Red Faces & Rosacea

What is rosacea?

Rosacea (which can be pronounced as ro-zay-sha)  is a skin disease that causes redness and pimples on your nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead. Rosacea can come and go with people suffering from flare-ups. Tiny red veins can form on the face that look like a cobweb of red veins – these are permanent. People sometimes call rosacea “adult acne” because it can cause outbreaks that look like acne and often happens to us as we get older. Sometimes there can be an associated soreness of the eyes and the eyelids. Although rosacea should not affect your vision, it can cause eye problems and a doctor should be consulted if you experience any symptoms. Rosacea can cause a lot of embarrassment and discomfort for sufferers but there are things we can do to minimise flare-ups.

What causes rosacea?

There is some evidence that people with fair skin and who have a tendency to blush are more prone and that a family history can also predispose you to developing rosacea. In an attack of rosacea the blood vessels in the face expand, filling with blood and causing the face to redden. While there is no one cause for all people there are certain common triggers it would be best to avoid.  Some attacks may last minutes or in severe cases can last for days. If you can work out your own personal triggers it will help you manage your rosacea and some people find keeping a trigger diary helpful.

Some triggers include:

Exercise or heavy exertion
Exposure to the sun and wind
Alcohol
Spicy foods
Hot food and drink
Stress or anxiety
Emotional changes such as embarrassment or laughing
Hot baths and showers
Menopause
Some medications – ask your doctor

Medical help should be sought and exposure to triggers reduced as rosacea can worsen and turn into advanced rosacea where bumps on the nose and cheek area can form, giving the area a swollen, lumpy look. While there is no cure medical treatment includes antibiotic creams and drugs. Laser treatment can also help to reduce the size and number of the veins.

Prevention by avoiding triggers is an important part of learning to manage and lessen rosacea attacks.

• Cut down on food and drink that causes symptoms
• Try shorter work outs more frequently when exercising
• Have lukewarm showers and baths and keep them short
• Drink plenty of water in hot conditions
• Cool the face with a damp, cold washcloth if you become overheated.
• Keep alcohol to a minimum – it doesn’t cause rosacea but it can make it worse.
• Always hear sunscreen and a hat when outdoors
• Use a skin care regime that has products with no perfumes, colourings or fragrances that will help soothe and not irritate the skin such as skinsaviour cleanser and moisturiser.
• Skinsaviour Cream and Cleanser are specially formulated for skin that is sensitive and easily irritated.

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How To Take Care Of Dry Skin

Most of the time dry skin is not something to be too concerned about. Simple dry skin is easily treatable and usually responds quickly to a dry skin care skincare regime. Dry skin can be easily irritated so it is important to use skin care products that do not irritate the skin. Look for products that have no perfumes, colourings, fragrances or chemicals that may irritate sensitive skin. Dry skin and sensitive skin can often go hand in hand.

Dry skin has a relatively low level of sebum or oil production and look parched – a result of its inability to retain moisture.  Moisturisers should be able to keep the skin hydrated all day and keep the skin supple and smooth. This is important to the function of the skin but also the feel – dry skin can feel tight and uncomfortable. Moisturising also locks in moisture and is best done after cleansing when the skin is still moist.

Avoid using any soap on the skin. Soaps and detergents can be very alkaline which also can be drying to the skin. Although the skin needs to be thoroughly clean at the end of the day to remove the build up of dirt and impurities, a creamy cleanser that will not strip the skin of its natural oils will clean gently and effectively.

Keep your dry skin well hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.  If the weather is hot or you have been exercising you will need to increase your intake.  Flying can also sap your skin of moisture – the humidity inside an aircraft can reach as low as 1% and be very hard on already dry skin..Caffeine and alcohol can also act as a diuretic and cause you to lose water so keep these to a minimum. If you live or work in buildings that are air conditioned or centrally heated you will also be losing moisture from the skin so compensate by drinking more or by having a humidifier.

If you suffer from dry skin on the body, limit the length of your showers and baths  and moisturise all over while the skin is still damp.  A traditional way to bathe dry skin that is also sensitive is to have an oatmeal bath that will soften and soothe the skin.  Try to limit the length of your bath and keep the temperature down and pat your skin dry gently.

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View our Disclaimer Statement