My Rosacea Journey: Dermatologist Shares Skincare & Treatments That Work! | Dr. Sam Ellis

If you’ve watched my channel for a while, then you’ve probably heard me mention I have rosacea a few times. That's why I wanted to share what skincare products and treatments worked to help me get my rosacea under control.

NOTE: This is what worked for me, but what works for you might be different. It's important to see a board-certified dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

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CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:35 About Rosacea
03:15 Rosacea Diagnosis
07:10 Rosacea Triggers
10:07 Skincare Updates
13:05 Sunscreen
15:20 Sun Protection
16:42 Prescriptions
18:54 In-Office Treatments
21:42 Subscribe!

DISCLAIMER: The information in this video is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician. Some of the links in this description may be affiliate links (marked with *). Affiliate links help support my YouTube channel so I can continue to create fun, informational skincare videos for you. Also, some products may have been received as PR. Thanks for watching!

[shawnahare]

So many derms talk about what to do about rosacea . Knowing you have personal experience with it makes a world of difference. Thank you for this video.

[Miyu]

I learned more in the first 5 minutes of this video than from multiple visits with Doctors over years. Thank you for sharing this information.

[samanthabuckley]

I love the insight from a derm who has rosacea. I’ve grown so tired of seeing deems try to explain it and instruct on it without having the condition themselves. It’s always preaching the same stuff: use cetaphil, never go near retinols, stay out of the sun, stop drinking coffee and alcohol. It’s all very repetitive like reading a script of what they’ve read in literature. In reality, you can have sensitive skin and rosacea and still need something more cleansing than cetaphil, you may be able to tolerate and even benefit from retinol usage, and can moderate triggers rather than cut out entirely. Thank you for putting this out there because speaking on a derm condition you HAVE is very reassuring and comforting to those who have it and look to you for real life advice/tips.

[DivaEagle]

Thank you for sharing this information and also mentioning skin of color. I’m African American. I was 37 years old before a great dermatologist diagnosed me with rosacea. It presents differently on my Carmel brown skin tone than fairer skin. Game changer. I also grew up being told to wash my face twice a day. I was embarrassed to tell people I didn’t wash my face in the morning. It hurt! Now, I use Bioderma Micellar water in the mornings, and Bioderma Oil Cleanser at night. I live in Arizona. The desert has been frying my face. I diligently use and reapply sunscreen to no avail. Thank you for suggesting making life changes. I’ve decided that from 12pm-sundown, I’m not going outside in this desert heat. My skin can’t handle it.

[stephsstuff]

I've learned more about my rosacea in this video than I've learned in any of my dermatology appointments. Thank you for this!

[hoikatia]

wearing sunscreen indoors was a huge game changer for me. i work from home and my home has huge windows getting a lot of natural light throughout the day. and i noticed that if i weren’t wearing sunscreen, my skin would get red and hot even if i stayed at home all day. then dr dray informed me about uv rays from the sun penetrating the windows and basically being in all visible light so… yes, you need to wear sunscreen indoors unless you have light blocking curtains in every room of your home

[Jen-ifit]

I'd like to chime in and say an often overlooked trigger for rosacea is hair products. These products get on our skin and all over our pillows. If you're handling your other triggers but still flushing for unknown reasons, try using fragrance free hair care for a while and avoid aerosol hairsprays to see if there's an improvement.

[Brian_]

Off topic but that paint color is absolutely beautiful and soothing.

[lindamitchell]

I've been using Cetaphil cleanser and lotion for 40+ years, and it totally keeps my Rosacea in check. My skin looks fabulous for a 61 year old.

