Rosacea is a skin condition that causes excessive flushing of the cheeks, nose and forehead; the neck, chest, ears and head also are occasionally affected. It most commonly affects Caucasians, predominantly women, and is considered a cosmetic issue unless it begins affecting the eyes. Rosacea skincare is of the utmost importance when managing the condition and can include applying topical medications, omitting certain foods and drinks from the diet, limiting sun exposure and using products meant for very sensitive skin.
The two most common topical medications used for rosacea skincare are the antibiotic metronidazole and azelaic acid. These two medications can significantly reduce both the amount of lesions experienced by those with rosacea and the overall appearance of redness. The antibiotic can also prevent infection, especially around the eyes, and reduce the itching or soreness commonly associated with rosacea.
While rosacea is typically a lifelong issue, excessive redness or spreading is known as a flare up, and can be caused by certain foods and drinks. Therefore, one of the best tips for rosacea skincare has nothing to do with what is put on the skin, but rather what is put in the mouth. Food and drink triggers vary from person to person. Most dermatologists recommend that their patients keep a food journal, noting when flare ups happen, to track down possible triggers and eliminate those foods and drinks from their diet.
Rosacea skincare regimes also must include sunscreen, specifically those meant for sensitive skin. Those with rosacea already have sensitive skin and typically burn more easily than others, which can exasperate flare ups. Heat is also a common trigger for rosacea flare ups, making staying indoors on excessively hot days almost a necessity.
Special care must be taken when choosing skin products, especially lotions, cleansers and makeup. Harsh chemicals and coarse textures can cause rosacea flare ups, make the condition worse and, possibly, permanently damage the skin. The use of facial scrubs and astringents typically is not recommended, and products containing alcohol should be avoided. Rosacea skincare regimes also should include special care of the eye area, because a flare up in the eyes could cause rosacea to turn from a cosmetic issue to a medical one. Specialized eye cleansers are typically recommended to limit the possibility of this happening.
The most important part of rosacea skincare is treating the skin gently. While medication can limit the appearance of redness and the discomfort associated with it, cosmetics for sensitive skin are usually the best way to hide excessive redness. Rosacea skincare can often seem demanding, but the reduction of flare ups and protecting the eyes can make it worth the hassle.