Commonly mistaken for acne, rosacea is a beauty woe that plagues more than 400 million individuals worldwide, yet not enough awareness is built around it. Although it may look like acne at first glance, it requires a vastly different treatment as unsuitable skincare products could potentially exacerbate rosacea.
So, what exactly is rosacea? It is a chronic skin disorder that causes inflammation on the skin, usually around the T-zone, cheeks, eyelids, and forehead. Flare-ups of rosacea typically lead to flushing of the skin and pus-filled bumps around the affected areas. Aside from that, individuals who suffer from rosacea have very sensitive skin, which is why only specially formulated skincare products can be used to treat the condition, in order to avoid further skin irritation.
While the cause of rosacea is yet to be determined, it is believed to be attributed to environmental aggressors and genetic inheritance. If you are between the ages of 30 and 60, have fair skin and have a family history of rosacea, you would be more likely to develop this condition. But, fret not! Here are 6 ways to help you deal with this skin woe, without letting it get in the way of attaining a rejuvenated, radiant complexion.
Know Your Triggers
To minimise your flare-ups, a good place to start is understanding what sets off rosacea and avoiding your triggers. There are a number of factors that aggravate this skin woe, which includes hot beverages and spicy food, overly dry climates, hot weather, prolonged exposure to sunlight, stress, strenuous physical activities and certain types of medication. As each individual may have a different set of triggers, the first step would be to find out what contributes to your flare-ups and how you can avoid triggering an outbreak.
Camouflage The Redness
While it is impossible to make the redness go away, you can certainly conceal it with makeup. To minimise the appearance of blotchy redness and inflamed blemishes, look towards colour correcting with a green-tinted base or concealer to neutralise the reddish undertones before applying the rest of your makeup. On the other hand, it is important to look for makeup products that are not too overwhelming for your sensitive skin and consider using mineral-based makeup instead. Formulated without preservatives or ingredients that could irritate the skin, such makeup products can hide the appearance of rosacea, and at the same time, protect it from further inflammation.
Use Sunscreen Religiously
A common trigger for rosacea is sunlight, as UV rays could induce the formation of free radicals that could further irritate the skin. Aside from avoiding the midday sun as much as possible, it is essential to slather on sunscreen on your complexion before you step out of your home. However, choosing a sunscreen that is safe to use on rosacea-prone skin can be tricky. Consider getting sunscreen with physical-blocking agents instead of chemical blockers to avoid skin irritation and ensure lasting protection throughout the day. As such, look towards ingredients such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and niacinamide to reduce redness and prevent further aggravation of the skin.
See A Dermatologist
More often than not, individuals who suffer from rosacea may not even know that they have it, and even exacerbate their skin condition with skincare solutions that are simply not suitable for their skin type. To make sure that your skin receives the care that it deserves, it is important to see a dermatologist to assess your skin type and receive professional advice on how to treat it. While a cure for this skin condition has yet to be found, a professional can prescribe you the appropriate topical medication and options you can undertake to minimise the appearance of rosacea.
Care For Your Skin
When it comes to caring for rosacea, a good skincare regimen is key to ease the redness and sensitivity. That said, remember to moisturise and hydrate your skin to keep dryness at bay. Since dryness is also a common trigger for flare-ups, it is recommended to use a barrier repair cream formulated with skin-boosting ceramides to fortify the skin and eliminate painful bumps. Do also treat your skin gently to prevent stinging or further skin irritation. Air dry your skin after cleansing instead of using a towel, as rubbing the skin with a harsh material could increase dryness and even lead to microtears within the epidermis.
Take It Easy On The Wine
With the flushing that comes with drinking, alcohol is a contributing factor of rosacea. Wine lovers out there may be disappointed, but limiting yourself to a glass or two every once in a while can actually do your skin some good and keep flare-ups away. Besides, research has also proven that even drinking one to three glasses of wine each month could potentially increase your risk of developing rosacea by 14%, and the figure could go up to 50% if five or more glasses are consumed per week.