A method for topical treatment of rosacea comprising application of a formulation to the affected area is disclosed. The formulation comprises one or more iron chelators. Omadine, a bispyrithione salt, and kojic acid are the preferred iron chelators. The formulation also comprises one or more false substrates for arachidonic acid. The preferred false substrates for arachidonic acid are alpha-linoleic acid and gamma dihomo-linolenic acid. The formulation further comprises an inhibitor of stratum corneum tryptic enzyme (SCTE). A preferred stratum corneum tryptic enzyme inhibitor is zinc. The formulation also preferably includes one or more medium-chain saturated fatty acid monoester. The preferred medium-chain fatty acid monoesters are glycerol monolaurate and glycerol monocaprylate. Formulation components are solubilized in a suitable carrier base which includes emollient, humectant, antioxidant and sunscreen components. The method preferably comprises application of a leave-on formulation. Alternatively, a pre-step of application of a rinse-off formulation containing a higher concentration of an iron chelator may be employed in the regimen.
