We take a deep dive into what Rosacea is, what it is like to live with and how to incorporate tricks and tips into your routine
Rosacea
roʊˈzeɪ ʃi ə
Chronic skin disease with persistent redness, flushing, broken blood vessels, and pimples. It appears to be hereditary and run in families, but there is no clear genetic link, with an unknown cause or cure. Affecting primarily people in the 30-50 year age group most, and with fair skin. Triggers include heat, uv, spicy foods, alcohol.
Overview
Rosacea is characterised by a red rash and flushing of the skin, it is common and non contagious however in some cases it causes a rash. This rash can be described as bumps or pimples which resemble acne, without the presence of blackheads. These can cause burning and stinging, and in some cases skin thickening and swelling.
Other symptoms can include issues such as dry skin and problems with hydration, discolouration of the skin such as yellow-orange, swelling and sore eyelids.
Diagnosis is non specific as it is usually diagnosed via its appearance.
Treatments
As there is no cure for Rosacea there is only treatment that can help to maintain comfort and minimise symptoms and flare ups. The inflammation associated with Rosacea is usually treated via prescriptions (creams or oral antibiotics) from your GP or Doctor; this does not always help to minimise the blushing or redness associated with the condition.
A dermatologist is best suited to offer advice and support for a treatment plan for Rosacea. Options such as (suggested by NHS england, British Skin Foundation and Bupa :
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Specific prescriptions of topical treatments such as creams for the skin
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A course of Oral Antibiotics for 6 - 16 weeks
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Beta Blockers to help minimise the appearance of blushing
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Isotretinoin tablets for severe rosacea
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IPL (Intese Pulsed Light) Treatment, this is usually a private treatment used to shrink the blood vessels
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Daily eye drops can help with the dryness in the eyes
It is also important to be aware of your triggers, as Bupa Dermatologist consultant: Dr Stephanie Munn mentions that some factors such as “sunshine, stress, exercise, alcohol, spicy food and extremes of temperature” have aggravating effects and can make it worse.
Tips and Tricks
There may be no cure for Rosacea, but there are ways of managing it. Heres our tips and tricks for taking care of your Rosacea from home:
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Suncream and SPF: As if you needed another reason to cover up with SPF, Rosacea needs extra protection and you should be using a factor 30 minimum. Focus particularly on your face as this skin is delicate and prone to aging. Don't forget to reapply especially if you've been outdoors, in the water or have gotten a sweat on! There are plenty of chemical and mineral based options to choose from, to ensure you find something that works well with your skin.
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Avoid using corticosteroids as this can exacerbate rosacea in the long term. Only incorporate into your routine if your dermatologist has approved use.
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Using perfumed soaps and products such as moisturisers can irritate the already inflamed skin and make rosacea worse. Avoid these products and find a fragrance free alternative, especially if your skin is dry or sensitive.
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Swap out soap for an emollient (moisturiser) for cleansing.
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Blot don't rub your face when drying, and if possible let the skin air dry.
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Ensure all makeup brushes and tools are clean prior to use, keeping the skin clean and minimising unnecessary infections will help to keep inflammation down.
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Speak to your dermatologist before trying anti acne treatments or products as these can upset some Rosacea patients skin and cause irritation.
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Keep a flare up diary to learn what your specific triggers are. Looking for patterns in your condition can help you to better understand what works and doesn't. Try not to try multiple things at once so you can pinpoint what is causing an issue or helping the condition. With this knowledge you can also get better understanding for your treatment from your GP / Doctor / Dermatologist.
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Speak to your GP / Doctor and Dermatologist whenever you have new concerns and if anything changes. Don't ignore these changes, particularly if your eyes are affected.
Makeup
Though there is nothing to be ashamed of with Rosacea, this is a condition that can cause some people to feel insecure. This is completely individual and personal. If it helps to make you more comfortable there is always the option to use cosmetics to cover the redness.
Take a look at our Rosacea Product Roundup post for a selection of products to help conceal and camouflage the redness.
Products
For a gentle cleanser that has no fragrances, the powerhouses of sensitive skin cleaning Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.
Non-comedogenic, fragrance free and soap free, and can be used with or without water.
Source Cetaphil
Increasing hydration for those who suffer with the drying effects of Rosacea. Ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid help to draw moisture deep into the skin and keep it there. We love The Ordinay Hyaluronic Acid 2% = B5. Its vegan, alchol, oil, nut, gluten and cruelty free. Available in two sizes, 30ml and 60ml. Its inexpensive and a wonderful hydrating addition to any routine.
Source The Ordinary
A cult favourite for its drastic effects in helping some Rosacea sufferers is Kalme created by Skin Shop. They have created a range specifically for Rosacea and some of the customers reviews are very transformative which is why they have won numerous awards and been featured in countless articles. Available individually and as bundles, their range contains Night repair cream, Day defense cream with SPF25, a Cream cleanser and their Chameleon concealer with SPF20. Kalme Skin Care Kit (FULL RANGE) contains all products for £52.95.
Source Kalme / Skin Shop
An anti redness serum such as Darphin’s INTRAL Redness Relief Soothing Serum helps to calm and soothe the skin. It helps to reduce the appearance of redness and irritations, with a complex of Hawthorn, Peony and Chamomile - giving it a beautiful botanic scent. Helpful with those who have sensitive skin, dryness and dehydration this product is well suited for Rosacea.
Source Darphin Paris
References:
All About Rosacea (2020). Available at: http://www.rosacea.org/patients/all-about-rosacea
Foundation, B. (2020) Knowyourskin.britishskinfoundation.org.uk. Available at: https://knowyourskin.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/condition/rosacea/
How to combat rosacea (2020). Available at: https://www.bupa.co.uk/newsroom/ourviews/combat-rosacea
Rosacea (2017). Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rosacea/