Medications for Rosacea Type 1 & 2: A Breakdown of Available Treatments

For the most common types of rosacea, type 1 (flushing, redness) and type 2 (acne-like blemishes), there are lots of medications on the market that target more of the redness, blemishes, or both -- so which ones are the best fit for you?

Below, we will cover the rosacea treatment options currently on the market, and help guide you in the right direction to get personalized treatment for your rosacea.

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Also Read: Is Rosacea Contagious? And Other Common Rosacea Questions

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Over The Counter Rosacea Options

As far as the over the counter treatment options for rosacea go, there are not a lot of targeted OTC medications that are specific for rosacea.

However, some people do find some rosacea relief by switching to more gentle and protective skincare products.

These OTC product recommendations should also be followed to help with your rosacea symptoms whether you are using a prescription rosacea treatment or not.

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1. Gentle cleansers and moisturizers:

Part of choosing a gentle cleanser and moisturizer is knowing what ingredients to avoid, that may exacerbate rosacea flares.

Avoid skincare products that contain benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, propylene glycol, and topical retinoids, as these may make rosacea symptoms worse.

Choose a cleanser and moisturizer that is formulated for sensitive skin, is creamy and hydrating, and does not feel harsh of stripping on the skin.

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2. Sunscreen:

One of the most common triggers for rosacea flares is UV light exposure, so wearing a daily sunscreen of at least 30 SPF is a must to help keep rosacea flare-ups at bay. Find a face sunscreen that is non-comedogenic to make sure it does not cause pimples from clogging your pores.

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3. Prescription Medications:

Topical prescription medications applied daily are the usual medications prescribed for people that have type 1 rosacea, type 2 rosacea, or a mix of the two.

The medications are selected based on your personal presentation of rosacea symptoms.

If you use more than one topical medication for rosacea, a prescriber may recommend a compounded formula that combines multiple ingredients into a single cream, such as Strut's compounded rosacea formula.

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Read Related: What Is the Root Cause of Rosacea? 6 Potential Rosacea Development Factors

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Prescription medications for redness and flushing (Rosacea Type 1):

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1. Azelaic Acid:

Azelaic Acid is an anti-inflammatory topical agent that may help reduce redness, and it may also help keep pores from becoming blocked and forming the blemishes associated with rosacea, which is why it is used for both rosacea type 1 and 2.

This medication can be applied once or twice daily.

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2. Oxymetazoline:

Oxymetazoline is a medication that helps constrict the vessels under the skin of the face, to reduce them from excessive dilation and making the face look red and flushed.

It is indicated for the persistent redness associated with rosacea, and can help relieve redness for up to 12 hours after its application.

This is a once-daily medication which is normally applied in the morning.

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3. Brimonidine:

Brimonidine is another medication which helps constrict the underlying vessels in the face to reduce flushing and redness for up to 12 hours after application.

This is a once-daily medication, normally applied in the morning.

However, in some studies, 4%-15% of patients using brimonidine experienced rebound worsening redness and flushing with use.

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Prescription medications for inflammation and rosacea pimples (Rosacea Type 2):

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1. Azelaic Acid:

Azelaic Acid is an anti-inflammatory topical agent that may help reduce redness, and it may also help keep pores from becoming blocked and forming the blemishes associated with rosacea, which is why it is used for both rosacea type 1 and 2.

This medication can be applied once or twice daily.

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2. Ivermectin:

Ivermectin is a topical medication that is an anti-inflammatory to help with redness, as well as an antiparasitic that can help reduce the numbers of common skin mites called Demodex mites, which may play a role in the immune response and blemishes associated with rosacea.

Ivermectin is applied once daily to the forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks, avoiding the eyes and mouth.

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3. Metronidazole:

Metronidazole is a topical antibiotic, and for rosacea, it is thought to help with the acne-like blemishes and redness due to its topical anti-inflammatory effects.

It is normally applied once or twice daily to the face.

When using metronidazole topically be sure to use sunscreen as it may cause your skin to be more sensitive to UV light.

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4. Dapsone:

Dapsone is another topical antibiotic agent that is used for its anti-inflammatory properties and may help with rosacea.

Dapsone is normally used once daily applied to the face, and can be used for up to 12 weeks.

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5. Oral Antibiotics:

Minocycline, doxycycline, erythromycin, clarithromycin, and clindamycin have all been used in their oral form to help clear the papules and pustules associated with type 2 “acne” rosacea.

However, oral antibiotics are often used as a last resort for this type of rosacea to help avoid systemic exposure to antibiotics, whole-body side effects, and the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Topical applications like the ones listed above are normally the recommended first-line treatments for these reasons.

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Strut Health Prescription Rosacea Formulas Prescribed Online

Here at Strut Health, we understand the importance of making sure you feel comfortable in your own skin to live your best life. And, that includes not worrying about if your face is red, or if your rosacea is flaring up.

We formulated multiple compounded Rosacea Formulas that may help with the redness, flushing, and blemishes associated with Rosacea.*

You can have a Free Online Questionnaire-Based Visit in 10-15 minutes with our U.S. licensed providers.

Our providers will review your symptoms and images of your skin and, if you are a good fit for a medicated rosacea cream, they can prescribe an appropriate treatment for you containing a combination of oxymetazoline, azelaic acid, metronidazole, and ivermectin.

Your rosacea medication can be shipped discreetly to your home with our free shipping, and our providers will be standing by if you need a refill or have any questions throughout the course of your therapy.

*Compounded drug products are not approved or evaluated for safety, effectiveness, or quality by the FDA. Rx required.