5 Dermatologist Recommended Rosacea Treatments to Ease Symptoms (2025)

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation, redness, and a rash on the nose and cheeks. It may also affect the eyes. Rosacea symptoms usually come and go and may worsen with stress, sun exposure, and other factors.

There is no cure for rosacea. Treatment is generally gradual, and improvement may take months.Rosacea treatments include topical creams, oral medications, and light therapy. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation.

Rosacea Treatments for Mild Symptoms

Rosacea symptoms usually come and go with cycles of flare-ups and remission. Common symptoms include facial redness, a rash, acne-like bumps, and visible blood vessels (telangiectasia). More severe symptoms include skin thickening and eye irritation. The goal of treatment is to improve symptoms and ease discomfort.

If a healthcare provider suspects you have rosacea, they will likely refer you to a dermatologist, a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating skin conditions.

1. Topical Medications

Rosacea skin care for mild symptoms usually includes topical medications applied directly to the skin. Prescription topical medications include:

• Mirvaso (brimonidine gel) and Rhofade (oxymetazoline cream): Fades redness by narrowing the blood vessels to the skin
• Finacea (azelaic acid foam or gel): Reduces acne breakouts associated with rosacea
• Epsolay (encapsulated benzoyl peroxide cream 5%): Treats acne-like bumps associated with rosacea
• Soolantra (ivermectin cream): Reduces inflammation and treats red bumps
• Vitazol (metronidazole cream, gel, or lotion): Antibiotic cream that reduces red bumps, bacteria, and redness
• Amzeeq (minocycline foam): Antibiotic foam that treats red bumps and pustules associated with rosacea and inflammation
• Plexion (sulfacetamide and sulfur lotion): Combination of medication and sulfur that reduces inflammation and has antibacterial properties

2. Laser Therapy

Laser and light-based therapies use light to shrink the blood vessels in the face, making them less noticeable over time. This is a common treatment for skin redness caused by rosacea.

Intense pulsed light therapy uses intense pulsed light to reduce flushing and redness; this treatment is gentler than laser therapy.Laser therapy uses a laser to improve color changes caused by rosacea; lighter skin tones usually turn red or pink, and darker skin tones turn brown or violet.

For Severe Symptoms

Severe rosacea symptoms may include intense redness and visible blood vessels that do not improve with topical treatments. Other symptoms may include skin thickening and eye irritation.

3. Oral Medications

When topical treatments are ineffective, your dermatologist may recommend oral medications to reduce your symptoms and prevent complications.

Oracea (doxycycline) is an oral antibiotic taken to reduce inflammation and acne; this medication also prevents the skin from thickening.

Absorica (isotretinoin) is an oral retinoid medication that treats severe acne and prevents skin from thickening.

4. Eye Treatments

Severe rosacea may affect the eyes and cause serious vision problems. A dermatologist may refer you to an ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating eye conditions) for treatment.

Rosacea that affects the eyes is known as ocular rosacea. Treatments may include:

• Warm compresses: A warm washcloth to cleanse the eye area
• Omega-3 fatty acids: A supplement to treat eye dryness
• Artificial tears: An over-the-counter (OTC) treatment to treat eye dryness and ease discomfort
• Retasis (cyclosporine) eye drops: Prescription-strength eye drops to treat bacteria and clean the eyelids and eyelashes

5. Surgery

Severe cases of rosacea may require surgery to remove areas of thickened skin. During rosacea surgery, a surgeon uses a scalpel to remove excess skin and shape the area. Other treatments for severely thickened skin include:

• Laser surgery: Uses light to remove excess skin
• Radiofrequency: Removes excess skin with heat
• Electrosurgery: Heats the excess skin to make it easier to remove surgically
  

Skin Care During Flare-Ups

During a flare-up of symptoms, practice gentle skin care. Rosacea triggers are factors that lead to a flare-up or worsen symptoms. Avoid your triggers as often as possible but especially during a flare-up. Common rosacea triggers include:

• Hot weather
• Cold weather
• Heavy winds
• Direct sunlight
• Alcohol
• Spicy food
• Intense exercise
• Stress

Ease your uncomfortable symptoms with the following tips:

• Drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated and prevent skin dryness.
• Apply a cool towel to your face to ease inflammation and redness.
• Use a gentle daily moisturizer.
• Practice stress management techniques including mindfulness, meditation, or yoga.
• Call your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve.
  

Everyday Rosacea Care Routine

Rosacea is a chronic condition that does not have a cure. Fortunately, it is manageable with a daily skin care routine. Consider incorporating the following tips into your daily routine:

• Learn your skin’s triggers and avoid them as often as possible.
• Gently wash your face with a mild, rosacea-friendly face cleanser twice daily.
• Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to your face after cleansing.
• Wear sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher when spending time outdoors.
• Protect your skin from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and long-sleeved clothing.
• Consider meeting with a mental healthcare provider for emotional support.
  

Summary

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes redness, inflammation, rashes, and visible blood vessels on the nose and cheeks. It may also cause eye irritation and skin thickening. Treatments for mild rosacea often include topical medications and laser therapy. Treatments for severe rosacea may consist of oral medications, eye treatments, and surgery.

There is no cure for rosacea. To keep your symptoms under control, learn your skin’s triggers and avoid them when possible. Cleanse and moisturize your skin twice daily with gentle products. Avoid products that contain harsh chemicals or alcohol. Wear sunscreen daily and wear a hat to protect your skin from the sun.