have some, now I’ll try to use it more!
That's so great - it's such a huge relief when the skin barrier is finally happy!
My top rec would have to be an LED mask with red and near-infrared light. I use my Omnilux mask every night (for 10 minutes) to reduce inflammation and redness, but also to simply relax. The not-too-bright red lights are incredibly soothing to me and I look forward to winding down with it each evening. It's an investment but it's by far the best thing I've done for my rosacea (and relaxation) at home. I've had my mask for almost 2 years and it's still going strong with daily use.
A few products that consistently work for me are hypochlorous acid spray right after cleansing, Theramid Azid serum and Prequel Redness Reform serum. Apologies to those who can't get Prequel in their country yet.
I really want to try a LED mask, I've heard such great things. And I can imagine it would be so relaxing to use - although my dog Douglas would probably be petrified!
I’ve been wondering whether I should invest in a red light mask - my facialist uses red light at the end of each session so I ?think? It works. Glad to see your recommendation too.
maybe I haven't found the holy grail yet...but right now in Italy I would choose Canova sensiven zelaic...it's a soothing cream with azelaic acid (I love it). I apply it in the evening because it doesn't work as a make-up base, but I think it works very well to soothe redness.
That's so great to hear, so pleased you've found something!
Dr. Idriss' DIY glycerin face mist recipe:
50 ml distilled water
50 ml rosewater (or swap with more distilled water if your skin doesn't tolerate plant essences)
2 T glycerin
Mix and store in a spray bottle or mister. This recipe was a game changer for me when my skin needed relief and I couldn't find a commercial moisturizer that my skin could tolerate.
So pleased you've found something your skin can tolerate!
1- Bioderma Sensibio micellar water was the first product that shook things up for me. I realized my face didn’t hurt so much from my sweat during workouts when I used only this micellar water to clean my face every day. My routine has changed since, but I still keep it on hand to clean off makeup.
2- Vanicream moisturizing cream (not the lotion) is my barrier cream of choice at night. It is perfect for layering over medication (or when my skin is reactive) to keep things simple and protected.
3- Elta MD UV Clear sunscreen feels like a dream on my skin, calms redness, and made me love sunscreen. I would want this on my face when I’m buried in my casket.
4- It’s not really a product, but once my skin got over the worst symptoms, I’ve made progress in leaps and bounds by going to a trusted facialist for regular Hydrafacials. I don’t exfoliate at home very much because of my skin’s reactivity, and somehow these facials help keep my skin balanced.
5-Honorable mention is Eminence Bakichol + Niacinimide Moisturizer because my skin still can’t take retinol.
That's the first micellar water I ever tried and it still has a place in my permanent skincare stash. Alsso, that's the second recommendation for Vanicream - I don't think we can easily get it in the UK, but will have a look!
I work at a pretty well known hospital and it’s what their dermatologists use/recommend when I go in for a procedure. That and the Vanicream hydrocortisone cream.
Thanks to your recommendation I also can't live without La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 - whenever I have a flare up it is the first thing I reach for!
So pleased that you love it as much as me! x
My holy grail rescue product is the REN Evercalm Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask. I use it whenever I have a flare up. Sometimes very lightly even during the day as a moisturizer and when my skin is very angry, I sleep with it slathered on.
I love that stuff! It's great as a barrier for blustery and cold dog walks in the winter
I was hesitant at first because … well gross… but the Cosrx Snail Mucin serum has been a game changer. If I’m feeling flare coming I apply and it tones it down so quick! I’ve been using daily for a few weeks and my skin is so soft and fewer lines! Loving the rosacea help!
I've not used that specific one (though have heard really good things) but have used snail mucin in the past and although it's pretty grim when you think too hard about it, it really does work!
Snail mucin works great for me too 🐌
I don't know why but the little snail emoji really made me laugh - he's so cute!
About two months ago I started to use the face and body wash Nr. 12 by a brand called Bioturm (not sure if its only available in Germany, https://www.bioturm.de/waschlotion). It has some sort of lacto-probiotic ingredients and has been really good on my skin. For the past few days I started to mix it with a few drops of tea tree oil. I also use their Zinc face cream over night when I get pustules. The cream has no palmoils or mineral oils and is based on jojobaoil, so its good for our skin type (https://www.bioturm.de/zink-salbe). My skin also has no negative reaction to the products from the German organic brand BIOVEGANE. I use their skin barrier serum and their sensitive face rescue cream; they used to have a really wonderful green tea serum, which they unfortunately took out of their line (https://www.biovegane.de/products/barrier-boost-serum?variant=45417106604296&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADKenPQNNR_gS1-xOXR00SIHapEdh&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9Km3BhDjARIsAGUb4nziw6us_uv9-A6wcNpsgPE-kpZHzklnKzlFAvmBNoGHVfqUG2SgzhcaAo-HEALw_wcB ) and (https://www.biovegane.de/collections/new-in/products/sensitive-rescue-face-cream) Not sure if these products are available easily outside of Germany. But their are all organic, good quality and reasonably priced (none of the products are more than 12 Euros).
I really like Cetaphil's Moisturising Lotion for normal to dry sensitive skin. I bought it initially for winter as a heavier moisturiser, but have found it's the best one for me all year and it's for face & body, so one less bottle on the shelf! It's got niacinamide in, so again for me, one less step. The best azelaic acid I've used is Boots ingredients. It doesn't give the percentage of azelaic acid, but works better for me than prescription strength. I also like Amour's Healing Miracle cream. I must stress, that given the name, it hasn't completely healed my skin, but I do find it soothing and good for spots. These 3 products form the basis of my routine and whilst I'm not 100% happy with my face, my skin looks better, if that makes sense!