You probably know that Rosacea is a chronic skin condition. The symptoms include redness, facial flushing, and imperfections on the skin. Looking for the best rosacea routine? Here it comes!
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a skin condition that causes flushing or blushing in the face. It also results in visible blood vessels in your face. In some cases, it can produce small bumps filled with pus. These symptoms can flare up at any time and last for weeks or even months, then disappear for a while. Some people mistake rosacea for acne and other skin issues.
It’s a condition that can affect anyone; however, it’s most commonly seen in white, middle-aged women. Currently, there is no cure for rosacea; however, the proper treatment and skincare routine can help to reduce flare-ups and symptoms.
Diagnosing Rosacea: How to Tell if You Have It
There are no specific tests used for diagnosing rosacea. Instead, when you go to the doctor, they will rely on your symptom history and examine your skin. They may conduct other tests to rule out other possible conditions, like lupus or psoriasis.
Studies have shown that in individuals of color, rosacea is often misdiagnosed or even missed because it is believed to be seborrheic dermatitis or an allergic reaction.
For those who are dealing with rosacea that impacts their eyes, their doctor may wind up referring them to an eye specialist to be evaluated.
It’s also helpful to know some of the potential causes of this skin condition. These include:
- Genes: Sometimes, cases of rosacea run in families.
- Issues with blood vessels: Sometimes, skin redness is due to issues with blood vessels in your face. In some people, sun damage can result in them becoming wider, which makes them easier to see under the skin.
- Mites: A mite is a tiny insect. Demodex folliculorum is a type of mite that lives on the skin and typically is not harmful. However, there are some people who are sensitive to their presence and because of this, they deal with more bugs than usual. If excess mites are present, they can cause skin irritation.
- Bacteria: One type is called H. pylori, which commonly resides in your gut. Some studies have shown that this bacteria can increase gastrin, which is a digestive hormone that can cause the skin on your face to appear flushed.
There are other factors that may make you more at risk for rosacea. This includes:
- Having blue eyes, blonde hair, and light skin
- Being a woman
- Being between the ages of 30 and 50
- Smoking
- Having severe acne
- Having family members who have rosacea
Cleansing your Face
Dermatologists recommend that you cleanse your face twice per day, very gently. Some people who deal with this condition avoid washing their face enough. While this is understandable since it already feels irritated, it’s important to cleanse the skin.
To do this without causing additional irritation, use a mild cleanser and avoid soap. You should use your fingers to apply the cleanser and use a circular motion. Rinse using lukewarm water and make sure that all the cleanser is off your skin to prevent additional irritation. Dry your face by patting it with a clean towel.
Hydration and Moisturizer
There are professional studies that have proven when you apply the right moisturizer or repair cream to your skin, it can help improve treatment results.
It doesn’t matter if your skin feels oily or dry due to the condition, it’s important to use a quality moisturizer. When you moisturize your skin, it helps it stay hydrated by trapping water inside the cells. This will help to reduce irritation and make it feel more comfortable.
Protecting Your Skin from UV Rays
Exposure to the sun can worsen cases of rosacea. It’s a common issue and one of the most common causes of flare-ups. Even those with darker complexions can experience a flare-up after they spend time in the sun.
To help prevent these flare-ups, you should wear sunscreen when you are going outdoors. Even if it is cloudy outside, it’s a good idea to use sunscreen.
You need to find a sunscreen that won’t irritate your already sensitive skin. Try to find a sunscreen that has the following qualities:
- Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or both of these
- Silicone
- SPF 30 or more
- Broad-spectrum protection
- No fragrance (avoid unscented products)
Find a Facial Serum that Soothes
While serums are not a replacement for a quality moisturizer, they can provide a type of “power boost” for your skin, especially if you are dealing with rosacea. When searching for the right serum, try to find one with active ingredients that will help to reduce cases of irritation and redness. You also want one that will get deep in your skin to help the affected areas. By looking for this type of serum, you can feel confident that it will boost the work your regular skincare routine is doing.
Choose Rosacea Friendly Skincare Products
When dealing with rosacea, there are some skin care products that may cause additional irritation. While the right cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen can help reduce your skin’s sensitivity, you want to ensure that you are choosing the right skincare products.
When you are shopping for skincare products, it’s a good idea to look at the ingredients carefully. If you want to avoid purchasing a product that may cause additional irritation, you should avoid products that contain any of the following ingredients:
- Urea
- Alcohol
- Sodium laurel sulfate
- Camphor
- Menthol
- Fragrance
- Lactic acid
- Glycolic acid
To help reduce irritation, you should also choose cream products rather than gels or lotions. Also, avoid using any type of toner or astringent.
It’s smart to test any skin care products you have purchased before you put them on your face. This is especially important when you purchase a new product.
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Always be Gentle on Your Skin
It’s important to note that anything that causes skin irritation can worsen cases of rosacea. If you want to prevent this, you must avoid scrubbing or rubbing your face. This means that you should not use facial sponges, washcloths, or use exfoliating products.
What Helps Rosacea Go Away?
It’s important to understand that there is no cure for rosacea. However, the right treatment can help reduce flare-ups and symptoms.
Sometimes you need a doctor to treat rosacea. For mild to moderate rosacea, your doctor may prescribe a cream or gel. Some of the common ones they prescribe include:
- Brimonidine (Mirvaso): This is a type of gel that works to tighten the blood vessels in your skin and eliminate some of the redness that is present.
- Azelaic acid: This is a gel and foam that works to clear up redness, swelling, and bumps.
- Metronidazole (Flagyl) and doxycycline: These are antibiotics that will kill the bacteria present on your skin and reduce cases of swelling and redness.
- Isotretinoin: An acne medication that helps to clear up skin bumps.
- Ivermectin and oxymetazoline: Topicals that can be used to treat rosacea.
It’s important to note that it can take several weeks or even months for these products to help your conditions improve. In some cases, your doctor may also recommend procedures to help treat rosacea, such as lasers to eliminate enlarged blood vessels, dermabrasion, and electrocautery.
Conclusion
Our rosacea skincare routines really need to be tailored to our own unique skin and needs, but hopefully, these tips will prove useful. At the very least, they can help to soothe your skin while you get treatment. We wish you soft, smooth, and beautiful skin all year long…
And we’d love to hear from you? Are there rosacea tips that have worked for you? Have we missed any? We read every comment.
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