Disclaimer: Rosacea and acne are medical conditions which require a medical diagnosis from a physician. This article is not intended to provide medical advice, it is to support your shopping and help sort out products and ingredients. Physician recommended treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Please consult your physician before trying any products on your Rosacea. Some product links ( not all) may be affiliate links for which I am paid small commission when you make a purchase. My personal affiliate links are for items which I personally do use and have found to be beneficial and I want to share that with you. Rosacea (roe-ZAY-she-uh) is a common skin condition that causes redness and visible blood vessels in your face. It may also produce small, red, pus-filled bumps. These signs and symptoms may flare up for weeks to months and then go away for a while. Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory condition that mostly affects the skin on the face. Even though it can be mistaken for eczema, allergic reactions, or acne, it is different. Some symptoms of this condition are irritated skin, pimples, flushed red skin, and eye problems. Rosacea affects 1-20% of the population, is more common in females. If you suffer with Rosacea and experience it's cranky counterparts of acne, oil, inflammation and discomfort, then you know what a challenge it can be to care for your skin. I have had many chronic and disfiguring skin conditions in the past but Rosacea is not one of them. I was asked to look into this and share some insight for the average shopper on what to avoid and what to move toward for daily skin care. I am always happy to help! This article is a compilation of tidbits accumulated from various dermatology blogs and articles across the internet. Here is what I learned about caring for Rosacea: With the inflammation and discomfort of Rosacea, this can make the cleansing ritual uncomfortable. Using products containing the wrong ingredients only adds to the discomfort. INGREDIENTS TO AVOID: Products containing Salicylic Acid or Glycolic Acid, alcohol, fragrance or harsh abrasive ingredients should be avoided. Use caution with strong Retinol products. They can irritate and make you more photosensitive.
TRIGGERS: Rosacea triggers are not fully understood but it appears that certain environmental factors such as sun and wind, and things like high histamine foods, stress and even hairspray can flare up symptoms. Avoid touching or picking at your skin. It was also noted that your laundry that touches your face, such as towels and washcloths can irritate the skin due to harbored bacteria ( EW!), abrasive fibers, and possibly the detergent used. A better option for face towels :Clean Towels XL – Clean Skin Club code: PattisPlanet saves 20% #CleanSkinClub
Use caution with retinols and any aggressively gritty scrubbing products, cloths or skin care tools. Hot facial steamers would not be recommended for Rosacea.
There is also a condition called "Maskacea" and "Maskne", skin conditions brought on by wearing of face masks. Look for non irritating fabrics, such as silk, as allowed.
I find it helpful to keep a log of flare ups, making note of what I ate or products used prior to the flare. As always, understanding and limiting your exposure to triggers is helpful.
HELPFUL INGREDIENTS TO LOOK FOR: Look for ingredients such as Ascorbic Acid/ Vitamin C, Azelaic Acid, Vitamin E, Squalene, Niacinamide and my FAVORITE ingredient: Hyaluronic Acid. These are things which have been shown to help the symptoms by locking in moisture, and calming inflammation while working to firm and improve your skin. These ingredients are also especially helpful for mature skin.
Look for mild products which state " Safe for sensitive skin" Of course this is no guarantee and here is when you will become good at reading labels for the above ingredients.
You will want to have a good quality sunblock and daily skin care regimen, preferably containing the ingredients, above.
A dermatologist can offer additional options such as Light Therapy or medications.
What everyone wants to know is.... What types of products do I look for to take care of my skin? These are* suggestions* to give you an idea what to look for. If you need more recommendations, I am here to help! Lets go shop:
1. Silk Face Masks. Choosing to wear a silk mask will lessen skin irritation better than a disposable mask. Silk repels more moisture, may have less humidity build up within, and many silk masks are double or triple lined. https://amzn.to/3jk37Tc
2. Gentle facial masking product, perhaps Oatmeal or Aloe Vera based. These provide gentle exfoliation and help calm and balance skin. Use 1-2 times per week. https://amzn.to/3jktSqT
3. Clean Towels by Clean Skin Club. They are hygienic, single use, soft, dry cloths. Perfect for using with cleansers and toners. Clean Towels XL – Clean Skin Club code: PattisPlanet saves 20% I cannot use anything else since discovering these! They are a must for every person but particularly those with sensitive skin. #CleanSkinClub
4. A quality, twice daily skin care regimen containing Vitamin C Cleanser, a gentle Toner, Hyaluronic Acid serum and a Vitamin C Moisturizer for daily use, twice daily. http://go.gopurebeauty.com/SH2l This is my current skin care line.
Also products such as CeraVe
https://amzn.to/2WlMPAl and
https://amzn.to/2WrXRnE can be used.
5. SPF Sun protection
Australian Gold Tinted BB Cream SPF 50 for sensitive skin https://amzn.to/3zlmLUp
Or
Australian Gold White SPF 30 https://amzn.to/3mQ25Rp
6. Use a cleansing brush with a silicone brush head, not a bristle brush head. LEDA Blue | Acne Fighting LED Sonic Facial Brush. – Vanity Planet I personally use this same cleansing device in the red light version but the BLUE light link would be the choice for Rosacea, I believe. #VanityPlanet
7. Silk pillow cases Blissy - Sleep More, Sleep Better, and Sleep Comfy With The Best Silk Pillowcase Ever! 100% Mulberry 22-Momme 6A Grade Silk! I. Am. Getting. These! omg. #Blissy
8. I keep a nutrition log noting correlations between flare ups and trigger foods. https://amzn.to/2WtLfwH
Ok, great. So now HOW do you USE your skin care? There are or will soon be videos posted of my skin care ritual. With any new product, I recommend testing a small, unaffected area with each new product over a few days before applying to your entire face.
Here are a few guidelines for applying products:
1. NEVER go to bed without washing your face, even if you weren't wearing makeup
2. DO use a full face of makeup remover before cleansing https://amzn.to/2Wue3F7,
followed by Vitamin C Cleanser.
3. DO Use a gentle toner.
4. DO Use serums at this step. Caution against retinol serum.
Use a vitamin C serum, along with Hyaluronic Acid serum
5. DO use Vitamin C Moisturizer.
6. DO use SPF
6. Try A facial masking 1-2 times each week.
7. AVOID abrasive scrubs or aggressive pressure.
8. DO Use a cleansing brush with a silicone head.
Alright. That's a lot of information! Let's simplify:
1. Drink lots of water, clean up your nutrition
2. Gently wash your face twice daily
3. Avoid known triggers
4. Protect from sun
Thank you to the ladies who asked me to write this post. I am always here to help! I will post skin care videos soon. Keep an eye on my Patti's Planet Youtube channel (973) Patti's Planet 🪐 - YouTube
as videos will be uploaded soon.
I hope if you or someone you know has Rosacea, they find these suggestions helpful! Let me know what you think and feel free to share! Thank you for checking this out. Let me know if you try anything or run it by your doctor.
Now, if you will excuse me, I am off to go order some BLISSY silk pillow cases! HOLLA!
xo,
Patti