Klorane
Rene Furterer
Understanding Rosacea
Do you have sensitive skin that often looks red or flushed beyond normal blushing? You could have rosacea, a chronic skin condition that includes a series of symptoms, beginning with redness and progressing to persistent ruddiness, visible blood vessels and acne-like bumps. Left untreated, rosacea can get worse, so it’s important to see a dermatologist to receive a correct diagnosis. While there is no cure, you can manage rosacea symptoms with a proper routine and by avoiding known triggers.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
What to Look For
While your exact symptoms can vary, rosacea always includes at least one of the following primary signs. You may also develop a combination of other secondary symptoms.
The 4 Subtypes of Rosacea
Rosacea is classified into four common subtypes. You may experience characteristics of more than one subtype at the same time.
Persistent flushing; may include visible blood vessels
Flushing with red spots & whiteheads (also known as Papulopustular Rosacea)
Skin thickening from excess tissue; rare and more common in men (also known as Rhinophyma)
Dryness, tearing, burning, swollen lids, styes and possible vision loss (also known as Ocular Rosacea)
Managing Symptoms
Be Gentle
Wash with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, then rinse with lukewarm water and blot (don’t rub!) your face with a soft cotton towel
Skip Toner
Instead, mist your face with a calming facial mist that has added soothing and calming benefits
Multi-Task When You Moisturize
Use creams designed to help moisturize and soothe skin redness and irritation
Chill Out
Treat your skin to a cooling mask when it feels too warm or uncomfortable
Color-Correct Your Skin
A green-tinted cream or foundation can help counteract a ruddy complexion
Embrace SPF
A mineral sunscreen with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide protects against harmful UV rays without irritating your sensitive skin like a chemical sunscreen may
Visit A Dermatologist
Laser treatments for rosacea can help with broken capillaries, while anti-inflammatory prescription creams and gels or oral antibiotics can shrink rosacea bumps
MINIMIZING FLARE-UPS
Top Rosacea Triggers
The best way to avoid rosacea flare-ups? Avoiding the most common triggers:
- Harsh products
- Extreme weather
- Wind
- Stress
- Heavy exercise
- Alcohol
- Spicy foods
- Hot drinks
- Hot baths
Be sure to keep a journal to help identify what your personal redness triggers could be.
Rosacea Myths, Debunked
Myth
Rosacea is a form of acne.
Rosacea is caused by poor hygiene.
Coffee causes flare-ups.
Rosacea is caused by heavy drinking and spicy food.
Rosacea will clear up on its own.
Reality
Don’t confuse the red bumps and pimples of rosacea with regular breakouts. The underlying cause is completely different.
Not true. It’s just not a good idea to aggressively wash with this vascular and inflammatory skin condition – it will only aggravate redness and irritation.
While it’s true that hot beverages can trigger symptoms, you can still enjoy your favorite caffeine fix – just order it on ice.
Alcohol and spicy food can trigger redness or flushing, but they aren’t to blame for the onset of this skin disorder.
Rosacea progressively gets worse without treatment and cannot be cured. Proper skin care and avoiding key triggers can alleviate symptoms.