How to deal with Rosacea?

Redness, frequent flushing, and red bumps on the skin around the cheeks and nose are the typical signs of rosacea, a skin condition that affects millions of men and women around the world. Dermatologists are not sure what causes this skin disorder, which is often mistaken for eczema or acne. It is thought that people with fair skin are more likely to develop rosacea, and if left untreated, it can worsen over time. There are some factors that can contribute to developing this condition, including facial blood vessel abnormalities that cause persistent flushing and redness. This skin condition can severely affect a person’s quality of life as well as ruin their self-esteem.

There are four main types of rosaceacalled Erythematotelangiectatic, Papulopustular, Phymatous, and Ocular rosacea. The first three cause redness and swelling with breakouts that look similar to acne. The 4th type, however, causes irritation and redness in the eyes and swollen eyelids.

Some factors can worsen this skin condition. These include:

• Spicy foods
• Alcohol
• Exposure to too much sunlight
• Too much exercise
• Fluctuations in temperature
• Steroid and blood pressure medications
• Too much stress

When it comes to dealing with rosacea, the best way to manage the symptoms is to find an effective and long-term solution. There are many ways you can keep this skin disorder under control. Though there is no cure, you can prevent it from getting worse by avoiding the primary triggers. Here are some tips on how to deal with rosacea.

Apply gel or cream

Before resorting to antibiotics, consider using a rosacea gel or cream that contains Azelaic acid. Make sure you use the gel or cream twice a day and follow the treatment plan rigorously.

Manage stress

Stress is considered as a common rosacea trigger, but some techniques can help keep the flare-ups in check. Hypnotherapy, for example, is a stress-reducing treatment that many dermatologists recommend.

Choose a mild cleanser

It is important not to use too many skincare products that can only irritate your skin further. Opt for a mild, soap-free cleanser and apply it gently to your face using your fingertips. Rinse the cleanser with warm water and make sure you thoroughly remove the residue. Lastly, pat your face with a clean cotton towel. Follow this treatment once in the morning and once at night.

Moisturize every day

Moisturization is extremely important for both dry and oily rosacea skin types, as it helps to hydrate the skin and reduce irritation. By moisturizing the skin on a daily basis, you will prevent it from dryness, peeling, and roughness. Results can be achieved from as early as two weeks.

Use sunscreen all year round

Sunlight will worsen rosacea and is one of the most common causes of flare-ups. To minimize the discomfort caused by the sun, dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen every day. You can include this as part of your daily skin treatment. Start by cleansing your face in the morning before applying the sun cream. You should apply sunscreen before going outdoors even on cloudy days.

Choose skin-friendly products

There are many skincare products out there that can actually irritate your skin and cause flare-ups. While cleansing, moisturizing, and wearing sunscreen can help to minimize sensitivity, you should also choose skin-friendly and fragrance-free skincare products. When shopping for these products, make sure you pay attention to the list of ingredients by reading the label. As a rule of thumb, you will want to avoid anything that contains alcohol, perfume, menthol, glycolic acid, urea, camphor, or lactic acid. This also includes the make-up you wear – make sure you choose perfume-free, organic cosmetics. These products will not irritate your skin and will help to prevent flare-ups.

Be kind to your skin

Vigorous rubbing or scrubbing can only make your rosacea worse. You must be gentle when treating your skin and avoid using washcloths or sponges – and no exfoliating to irritate your skin further.

By following the above tips as part of your daily rosacea skincare treatment, you can manage your rosacea symptoms better and hopefully improve your self-esteem.