HOW TO MANAGE ROSACEA
What's happening to your beautiful skin? It's red and blotchy! It could be rosacea. Rosacea (roe-ZAY-she-uh) is a common skin condition that causes blushing or flushing and visible blood vessels in your face. It may also produce small, pus-filled bumps. These signs and symptoms may flare up for weeks to months and then go away for awhile. Rosacea is one of the most common skin complaints seen by dermatologists, but most don’t know the name for what they’re experiencing!
HOW TO MANAGE ROSACEA
Rosacea is one of the most common skin complaints seen by dermatologists. Rosacea is more common in women and while medical intervention may be needed, a targeted skincare routine, combined with good lifestyle choices will help improve the sensitive skin condition and boosting your skins confidence. Unfortunately the the cause of rosacea are unknown. As rosacea worsens with age, early treatment and management through the right skincare can be highly beneficial.
WHAT IS ROSACEA?
Rosacea, or acne rosacea, is a non-contagious skin inflammation that exclusively affects the face. The small surface blood vessels (capillaries) of the skin enlarge, giving the appearance of a permanent flush. The forehead, cheeks and chin may develop yellow-headed pimples. Unlike acne, rosacea does not scar. Rosacea manifests through extreme skin sensitivity. Temporary redness – which can become permanent, small dilated blood vessels, and spots on the cheeks, sides of the nose or chin are key signs, often accompanied by dry, irritated eyes. As well as these visible signs, rosacea sufferers experience discomfort in the form of stinging, hot flashes, tightness and burning sensations.
4 STAGES OF ROSACEA
If you have had experience with rosacea you may know that there are four stages it goes through as it progresses. These stages are known as pre-rosacea, mild rosacea, moderate rosacea and severe rosacea and has periods of worsening and respite. In the pre-rosacea stage, you will experience facial redness induced by flushing and it continues for an abnormal length of time after the trigger is over due to facial blood vessels remaining open. Stage 2 is shown by diffuse redness and the appearance of small vessels on the skin’s surface. Stage 3 is when the facial redness persists for days or even weeks and small spots – sometimes with white heads – emerge. In stage 4, intense episodes of facial flushing, severe inflammation, swelling, facial pain and debilitating burning sensations. In some cases the skin is thickened, and areas of swelling may occur. This severe form of rosacea is more common in men.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND LIFESTYLE TRIGGERS
There are many environmental and lifestyle factors that contribute to rosacea flare-ups. Exposure to the sun, sudden temperature changes, cold winds, warm environments such as saunas and centrally heated rooms, exercising and hot baths and showers are common triggers. Alcohol, certain foods including dairy and spicy foods, topical steroids, and physical exertion/exercise also come into play. As do stress, anxiety, and menopause. Skincare and cosmetics containing alcohol and fragrance can also be problematic. So do you need to avoid all of these? No, let's give you a plan.
YOUR 4-STEP ROSACEA ACTION PLAN
STEP 1: USE DAILY SUN PROTECTION
Sun exposure was ranked as the leading rosacea trigger by 61 percent of rosacea patients in a National Rosacea Society survey. Beyond triggering flare-ups, researchers have found that sun exposure may potentially cause blood vessel damage that is associated with rosacea. Therefore, remember to wear physical sun protection, like a hat, and use sunscreen that is specially formulated for maximum tolerance for ultra-sensitive and reactive skin, including rosacea.
STEP 2: AVOID COMMON TRIGGERS
You may not know what your triggers are, so it may be a good idea to start a journal of what you have eaten or done, just before a flare up. Then you will be able to find your unique triggers and see if you would like to limit your exposure to them if possible.
STEP 3: STRENGTHEN & SOOTHE AT THE SOURCE
You will find that certain creams and skincare cause a reaction on your sensitive skin. Aussenskin products are formulated by a cosmetic chemist specifically for sensitive skin. In your skincare routine, include skincare with ingredients such as Shea butter with its antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties and anti-ageing abilities, shea butter protects against UV exposure and repairs the epidermal barrier - found in our Davidson Plum Rich Night Cream. Sea buckthorn is a nutrient-rich ingredient filled with fatty acids, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory abilities. As a result, sea buckthorn is great for deeply moisturising the skin, protecting the skin barriers from environmental damage and reducing redness and irritation. Its ability to penetrate the skin’s layer and replenish moisture makes sea buckthorn perfect for sensitive skin - found in our Sea Buckthorn eye cream. Aloe Vera contains enzymes, antioxidants, vitamins A and C which can treat burns, acne, dry skin and many other skin issues. It is highly inflammatory too. With all these benefits, Aloe Vera is definitely good for face. It's suitable for all skin types so you can apply on sensitive skin as well - found in our Milk Thistle Cream Cleanser. Jojoba oil is considered to be a natural hypoallergenic so it’s great for sensitive or problematic skin. It also builds moisture retention and is filled with antioxidants and Vitamin E, so it’s great for calming areas of inflammation and promoting healing found in our rejuvenating rich night cream.
If you seek medical intervention, your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic such as doxycycline (Oracea, others) for moderate to severe rosacea with bumps and pimples. Oral acne drug. If you have severe rosacea that doesn't respond to other therapies, your doctor may suggest isotretinoin (Amnesteem, Claravis, others).
STEP 4: CORRECT WITH DERMATOLOGICAL MAKEUP
You will be wanting to find makeup that will help balance out redness, without further triggering the condition. Therefore, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and non-irritating formulas are key.
