Five rungs, from gentle skincare to laser
Rosacea treatment is a ladder, not a leap. Start at the bottom, climb only when you need to. Filter by your subtype to see which rungs matter most for you.
- Non-foaming, fragrance-free cleanser (lukewarm water only)
- Ceramide-based moisturiser, morning and night
- Mineral SPF 30+ (zinc/titanium) every single morning
- Strip out actives, fragrance, and physical scrubs while the barrier heals
A calmer, less reactive baseline over the first weeks. This rung alone keeps many mild cases in check and is the foundation every other rung sits on.
If redness or bumps persist after 4 weeks of consistent gentle care, add an OTC active (Rung 2).
The ladder is read bottom-to-top. Most people stay on Rungs 1–3. Evidence grades A–D follow AAD/NRS/Cochrane guidance. How we grade →
Find your starting rung — take the quiz →Common evidence-backed combinations
Rosacea is often treated with more than one rung at once. These pairings appear repeatedly in clinical guidelines — always under clinician guidance.
Topical ivermectin plus sub-antimicrobial oral doxycycline — faster control of inflammatory lesions than either alone.
The most-recommended OTC pairing — active treatment plus the single biggest preventive step.
Daytime redness control while laser sessions reduce the underlying vessels over time.
Treatment by subtype
Where each subtype typically starts and climbs on the ladder.
Type 1 · ETR — Redness & vessels
Type 2 · PPR — Bumps & pustules
Type 3 · Phyma — Skin thickening
Type 4 · Ocular — Eye symptoms
Ready for Rungs 3–4?
Prescription topicals and orals are available online without a six-week derm waitlist. Musely is our top pick for rosacea-specific custom formulas.
Ranked on rosacea fit, not commissionLicensed US providers FTC disclosure →