the present invention is directed to the treatment of skin erythema as exhibited in rosacea and other conditions characterized by increased erythema of the skin . these conditions exhibit dilation of blood vessels due to a cutaneous vascular hyper - reactivity . in particular , the present invention is directed to a novel composition and method for the treatment of skin erythema using α 1 - adrenergic receptor agonists incorporated into cosmetic , pharmacological or dermatological compositions for topical application to the skin .