Useful Winter Skincare That Will Protect Your Rosacea

Some of you may have seen that we adopted a dog. His name is Douglas and he is the best thing that has ever happened to us. However, one of the downsides of having a dog is their need to pee outside, even when it’s freezing cold outside with horizontal sleet that soaks you through and makes you feel like your skin is peeling off. My winter skincare routine adapts each year, but this winter I think I’ve really nailed my added extras. Some of the winter skincare products below are ones that I’ve loved for years, alongside some new favourites, hopefully you’ll find one that appeals and can help you.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor, a dermatologist, or an aesthetician. I use research and personal opinion to put these posts together: I’ve lived with rosacea for 16 years and have been blogging about it for 8+ years. I have rosacea type 1 which is mainly under control through trigger management, as well as stress management, and finding skincare like the below that works for me. If you have questions about rosacea in general, this post is the mothership, covering skincare, make up, triggers, lifestyle, psychological impact and everything else you can think of.

I bought all of the products below. The links are affiliate, which means I get a small commission if you buy using the links, at no extra cost to you. More information here.

Shall we begin?

PRE-WALK PRODUCTS

When I wake up, I cleanse my skin as normal (typically using something like the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser) then I apply one of the below products right before I head out with Douglas. I choose these specifically because they leave a film on the skin, giving a barrier effect so that my skin isn’t as exposed to the elements.

• La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Anti-Itch Stick – I can’t believe I’ve only had this wonderful product in my life for a few months. It is simply brilliant. It’s in a twist-up stick format so it’s ridiculously easy to apply (I can do it one-handed while trying to fend off a very excitable dog) and totally invisible. The Lipikar range is designed for very dry and irritated skin – I introduced my dad to the body balm to help with his psoriasis and he loves it – so as a result the other products tend to be a little thick and heavy for the skin on my face. But this stick is perfect, with no irritation or discomfort at all. It contains madecassoside (anti-inflammatory, healing), zinc gluconate (anti-bacterial), and shea butter (hydrating, soothing, and healing). FYI: the anti-itch benefit of this product means it is also great for rosacea flare ups.

• La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 SPF50 – OG readers will probably have guessed that this product would feature in any winter skincare post on this blog. I’ve been banging the LRP Cicaplast drum for longer than I can remember, but it really is that good! It’s a little too thick to wear under make up (although the gel version may be up your street if that’s what you’re looking for – I did a comparison post here), but for the daily Coronavirus walk it is perfect. It contains Panthenol/provitamin B5, as well as zinc and madecassosside, and is soothing and repairing while being gentle enough to use on nappy rash, sunburn, scrapes, or a damaged skin barrier. This version also has the added benefit of SPF included. Magical stuff!

• Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream – Another new discovery for me, this is a lovely thick cream that feels really soothing on the skin. Similarly to the above products, it leaves a light film on the skin that helps to keep out the worst of the wind and rain, while still helping your skin barrier along. I really wish this came in a bigger size as I am already on my second tube! Contains [C+ Restore]™ (repairing and healing) and Zinc/Copper complex (antibacterial).

POST-WALK PRODUCTS

When weather has been particular hideous, or if my skin is already feeling sensitive and aggravated before I even step outside, I might need a little extra TLC once I get home. In that situation, I don’t necessarily need a product like the above that leaves a protective barrier as I’ll just be sat in my living room. I’m looking for something soothing, hydrating, and gentle that I can apply and forget about.

• Avène Skin Recovery Cream – This is another product I’ve used for years, I think I discovered it at the same time as the LRP Cicaplast. This is marketed as a moisturiser but I tend to only reach for it when I need a little added help with my skin. The strange looking cap on this product is actually a clever design to ensure that the product remains airtight and sterile, but it can make the product come out a little forcefully until you’re used to it, just FYI! This version is for ‘normal’ or combination skin types, whereas the Rich version is for dry skin.

• Bioderma Cicabio Soothing Repairing Cream – I’ve loved the Bioderma brand for many years, but I don’t think I’ve ever tried anything from this range before. This cream is designed for people with irriated skin or a damaged skin barrier – something I think many of you will be able to relate to. (I couldn’t work out the difference between this cream and the Pommade from the same range… I think it’s just a difference in texture, that the Pommade is more like a thick balm, whereas this is a thick cream. But if anyone has information on that, please let me know!) Contains ANTALGICINE™ (minimises discomfort and reduces itch), hyaluronic acid (hydration), and copper-zinc (anti-bacterial).

These 5 products – alongside my usual skincare routine – have been in rotation for months and have really rounded out my winter skincare routine. I hope you found this useful, let me know if you try any of these wonder products!

Lex

==SAVE THIS IMAGE ON PINTEREST TO READ THIS POST LATER!==