One in ten people in the UK have a skin condition known as Rosacea. Many don’t know they have it and simply think they have flushed skin, others feel embarrassed or ashamed of their redness and rashes which can lead to low self-esteem and even depression. That’s why it’s important to know what the symptoms are as well as the treatments available to help you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a skin condition characterised by persistent redness caused by dilated blood vessels, small bumps and pus-filled spots similar to acne. It usually affects the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose as well as the surface of the eyes and eyelids – the skin may feel hot and sting. It’s more common in women, though can be more severe in men, and usually affects people aged 30-50.
The cause of Rosacea is unknown, but it can be triggered by sunshine, stress, diet, exercise, spicy food, alcohol and extremes of temperature. The condition typically comes and goes, meaning understanding what causes your flare ups and how to best treat them is key to minimising its impact.
How do I treat Rosacea?
There are some medical treatments for severe Rosacea such as antibiotics which you can get from your doctor, but if there are also a lot of things you can do at home that will help. Here’s 3 top tips to help you regain control of your skin!
1 – Protect your skin from the sun using a suncream or a gentle moisturiser with an SPF of at least 30. Our favourite is Ultrasun Face Anti-Ageing SPF50+ 50ml which is perfect for sensitive skin and is waterproof so won’t budge when you’re enjoying the sunshine.
2 – Avoid scrubbing your face or using harsh cleansers on your skin, as they can irritate your Rosacea and make the skin dry and painful. Instead, try CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser 236ml, which gently removes dirt and makeup without drying the skin. It has CeraVe’s MVE Technology, a patented delivery system which releases hydration gradually to keep the skin soft and supple long after you apply.
3 – Reduce your skin’s redness and inflammation using calming, natural ingredients. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% 30ml is a brightening gel with Azelaic Acid (found in grains) which improves the texture of skin whilst giving you a healthy glow. It visibly reduces blemishes and areas of uneven pigmentation, without irritation.
You can also try Rosalique 3-In-1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula SPF25 30ml which is great for sensitive skin that suffers from redness and irritation. Inflammation is reduced and controlled with it’s five active ingredients whilst micro-encapsulated colour pigments effectively camouflage the redness. That’s not all! SPF25 filters provide UV protection, preventing further irritation. Talk about a triple threat!
The next one sounds a little gross, but trust us, it works! Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence 60ml contains protein-rich Snail Secretion Filtrate in place of water, which cools and hydrates the skin. Arbutin and Adenosine brighten the complexion, enhancing its texture and evening out wrinkles. Free from parabens, mineral oil, alcohol and chemical preservatives, it’s ideal for sensitive skin!
