15 Mar Rosacea Relief: How to Reduce Red Skin on Your Face
Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that affects millions of people around the world – approx. 5% of the population!
Although it is fairly common, the exact cause of rosacea remains unknown, and there is no cure. This makes managing the condition challenging and emphasises the importance of finding real, long-term relief.
In this blog, we explore how to reduce face redness. We’ll cover the symptoms, triggers, and options available to treat rosacea, from laser treatments to lifestyle tips and skincare products.
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What Is Rosacea?
Rosacea (also known as facial flushing) is a chronic skin condition that causes redness. It primarily affects the face, appearing on the nose, cheeks, chin and forehead, but it can also impact the eyes.
Although anyone is susceptible, studies show that rosacea mainly occurs in women with fair skin. It usually starts after the age of 30 and gets progressively worse over time without intervention.
This is why early detection and ongoing management is so important.
What Are the Symptoms of Rosacea?
The most obvious signs of rosacea are persistent redness and visible blood vessels.
People can also get pimple-like lumps and bumps on their face, mild swelling in affected areas and even skin thickening in severe cases.
Rosacea can also cause reactive and sensitive skin, which can lead to more symptoms such as tenderness, dryness, burning, breakouts, itching, or stinging.
Common Triggers for Rosacea
There are a few things you need to identify and avoid if you want to keep flare-ups to a minimum.
The first is the environment. Frequent exposure to the sun and fluctuating weather conditions can trigger rosacea. This includes UV rays, wind, and very hot or cold temperatures.
Diet is another cause, with spicy foods, alcohol, hot drinks, and some dairy products often exacerbating symptoms. The same can be said for lifestyle factors, with stress, vigorous exercise, and taking hot showers or baths common no-nos.
When it comes to skincare, never put products with harsh ingredients or textures on your face (such as exfoliating beads or toners) as they will irritate your skin. Some medical conditions, medications and hormonal changes can also bring on a rosacea flare.
The Impact of Rosacea on Daily Life
One of the most underestimated side effects of rosacea is the emotional toll it takes.
A regularly flushed or blotchy appearance can make a person incredibly self-conscious. It can bring on bouts of anxiety, embarrassment and low self-esteem. This can lead to social isolation, as sufferers struggle to feel confident during face-to-face interactions.
There are many misconceptions out there about rosacea too. Some people misdiagnose the redness as just blushing or sunburn, whilst others think it is caused by poor hygiene.
These falsehoods only add to the frustration, making it feel like those who don’t have rosacea simply don’t understand.
How to Reduce Facial Redness Flare-Ups
Beyond sidestepping triggers, adopting certain lifestyle adjustments can help make living with rosacea more bearable.
In the home, a humidifier can help prevent dry air that can worsen symptoms. Avoid clothing and bedding made from wool and synthetic materials that may aggravate, and consume less hot and spicy foods and alcoholic drinks.
When it comes to what you put directly on your skin, sun protection is a must. Wearing SPF 30 or 50+ sunscreen every day will help shield you from the sun’s damaging rays. Accessories like sunglasses and hats will also help. If you’re wearing makeup, mask redness with green-tinted concealers or colour-correctors under your foundation.
Psychological benefits include trying to find ways to relax and reduce stress, such as practising mindfulness or meditating.
Most Effective Treatments for Rosacea
Laser for Rosacea
One of the most popular in-clinic procedures is a vascular laser treatment for rosacea. It works by breaking down blood vessels visible beneath the skin’s surface with heat. The rosacea-related redness is reduced and a more even skin tone is restored.
This laser treatment for rosacea is designed to target only the blood vessels, so the surrounding skin is unharmed.
Other similar, non-invasive laser therapies include Excel V and Laser Genesis.
Skincare for Rosacea
Another beneficial type of rosacea treatment is skin care. Choose calming, fragrance-free and non-comedogenic ingredients. Be gentle when applying, rinsing and drying – don’t scrub or rub vigorously!
Here at Zecca Cosmedical, we have a range of suitable products.
Crème Clean is a moisture-rich cleanser that removes makeup and impurities without stripping the skin. Anti-inflammatory vitamin B3 moisturiser, Nia, stabilises rosacea-prone skin and reduces sensitivity. Our Zinc sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA & UVB rays.
Medications for Rosacea
For those with moderate to severe rosacea, medications can help reduce flare-ups. They are stronger and work by targeting your underlying causes.
Long-term prescription creams and gels help reduce redness and pimple-like bumps. Oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to help control more resistant cases. These forms of treatment require a script from a doctor.
A dermatologist can determine the best option based on the type and severity of rosacea.
Rosacea is manageable with the right combination of products, laser therapies and lifestyle changes. Talk to the team at Zecca today to get a personalised treatment plan.