Do you ever become red and blotchy after a glass of wine? Or break out after only a few minutes in the sun? If describing yourself with ˜rosy cheeks‘ has become an understatement, you may have rosacea – and it’s OK. Also referred to as the curse of the Celts, rosacea usually occurs with fair skin faces and often goes unrecognized or misdiagnosed. It can be a burden to self esteem because of the undesired redness, patches and acne-like pimples that can flare up on the face.
Although this medical condition is not as talked about as others, it still exists and impacts people’s lives on a daily basis. Most notable celebrities who are said to have it are Rene Zelleweger, Bill Clinton and the entire British royal family. Not to mention the 16 million North Americans who are estimated to have it, even if they don’t know it yet. You are not alone. With medical treatment, education and lifestyle adjustments, this incurable condition can be controlled. Here are 4 tips to living with rosacea:
Medical Treatment
Get diagnosed, by at least two dermatologists, and speak to your pharmacist, who will also have great tips. Rosacea can go unrecognized throughout a person’s life because of the signs and similarities affiliated with adult acne. If untreated early on the flare-ups can worsen with age, and so can the insecurities and psychological damage associated with facial flaws. A dermatologist may prescribe oral antibiotics or topical medication, and you may have to experiment with different combinations until you find the right one. However, certain lifestyle changes can also reduce redness like controlling stress, diet and exercise.
Food Triggers
Spicy foods are consistent triggers, according to the National Rosacea Society, and should be reduced to avoid flushing or redness in the face. Chocolate, citrus fruits and yeast extract have also all been reported and avoiding alcohol, especially red wine, has helped many control their condition.
Climate Triggers
Extreme weather can cause extreme redness and protecting yourself from sun and wind should become second nature. In winter, the cold cutting wind is sharp enough to irritate your skin all ski season-wear wind block, keep your face covered and moisturize immediately upon escaping the cold. In summer, the humidity is heavy on our skin and can easily cause flare-ups with the help from the sun. Apply sunscreen every few hours and invest in a sexy sun hat- or choose to vacation in more temperate climates like England, New Zealand or Cape Town.
Skin Product and Cosmetic Advice
Maintaining a consistent cleansing routine is essential to controlling rosacea and unfortunately the only real way to find your ideal product is by trial and error. There are, however, a few factors to keep in mind while you experiment with lotions and potions: steer clear of cleansing, moisturizing and cosmetic products containing alcohol, witch hazel or menthol. Choose products with the fewest ingredients, lacking fragrances, exfoliates and dyes. Always test a small amount of something new on an unexposed area of skin, and opt for green tinted powders instead of flesh coloured concealers as they cover redness in a more natural way.
