Rosacea – symptoms and available treatments

Rosacea is a long-term chronic inflammatory skin condition that mainly affects the face.

The cause of rosacea isn’t fully known but what is known is that it often runs in the family, so genetics play a part. Other research has shown that it could be linked to the immune system, skin mites and environmental factors.

I was diagnosed when I was 30. The biggest issue for me is the embarrassment the redness causes; you feel the flush happening and there’s nothing you can do about it. I find drinking alcohol, eating spicy foods and extreme weather conditions have a negative impact on my skin. IPL treatments has become a regular part of my skin regime and has been the most effective way to treat my rosacea. Intense pulsed light treatments use targeted narrow beams of light to kill off the dilated blood vessels that cause flushing, with minimal damage to the surrounding area.

• Redness – blushing across the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin area
• Tiny broken blood vessels that do not go away. They appear mostly on the cheeks and nose
• Small, pink or red bumps sometimes filled with white/yellow liquid
• Patches of rough, dry skin
• Large pores
• Spots that look like acne
• Sensitive skin

• It is so important to wear SPF – 30/50SPF every day to protect against UVA and UVB is a must even in winter months
• Avoid direct sun or heat treatments
• Use gentle skincare products and keep it quite basic, to avoid irritating the skin
• Keeping your skin hydrated and moisturised can help, it will be soothing and help with the appearance
• Take Omega-3 supplements

I never had any luck with the topicals creams prescribed by the doctor, which felt like it was burning through my skin and subsequently made everything worse so when it comes to skin-care product for rosacea, simplicity and routine are key. I have long been a fan of Cerave products and Bioderma features very heavily in my routine. While my specific regime may not work for everyone the following products have helped me:

I never had any luck with the topicals creams prescribed by the doctor, which felt like it was burning through my skin and subsequently made everything worse so when it comes to skin-care product for rosacea, simplicity and routine are key. I have long been a fan of Cerave products and Bioderma features very heavily in my routine. While my specific regime may not work for everyone the following products have helped me:

Hydrating Cleanser by Cerave, £9.50

One thing you’ll find nice about this cleanser is that it also provides hydration while cleansing your skin. It can penetrate your skin’s deeper layers to ensure that it’s hydrated from within.

SkinCeuticals Redness Neutralizer, £52.50

SkinCeuticals’s redness-targeting formula to their patients. This works by strengthening the skin’s defence against environmental triggers like temperature, weather, and sun exposure, which can trigger rosacea flares.

Dr. Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment, £12

My miracle go to product- It goes on cooling and smooth, is easy to blend in, and will make you look in the mirror five minutes later wondering where all that redness went!

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel-Cream, £12.99

This packs in hyaluronic acid for a soothing effect on parched, irritated skin. It won’t clog your pores.If you have rosacea, you’ll appreciate it’s color-correcting talents.

Image Credit: Neutrogena

La Roche Posay Anthelios Pocket Sun Cream, £7.50

Specially formulated for sensitive skin, it delivers broad spectrum protection and won’t clog your pores.

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream Original SPF 50+, £27.20

Boasting full-coverage, a slew of skincare super ingredients, and a physical sunscreen of SPF 50, it’s a game-changer.

Photoderm MAX Crème SPF 50+, £17.00

Offers optimised protection against UV rays. With a moisturizing texture and colour that evens skin tone, especially suitable for sensitive to very dry skin.

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating gel cream, £30.00

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream is a tinted moisturizer so in addition to moisturizing, it covers the skin, with a buildable coverage. It’s formulated with mineral-based, broad-spectrum SPF 30 and comprised of 98 percent natural ingredients.

Re-educate yourself on living with rosacea and supporting your mental wellbeing. I’ve finally accepted my rosy cheeks and love reading other recommendations of products and testing them myself, even though my bank balance doesn’t.

Image Credit: bareMinerals