Department of Dermatology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Las Vegas, USA.
Certain skin characteristics, such as altered vascular reactivity, appear to be common among patients with rosacea. This may partly explain the observation that these patients appear to have increased sensitivity to certain components of commonly used topical agents. Accordingly, patients with rosacea should be educated regarding which general skin care products to use and to avoid. This review summarizes information regarding 3 classes of these products--cleansers, moisturizers, and photoprotectants--with emphasis on barrier function and skin irritation.