Do you have to increase your restroom visits during the night just to splash
cold water on your skin? Are you conscious about your skin flushing red in
during physical exertion? Or maybe your face starts pulsating and swelling up
with pustules all over in between a lecture in college.
I was referring to the flushing of the skin which is similar to an acne rash. You probably already know it. You have a skin condition more commonly known as Rosacea.
Rosacea is a widespread disease affecting more than 450 million people in the world and is commonly mistaken for acne. Nonetheless, you can always opt for various skincare routines to create a noticeable difference.
But before I get into a skincare routine guide for Rosacea, lets first give you a clear picture of what Rosacea really is.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a skin condition where your dermis undergoes hot flushes with pulsations and is associated with redness. Various factors like hormonal imbalance, genetics, improper diet or blood vessel abnormalities can contribute to its cause.
However, you will find it to be more prevalent in fair complexion and is prominent in ages over 30. You might experience symptoms like swollen skin, eyelid bumps, large pores, a burning or stinging sensation and sometimes your vision too can be compromised.
Skincare for Rosacea
As a dermatologist, I have treated numerous cases of Rosacea. Some came to me thinking it’s acne. The symptoms of both are quite similar.
If you have been diagnosed with Rosacea, or fear you have it, then try out this skincare for Rosacea:
Identify Your Triggers
Just as we human beings are distinct from each other, so is our skin! Hence we all face different triggers for any skin related problems. The same goes for Rosacea i.e you will have a different trigger as compared to others – what you need to do is to identify it.
A few causes may include the use of makeup products, cleansers or even moisturizers as they have ingredients that may cause a reaction to your skin.
What you can do is before implementing any of the above products in your daily routine, maybe use them for a trial and error period by applying them to a small skin patch area and watch carefully for its results. Ensure that it does not result in a burning or stinging sensation with no added redness. In case, it causes your skin to be irritant, stop using it.
Do Not Keep The Skin Dry
Be smart about skincare routine. Check the product ingredients before purchase. Avoid products that have the potential to keep your skin dry. Avoid all products that have the following ingredients if you have Rosacea:
- Alcohol
- Eucalyptus oil
- Fragrances
- Witch hazel
- Camphor
- Peppermint
- Menthol
- Propylene glycol
Go Mild
Make sure the products that you are using have mild and minimum ingredients with no additional fragrance as it can lead to skin irritation, In fact, before purchasing one, always go for its sample first, for a trial basis.
Don’t Forget To Use Sunscreen Daily
You might not know, but Sunlight has been proven as the most common trigger for people who are facing Rosacea. Dermatologists often recommend the use of sunscreen to help ease your misery. Again I would say, check your ingredients in the sunscreen. Some sunscreen ingredients might be bad for your Rosacea.
Before buying sunscreen, check that it is free of chemical blockers like zinc or titanium oxide which are known as skin irritants. Instead, find a sunscreen with Niacinamide in its ingredients, as it decreases face redness.
Moisturizing Is The Key!
Moisturizers act as counter repair creams made up of ceramides which can help restore skin properties. Moreover, ceramides prevent skin water loss.
Plus, avoid lotions to moisturize your skin. Instead, start using creams, as lotions can lead to dry skin due to its alcohol-based components.
Do Not Use Hot Water
A piece of advice for life is to never use hot water as it dries up your skin and is a Rosacea stimulant. You can use warm luke water as an alternative while washing your face or bathing.
Be Gentle With Your Skin
Be gentle with your skin. Make sure you use your fingertips during cream or moisturizer applications. In fact, learn to dab your skin with a soft sponge or towel after a wash, instead of rubbing it.
Allow your skin to breathe from the use of makeups or creams, else it can often cause a burning sensation. Don’t use excessive pressure while scrubbing as it can cause redness or even irritate your skin.
Be Specific About The Makeup You Choose
You might revert to makeup as your last resort to hide the visible effects of Rosacea, but what you need to be aware of is that often makeup can leave your skin to become irritated or dried up.
You need to incorporate mineral-based products that are compliant with Rosacea since they contain no additives to cause skin irritation or redness. If you wish to hide the redness then let me tell you what secret product I use for my own skin. Well, a green or a yellow color corrector does wonders for me and I’m sure it will for you too.
Lastly, try to find a Silicone-based foundation as it has components that aim to protect your skin.
It’s Not Just Your Facial Skin
Since it’s an established fact that Rosacea influences the facial skin, what many of you don’t know is that people who have sensitive skin may incur its effects throughout their body parts. So make sure that you take care of all your body skin instead of just restricting yourself to the face.
Once you adopt a stable skincare routine for Rosacea, you will definitely notice changes in your skin. So don’t wait to look beautiful, just go ahead and flaunt your beauty.
Best Rosacea Dermatologist in Ontario
If your Rosacea has not been diagnosed by a dermatologist, then I would suggest you get a diagnosis first before trying to adopt any skincare for Rosacea.
About Safaa Elbanna
Safaa Elbanna is a certified Homeopath and Skincare Practitioner. Safaa helps busy working ladies to avoid the aging effect of physical and mental stress, especially on the skin through natural homeopathy medicines and techniques