[DebiJo]

Gosh! I have your exact problems with rosacea. I’m 67 and have always used SOMETHING to keep it quieted. There was a period of time where I developed some, well, CYSTS! Not the kind you would have drained or have to remove, but these bumps about the size of a nickel and very firm, always painful! One was to the left of my nose and just under my eyebrow. It actually HUNG THERE. My derm doc did the sulfur route and also helped me get a “special needs” scrub cap because the fibers from the caps falling on my face was causing this! Ugh. So that cleared up and now, I have every symptom you have. Avoiding the triggers is #1. I use Prosacea after CeraVe hydrating wash, which is nice but it doesn’t make me feel fresh and clean. Dermatologist recommended it and I’ve been at it for 2 years. I would like to firstly, find a cleanser that refreshes my skin and plumps a little but protects my barrier. The very same goes for my night cream. CeraVe again. I feel like it’s weighty and gummy and sticky, very mildly so but, as you said, you want to feel comfortable skin and I would like freshness with those two. What REALLY makes me feel skin happy is the CeraVe Vitamin C. Loved it from day one and actually look forward to it. I stopped their Retenol. I tend to get milia and it got worse with retinol. I’m looking into the azeliac acid. Trying it next.

Thank you so much for going in depth with YOUR experiences. It was uplifting and I learned so much from hearing your approach to your own care. I had blepharoplasty for invasive 😊 hooded eyelids. There was an additional laser treatment done just above my cheeks and after it healed, I really didn’t notice much difference. Okay. I just really loved this video and your channel. I am like you in so many ways, you could be my daughter! When I was out and about it was ALWAYS 1n nature. I still have horses, ride my old lady 26 speed bicycle (with the basket option), go mud riding with a Polaris SXS, swim, play golf, and sit by the fire and sing 60s & 70s rock with other old hippies. My habits have drastically changed, as yours have, to keep my face QUIET. But let’s got give up nature & MINERAL sunscreen! BLESSINGS, Dr. Sam, AND BE SAFE ❤

[dehendrix]

I was diagnosed with rosacea years ago. The dermatologist told me I had rosacea scribbled out a prescription and sent me on my way. Sadly she explained nothing. The prescription she wrote did nothing because it wasn’t right for the type of rosacea that I have. I have since found a better doctor and have it under control. I will be talking to him about laser treatment for the blood vessels. This is something I would love to have done as well. Thank you so much for this video.

[CarySpinka]

Thank you for sharing your experience with Rosacea. I recently had 2 VBeam treatments and I am trying to protect my investment. I bought one of the large brimmed hats you recommended and now reviewing my skincare products to see if I can improve my situation more consistently. I think a big trigger for me, in addition to what you mentioned, is sugar consumption. If I get a sugar high I know I will get red and pimples the next morning! What really keeps it clear is eating a lot of salads and fresh vegetables. Thank you again. You are lovely and inspiring for me that I can keep it under control and feel good again 😊

[emilywinter]

Thank you so much for pointing out how high altitude and extreme temperatures can affect your skin! I live in Colorado Springs and it’s been so hard to find the right products to use because of the crazy temp swings! I would love to see more videos that address these issues.

[whoisappie]

I've been researching my rosacea for months and this is the best video I've seen so far. Mostly the fact that you distinguish different symptoms of rosacea. I never understood why my redness didn't go away, but now I know those are blood vessels that can only be treated with a laser treatment.
THANK YOU!

[mamabear]

Finally a derm who loves Elta MD sunscreen. This sunscreen is the GOAT !!

[moriahmacbeth]

Thank you so much for speaking about this, and about your personal journey with it! Seeing the picture of your flare was helpful, too. Your skin is so beautiful, it’s encouraging to see that rosacea-prone skin can get so much better with the right care.

[catherinebrockington]

I was diagnosed with rosacea in my 30s and was prescribed a number of topical products. It wasn’t until I switched my skin care products to all sensitive, no scent products that my skin cleared. No flares for the past 35 years.
Throw out all your scented products for your best health.

[MichelleA]

I would love to hear your thoughts on rosacea + melasma. Also, ocular rosacea! Thanks!!

[hannahughes]

I have been using the vanicream face wash and love how it is for sensitive skin but still suds up and makes my face feel very clean unlike some other sensitive face washes that I have tried and didn't feel good on my skin like cerave and some others. Thanks for the recommendations and tips!

[zena]

I appreciate your honesty, I was just diagnosed and looking for understanding my options