People with rosacea have to take extra special care of their skin to avoid inflammation and irritation. Because of this, extra care is necessary when choosing cleansers, creams, moisturizers, and makeup. The right products can keep your skin feeling and looking great. To help people with rosacea, we outline several essential skin care tips in this article.
Rosacea is a common skin condition with a characteristic symptom of blushing or flushing in the face. Occasionally, you can see visible blood vessels and cause the formation of small pus-filled bumps. It’s possible for these symptoms to occur for weeks to months at a time, but then they may go away for a while. Although rosacea may resemble acne at times, it is a completely different skin condition. Common symptoms of rosacea include:
- Facial blushing or flushing
- Swollen bumps
- Visible veins
- Burning sensation (of the affected area)
- Enlarged nose
At this time, there is no consensus about what causes rosacea, but treatments are improving. If you want to decrease redness and care for the skin, learn about rosacea skin care tips below.
Use Gentle Cleansers
The type of cleanser you use can affect your rosacea. It’s best to avoid harsh cleansers and astringents because they can worsen symptoms. Many people want to use aggressive cleansers or acne treatments because symptoms look similar to acne. You should not do this! In fact, do your best to avoid products that contain salicylic acid and retinoids. Choose a fragrance-free cleanser that is hypoallergenic and use gentle application.
Know Your Triggers
Sun exposure, extreme heat or cold, stress, spicy food, and skin care products can trigger a rosacea flare-up. If you have this condition, it’s important to identify your triggers. Many dermatologists suggest keeping a journal to determine which things cause symptoms. It’s difficult to avoid all of your triggers, but you can do your best to avoid most. Should you experience a flare-up, you can help minimize symptoms by gently cleaning your face with cool water and rosacea-friendly skin care products.
Use Sunscreen Daily
Sunlight is a primary trigger for rosacea, so it’s beneficial to protect the skin as much as possible. Using sunscreen every day can help, but certain ingredients in sunscreen may irritate the skin. Health experts suggest that rosacea patients avoid sunscreens with chemical blockers because they cause irritation. It’s better to use a sunscreen that has a physical blocker, including zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Additionally, look for sunscreens that contain niacinamide, which works to reduce redness.
Be Careful With Facials
Regular facials, microdermabrasion treatments, and chemical peels can be excellent for certain complexions, but not for people with rosacea. Often times, these types of skin treatments can irritate the skin, aggravating rosacea. If you want to rejuvenate the skin on your face and make it appear younger, consult your dermatologist to figure out what the best option is.
Use A Gentle Touch
No matter what you apply to your skin, be it a face wash, makeup, or moisturizer, a gentle touch is necessary for application. Use your fingertips to apply these products on your face in gentle, small circles. Rubbing, scrubbing, washcloths, and loofas all tend to lead to redness and irritation. After washing your skin, it’s best to use a soft cotton towel to pat your face dry.
Choose Makeup Wisely
You may think that makeup hides the symptoms of rosacea, but it can often cause dryness and irritation. It’s possible to use makeup, but choose varieties that are mineral-based, preservative-free, and fragrance-free. Those types of makeup tend to be much less irritating to people with rosacea. In fact, many patients report that these makeups don’t aggravate the condition. A foundation that has silicone may effectively protect the skin.
