Rosacea skin needs extra TLC and we’re here to make it easy. While there is no cure, there are remedies and skin care products that help treat and reduce the symptoms.
Our Team of caring and professional experts at Temple have listed ways to care for rosacea-prone skin. With these in mind, and with our help and guidance, you can enjoy calm and soothed skin without the redness, sting and inflammation.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Studies estimate that around 5% of people worldwide struggle with the condition. It is characterized by redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels on the face, as well as the development of small, red, and pus-filled bumps or pimples. While there is no known cure for rosacea, it can be managed through proper skin care and lifestyle changes.
How do you know it’s Rosacea and not just Redness?
There are four types of rosacea:
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- Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR) – facial redness particularly in the centre, flushing, visible vessels, sensitive tingling and burning skin sensations, skin can be dry rough and scaly.
- Papulopustular rosacea (acne) – acne like breakouts often affecting middle aged women, very red and oily skin, can have raised patches of skin.
- Rhinophyma – this is rare and often effects men with thickening of the skin on the nose, chin and ears, large pores, broken blood vessels.
- Ocular rosacea – symptoms effect the eye area, blood shot and watery eyes feeling gritty, irritated eyes with cysts, diminished vision, broken vessels on eyelids.
If still unsure, your Temple Therapist can easily help in doing so.
1. Identify Your Triggers
The first step in managing rosacea is to identify your triggers. Triggers can be anything that causes your skin to flare up and become inflamed. Common triggers include sun exposure, stress, alcohol, spicy foods, and hot beverages. Once you have identified your triggers, you can take steps to avoid or minimize them. Keep a journal of when a flareup happens and note down activities or food that may have affected the condition. Over time, it will be easier to define the patterns that aggravate your rosacea.
2. Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Sun exposure is a common trigger for rosacea, so it is essential to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even on cloudy days. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and seek shade during peak sun hours.
The sun and even warm environments cause vascular endothelial growth factors to go overdrive. This is linked to the growth of new blood vessels hence the flushness and swelling.
3. Use Gentle Skin Care Products
Rosacea skin is delicate and sensitive, so it is important to use gentle skin care products that do not irritate or inflame the skin. Look for fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic products. Avoid products that contain alcohol, witch hazel, menthol, and eucalyptus, as these can be irritating to the skin.
Choose ones that have Vitamin C. The anti-inflammatory properties and bioflavonoids help in strengthening weakened blood vessels. Aside from this, because it is anti-oxidant rich, it also supports the skin to combat free radicals.
- Use a Gentle Cleanser
Cleansing your skin is essential to remove dirt, oil, and makeup, but harsh cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils and cause irritation. Look for a gentle, non-foaming cleanser that is designed for sensitive skin. Avoid using hot water, as this can further irritate your skin.
Apply the cleanser onto your fingertips instead of using a rough washcloth or sponge. These will only cause irritation. Then rinse with tepid water. Avoid rubbing your skin and instead dry off by patting a soft towel onto your skin. Take care to avoid the stinging sensation when the skin is damp by slowly reducing the drying time until you find an ideal and comfortable pace for your skin.
If you have prescribed medication, wait until the skin is completely dry before applying this and then your moisturiser, sunscreen and sun protection.
- Moisturize Your Skin
Moisturizing your skin is essential to help maintain its natural barrier and prevent dryness, which can lead to inflammation and flare-ups. Look for a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer that is suitable for sensitive skin. Apply it twice a day, in the morning and at night, after cleansing your face. Make sure that you allow your topical medication to dry and be absorbed before putting on your skin biome-friendly moisturiser.
You skin’s natural biome is composed of good microorganisms that support skin health. It helps to fight off infection; it also acts as an alarm to your immune system when there are harmful bacteria or viruses present; and, it alerts when the mircobiome detects harmful UV rays and influences how skin cells react to it.
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- Avoid Harsh Exfoliants
Exfoliating your skin can help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, but harsh exfoliants can cause inflammation and exacerbate rosacea symptoms. Avoid using physical exfoliants, such as scrubs and brushes, and opt for chemical exfoliants, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), instead.
Opt for 2%BHA (beta hydroxy acid) as exfoliant in a base of pH 3-4. This will help in managing flakiness especially during times when you are off your medications. BHA is often tied with salicylic acid for its anti-inflammatory effects.
4. Be Careful with Makeup
Makeup can help conceal redness and inflammation, boosting your confidence and appearance. However, it can also irritate your skin and cause flare-ups. Look for makeup that is specifically formulated for sensitive skin and avoid products that contain fragrance, alcohol, and other irritants. Always remove your makeup before going to bed.
Use anti-bacterial brushes instead of a sponge (too harsh) or your fingers which may introduce dirt and bacteria. Regularly was your makeup tools after each use, too. It’s also a good idea keep your makeup simple to avoid introducing chemicals or ingredients that may irritate the skin. For example, shop for multi-functional products like a green-tinted base with SPF to help with the redness whilst giving you protection from the sun.
Keep away from oil-based and choose mineral makeup instead. If you are suffering from ocular rosacea, it is wise to use eye makeup that is allergy- tested and fragrance-free formulas. Eye liners and mascara should be easily removed with water and avoid tugging at the skin when you do so. Keep things neutral with your eye shadow palette as jewel colours contain harsh pigments.
5. Get regular LED Light Therapy
LED Light Therapy uses specific, clinically tested and proven wavelengths to treat Rosacea with therapies at Near Infrared light (830nm). This triggers the skin’s natural anti-inflammatory processes and hastens the healing and repair process. Near infrared light enables sensitive and compromised skin to build strength and integrity.
Remember that LED results are cumulative and best performed 2-3 times a week to treat Rosacea. Results are dramatic for calming inflammation within the skin and healing any lesions.
6. Manage Your Stress
Stress is a common trigger for rosacea, so it is important to manage your stress levels. Practice stress-reducing techniques, such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or journaling. Make time for activities that you enjoy and prioritize self-care.
7. Seek Professional Treatment
If your rosacea symptoms are severe or do not respond to at-home care, it may be necessary to seek professional treatment. Your dermatologist may prescribe topical or oral medications, such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs, to help manage your symptoms.
In conclusion, rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can be managed through proper skin care and lifestyle changes. By identifying your triggers, protecting your skin from the sun, using gentle skin care products, moisturizing your skin, using
Learn more about the whys, hows, dos and don’ts of Rosacea here, and read up on tips to support your Rosacea topical skincare, inside and out here. If you need professional help managing your Rosacea, our Temple Team is here for you. Book a Specialist Consultation today and see results that matter.