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My Rosacea Face the Reason why I am Always Red
Last updated 09/15/2022
Many times, I have been approached by people who inquired why my face is red? Others made comments about the weather and how rosy my cheeks were, which caused me embarrassment and worsened matters. Sometimes the comments would hurt and offend me. This is my rosacea face.
In 2007 I was diagnosed with rosacea by a Dermatologist. This was after attending school to become an Esthetician, so I knew a bit about it. If I do a search for Rosacea TV ads I find videos on YouTube that I've never seen before.
Certainly, I am glad there is now a whole month devoted to rosacea awareness. Still many people don't acknowledge that they have this skin disorder. And then others are misdiagnosed because the redness can be so similar to other conditions.
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ADWhat is Rosacea?
Rosacea usually affects the face but sometimes can be seen on parts of the upper body. It is a chronic skin disorder that affects some 16 million people in the U. S. The symptoms are redness mainly, kinda looks like a permanent blush or sunburn over the cheeks.
Advanced stages include pimples and there may be skin thickness with the nose (Rhinophyma), but this condition is rare. There can also be visible blood vessels (telangiectasia) or irritation with the eyes (Ocular Rosacea). Often it is first seen about the age 30 but I have been reading of earlier cases.
Usually affecting those who have Celtic ancestors. So you have to inherit the disorder (NAS has a post of those with dark skin).
What Causes Rosacea?
There is no known cause for Rosacea. For a list of possible finds go to the National Rosacea Society (NRS).
My Rosacea Triggers
I had to learn about my “triggers” things to avoid that made the situation worse. Like #1 STRESS I can’t get away from it! Anything that includes heat or steam, hot food or drink near my face.
Hot climates and environments, this goes for the workplace as well. I just can't take heat; it makes me very uncomfortable then I get irritated. In my childhood I would be in the sun for hours.
Being in the direct sun is bad. Some people will “flush” from alcohol consumption but I'm not a big drinker. I never could tolerate really spicy foods but I love Mexican cuisine just on the mild side.
Each individual is different; triggers can vary and what makes me flare up may not be the same for you. For a list of possible triggers.
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Sensitive Skin Care
Since being diagnosed I realize now how sensitive my face has been. Through the years I’ve used many products that contained alcohol. I didn’t know any better, which only made my skin burn and sting.
And there was a drying effect. This is not a good sign. Your skin is talking to you. Don’t use this! Alcohol is an irritant when talking about Rosacea one of my triggers.
Skincare Lines
While applying the gentle/sensitive cleanser, use your fingertips. Don’t use anything abrasive like a washcloth or harsh tools like a rotating brush these can cause more irritation.
Clinique Redness Solution
I used Clinique Redness Solution years ago and from what I remember it was a fairly good product. It is found at Boston Store or Ulta. The thing is it cost more if you are on a budget.
As well as my other reason making a special trip to these stores. Good idea to start a journal on products used and results for your own personal reference.
Eucerin Redness Relief
I also used Eucerin Redness Relief found at Walgreens and Wal-Mart. Being on a budget it was ok. Most importantly it was more convenient because I would regularly have to make a trip to the store.
Garnier Skin Active
For the past year I have been using Garnier Skin Active Facial Cleanser with Green Tea at night. It has been leaving my complexion less red. I am interested in trying their Aloe Vera product (I love Aloe Vera).
Sunscreen Protection
Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 50
If you have to go out in the sun (sun is bad) do Not Forget Your Sunscreen! I use Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 50+ Fragrance Free (another trigger) it’s a light lotion. However, this is the highest SPF I’ve found.
Neutrogena has a new product that has a SPF of 100 just on the market. I have not tried this yet. If you have let me know in the comment if you like it.
Certainly these are suggestions so you can see how they work for you. Again we are individuals and you may not have the same experience.
Talking about skincare you want to be extra careful with your facial skin, it is delicate. Follow a gentle/sensitive skin routine. Testing a new product on your neck or arm first is helpful before applying to your face.
Treatment Product
Prosacea
I found Prosacea a medicated Rosacea Gel at Wal-Mart and Walgreens sold over the counter. They say this is good to tame redness on the blemishes/small areas. However, I feel when applied to my face it just makes it redder.
Using Makeup
Pur 4 in 1
For makeup coverage I use Pur 4 in 1 correcting Primer Redness Reducer; contains Aloe Vera. Pur 4 in 1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation is a lightweight powder, both are sold at Kohl’s and Ulta. The foundation can be applied with a makeup brush which shouldn’t pull at your skin.
And I go without a blush these days I can save the money, right. These are products that I have tried that work for me but maybe not as great for you. You need to find what works best for you and what your triggers are to avoid.
Ways to Cool the Skin
I splash cool water on my face in the morning. Although applying ice cubes or cold packs to my face felt good my skin turned beet red. And I don’t think you want to do this.
During heat spells you might want to spritz room temperature water on your face. I find just splashing water on the back of my neck cools me down. Likewise, running cool water over my wrists.
Update: I currently have an ice roller. It stays in the freezer until I conveniently want to use it. This is so great on my rosacea face!
The ice roller stays cool even after hours of laying on my desk. I say this was made for those with rosacea in mind.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera products are really great! You might even have a plant. InfiniteAloe provides products made with 100% organic aloe vera. In addition, ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Calendula Flower Extract, Chamomile and Green tea, good for the Rosacea face. (See ad above).
Treatments for Rosacea
A Dermatologist needs to diagnose you with Rosacea first. Then there are a range of oral and topical prescriptions for treating the signs and symptoms.
To reduce the inflammation of symptoms that are more severe you may receive a prescription for an oral antibiotic:
- Tetracycline
- Oxytetracycline
- Doxycycline
- Erythromycin
Cream or Gel
My dermatologist wrote out a prescription for an anti-fungal called Metronidazole. I have been using this since 2020. But I don't apply it often because I feel my cheeks get raw.
You may have a prescription cream or gel such as Azelex or Finacea. I was given Finacea cream when I was first diagnosed but don't recall how affective it was. That is to say I didn't know what to expect.
Procedures
Lasers, intense pulsed light or other medical and surgical devices can be used to remove visible blood vessels (telangiectasia). I have these tiny little lines around my nose.
If you are in the New Berlin, WI area there is Epic MedSpa that does this type of service for Rosacea. Take into account a spa like this usually does not work with your health insurance. This could be considered a cosmetic procedure.
Enzyme and Chemical Peels are services usually done through a medical spa like the one I just mentioned. These procedures could also be done by your doctor or Dermatologist.
Diet
Also watching what I eat while incorporating the diet of a pitta imbalance from the Banyan Botanical website. Drinking a lot of green tea along with eating green salads through the summer. I lost some weight and feel better.
I have seen a Rosacea diet book along the same principle, eating vegetables and fruits that help with the inflammation. Some foods I used to enjoy are to be avoided, of course.
Eye Care
An eye doctor may treat Ocular Rosacea with an anti-inflammatory medication. My eye doctor mentioned tea tree wipes. For example these can be found at Ulta.
Tea tree wipes are cool also soothing for the eyelids but my face reacted by turning beet red.
Wrapping it up
April was Rosacea Awareness month. I have had this skin disorder for many years now. However, knowing my triggers was easier but skin care is a challenge.
Many people are still not familiar with this skin disorder. Rosacea has advanced stages involving other body areas. Furthermore the National Rosacea Society is a good place to do research.
Please make a donation to the National Rosacea Society.
Do you have Rosacea? What improves it? What doesn’t improve it?
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Mary is the founder of All About Our Skin. Former esthetician and CPC. Enjoys researching skincare and has been studying our skin for the past fifteen years.
