While we all may experience a flushed complexion every now and then, living with rosacea can be much more difficult. If you're seeking guidance on managing this condition and improving your quality of life, you're not alone. There are lots of ways to manage the redness and sensitivity associated with rosacea, ultimately returning your skin to a state of comfort and calm.
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Understanding rosacea
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterised by facial redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes, small red bumps resembling acne.
There are lots of different factors that can cause or worsen symptoms of rosacea – the most common ones include genetics, vascular issues or environmental triggers. Sometimes, some people don’t know the cause of their rosacea. Nevertheless, it can be a very uncomfortable condition, with many people complaining of a tingling or burning sensation in their skin.
Anyone can suffer with rosacea, but it tends to primarily affect middle-aged and older adults. Women also suffer with rosacea more than men, but when men experience the condition, it tends to come with much more severe symptoms.
Skincare tips for rosacea
If you’re experiencing rosacea and want to build a skincare routine to help soothe your skin, here are some factors to consider:
Gentle cleansing
Opt for a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to wash your face gently. Harsh cleansers can exacerbate the redness and irritation.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Hydration helps maintain the skin's natural barrier, reducing redness and preventing flare-ups of rosacea. You can help to hydrate your skin with a fragrance-free moisturiser and also by drinking plenty of water to nourish your skin from the inside out.
Sun protection
Shielding your skin from the sun's harmful rays is essential regardless of its condition, particularly for individuals with rosacea. Use a broad-spectrum sun cream with at least SPF 30.
Always patch test new products
Before trying out any new skincare products, always make sure you patch test them by applying a small amount and waiting 24 hours to see if there’s any irritation.
How to calm a rosacea flare up
People often find that the most important way to prevent rosacea flare-ups is to identify and avoid their triggers. Common triggers include:
- Certain foods such as dairy, chocolate or spicy foods
- Alcohol consumption, especially red wine
- Hot beverages like tea or coffee
- Exposure to hot environments such as hot baths or saunas
- Severe weather conditions, including cold, heat and wind
- Medications
- Stress
If you do find yourself in the middle of a rosacea flare up and need relief, here are some things to try:
- Moisturise your skin with a gentle cream
- Use a humidifier to avoid your skin becoming dry
- Apply a cold compress around your face and neck
- Drink plenty of water and practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation
Living with rosacea can be very challenging, but with the right approach, it’s possible to keep the worst of the symptoms at bay. If you’re concerned about your skin health while abroad, why not check out our range of global health services and resources and get on track to better skin health.
