Rosacea Dos and Don'ts

Although we have come along leaps and bounds in terms of our understanding of this disease, being diagnosed with rosacea and finding appropriate treatment can still be incredibly difficult. In this blog, we're not only looking at the basic facts about rosacea, but also highlighting some dos and don'ts for those who find themselves suffering from this common condition!

Let’s start with the facts: What is rosacea? Rosacea is medically understood to be a disease – more accurately, a chronic disorder of the facial skin – with a wide variety of signs and symptoms that affect millions of people worldwide every year. It usually begins at almost any time after age 30, appearing in both men and women and can become more persistent as the person ages.

The exact cause of rosacea is still unknown, though there are various theories. Recent research suggests an inflammatory reaction occurs in the skin, resulting in widened, weakened capillaries. The symptoms include a flushing or reddening of the cheeks, nose and forehead that can come and go, but becomes ruddier and more persistent over time. Small blood vessels may also appear and, if left untreated, bumps and pimples can also develop. In extreme cases, the nose can become swollen from excess tissue and in about half of cases, the eyes can also become affected, appearing bloodshot and watery. All in all, a rather uncomfortable situation to find yourself in and one that can leave someone feeling embarrassed about the state of their skin.

Rosacea usually occurs more often in women than in men, but in men the symptoms are generally more severe. It also more obviously affects those with a lighter skin complexion, as the redness is more apparent. Rosacea actually affects one in ten people in the UK, so if you’re feeling a little shy about your complexion, you have nothing to worry about! There are millions of others out there who are dealing with it as best they can, just like you!

If you think you may be suffering from rosacea, finding a good dermatologist can set you on the path to managing your symptoms. Whilst there is no cure currently, there are definitely things you can do to help reduce the redness and discomfort and skin irritation that comes with it. With that in mind, here is Rosalique’s list of the top three DOs and DON’Ts for people dealing with Rosacea:

DOs

1. Avoid common skin irritants in skincare products or, at least, make sure you’re using products specifically designed for sensitive skin. Sensitive skin and rosacea often go hand in hand, so be sure to avoid anything containing harsh chemicals and try using natural remedies where possible.
2. Moisturise! Keeping skin lubricated and stretchy is vital in combatting rosacea flare-ups. Make sure to lather yourself up in sensitive areas several times a day. Bonus points if your moisturiser contains anti-inflammatory ingredients like Rosalique!
3. Make sure you stick to a diet that is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory foods, such as olive oil, green leafy veg, healthy fats, such as those found in fatty fish, as well as lots of fruit, like strawberries, tomatoes and oranges.

DON'Ts

1. Don’t sunbathe. That might not be such a hard thing to do in the UK, but it’s still important to manage your exposure to the sun. Make sure to wear SPF 30 sun cream throughout the day when the sun peeks his head out, to make sure your skin isn’t affected by the UV rays. Rosalique contains SPF50, offering you plenty of protection!
2. Don’t consume foods that aggravate your skin, such as alcohol, or those that are hot and spicy, or high in sugar.
3. The most important one: Don’t feel embarrassed! Easier said than done, we know, but it’s vital to remember that our skin flaws are much more apparent to ourselves than they are to anyone else. Remember that others may find your rosy cheeks beautiful and charming, but Rosalique is there to provide you with a little bit of extra coverage and confidence whenever you feel like you need it.

Hopefully, this article have given you some insight into what rosacea is and how it affects people around the world. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re struggling but, at the end of the day, it’s so important to remember that you’re beautiful in your skin, however it happens to look today.