Rosacea, or acne rosacea, is a chronic skin disorder, which typically appears as a red, rash-like "mask" around the nose and cheeks, and sometimes the forehead and chin. Initially, rosacea may start with a simple flushing of the face, often after drinking alcohol or hot drinks, or eating spicy or citrus foods. In time, people with this condition may develop permanently enlarged "spider veins" (telangiectasia), small raised acne-like lumps, permanent redness, and/or stinging in the face.

How do I know if I have Rosacea?

If you say yes to one or more of the following symptoms, you may have rosacea and should contact your healthcare and skincare professional.

• My face has a burning and/or stinging sensation
• When I blush, it develops into persistent redness
• I have what looks like "pimples" on my face
• I have "spider veins" showing on my face
• My eyes feel gritty and uncomfortable
• My skin feels likes it has thickened, particularly on my nose
• When I eat spicy foods or drink hot liquids/alcohol, my skin becomes irritated

Onset of rosacea usually occurs after age 30, particularly in fair-skinned individuals. It affects women more often than men, but more severe symptoms are more likely to occur in men. There is no known cause and no one "cure" for rosacea. But rest assured, the condition is neither contagious nor life threatening.

Tips for Rosacea-prone skin

• Avoid factors that increase your core body temperature, such as sun exposure, spicy food, hot drinks, caffeine, and alcohol.
• Exposure to cold and wind may also exacerbate rosacea.
• Exercise - You should exercise in cool surroundings and avoid dehydration
• Cosmetics - You should avoid greasy, drying, or perfumed products.
• Avoid hot water, loofahs, and rough towels
• Avoid exfoliating agents and astringents
• Sometimes it is difficult, but try to avoid as much emotional stress as possible.
• Keep a diary of symptoms and what triggers them.
• Medications –Vasodilating drugs (drugs that expand your blood vessels, i.e. Nitroglycerin, ACE Inhibitors) and topical steroids (i.e. hydrocortisone) can aggravate and even worsen rosacea. But… NEVER stop taking any medication without guidance from your physician. Make sure you discuss your skin condition and medications with your physician and talk with him/her about all possible treatment options.

Caring for Rosacea

When it comes to skin care, rosacea sufferers should opt for gentle formulations and avoid harsh ingredients like fruit acids or Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs). Soap-free cleansers, particularly those formulated for sensitive skin should be the product of choice for facial cleansing. Rosacea-prone skin also tends to be dry. Applying a rich moisturizer and ensuring you get enough omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in your daily diet can help soothe dryness. Sun protection should be used religiously (and not just by rosacea sufferers)! Choose sunscreens with a high SPF that are water-resistant and non-irritating. Oil-free sunscreens containing silicones (dimethicone, cyclomethicone) are good choices.

The biggest concern for most individuals with rosacea is the appearance of it on the skin. Using green-tinted color correctors will help counteract some of the redness. The key to remember is your cosmetics should be gentle and non-irritating. Mineral makeup is one of the most natural and healthy choices you can make for your skin. Minerals offer natural UVA/UVB protection, and are good for any skin type – even rosacea-prone, sensitive and post-procedure. Our Lueur Jeune line is specially formulated to protect, nourish, and rejuvenate skin, while providing long-lasting coverage... and we have several skin type foundation to choose from!

Article by Donna Standridge
CEO Saphoros Skincare Co

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