The role of dermocosmetics in the management of rosacea: an up-to-date

Over the past few years, the management of rosacea has undergone a significant evolution. While treatment was once focused almost exclusively on pharmacological therapies, growing evidence now highlights the fundamental role of dermocosmetics as an integral part of disease management, helping to restore skin barrier function, reduce inflammatory triggers, and improve long-term treatment adherence.

This topic is the focus of the recently published mini-review "The Role of Dermocosmetics in the Management of Rosacea: An Up-to-Date," published in Aesthetic Medicine. The review summarizes the latest scientific evidence on the role of dermocosmetic products in rosacea management and proposes an integrated, evidence-based approach to daily clinical practice.

The review highlights that rosacea is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis with a multifactorial pathophysiology involving impaired skin barrier function, dysregulation of the innate immune system, neurovascular abnormalities, and alterations of the skin microbiome. Within this complex framework, pharmacological treatment alone is often insufficient to achieve optimal disease control.

One of the key messages of the review concerns the restoration of skin barrier function. Patients with rosacea commonly exhibit increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and a reduction in essential epidermal lipids. Consequently, the authors emphasize the importance of gentle cleansing and moisturizing formulations containing physiological lipids to improve stratum corneum integrity and reduce cutaneous sensitivity.

The review also devotes considerable attention to photoprotection, which is recognized as one of the cornerstones of rosacea management. Ultraviolet radiation is among the most common triggers of disease flare-ups, and the daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreens—preferably formulations with high skin tolerability—is considered one of the most effective strategies for limiting chronic inflammation and preventing disease exacerbation.

Among dermocosmetic active ingredients, niacinamide receives particular attention due to its well-documented ability to improve skin barrier function, modulate inflammatory pathways, and reduce skin reactivity. The review also discusses the potential role of Centella asiatica, valued for its soothing and skin-repairing properties, as well as azelaic acid derivatives, which are increasingly incorporated into dermocosmetic formulations as supportive agents alongside medical therapy.

Another important aspect addressed by the authors is skin cleansing. Harsh cleansing products may worsen rosacea symptoms by further disrupting the skin barrier, whereas mild cleansers formulated with non-irritating surfactants and a physiological pH are considered an essential component of daily skincare.

Overall, the mini-review reinforces the concept that dermocosmetics should not be regarded merely as an aesthetic adjunct but rather as an essential component of comprehensive rosacea management. Integrating a personalized skincare regimen with pharmacological treatment may improve disease control, reduce the frequency of flare-ups, enhance treatment tolerability, and ultimately improve patients' quality of life.

The take-home message is clear: modern rosacea management requires a multimodal approach in which pharmacological therapy and dermocosmetic care work synergistically. Personalizing skincare according to each patient's clinical presentation and the best available scientific evidence represents a practical strategy for optimizing therapeutic outcomes and supporting long-term disease management.

LINK FOR FURTHER READING TO THE ARTICLE: https://mattioli1885journals.com/index.php/aestheticmedicine/article/view/17231