Rosacea skin.

Rosacea can take a variety of forms, but the most common is a surface rash on the skin, red in colour and may feel dry to the touch. Sometimes confused with acne, rosacea often shows on the skin as an inflammation and reddening on the nose, forehead, cheekbone or chin areas. Inflamed capillaries on the skin’s surface give the complexion a red, blotchy or bumpy appearance it is usually to be found on the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose. It is often accompanied by small visible veins, and a bad attack can lead to pimples or small bumps just beneath the surface of the skin. Sufferers also report watery or puffy, hay fever-type eyes. Women are more prone to rosacea but men can more prone to a condition known as rhinophyma, which is an enlarging of the nose due to thickening of the skin. Rosacea can be uncomfortable too, producing a stinging or burning sensation.

What causes rosacea

The cause of rosacea is unknown.There are several factors to take in to account when trying to find the trigger.  Diet is thought to be a significant factor, although food triggers tend to vary from person to person. Common culprits are cheese, yoghurt, citrus fruit, chocolate, vanilla, soy sauce, yeast extract, vinegar, avocados, spinach - and foods high in histamine or niacin. Red wine and alcohol in general can also trigger it, as well as spices and foods that are physically hot: soup, coffee and so on. Stress is a significant factor, as is the weather: wind, cold and especially  sun even exercising can make it worse. There is a belief that hair follicle mites called Demodex Folliculorum which  are normal inhabitants of all our faces may cause rosacea  In certain situations they are found in higher numbers than normal and greatly aggravate the skin. This results in redness around the follicles, small red bumpy  appearance to the skin. The skin feels rough to the touch, like fine sand-paper which leads the affected individual to do the very thing which aggravates the condition further, apply more heavy moisturisers which is counterproductive. Clients report extreme sensitivity and intolerance to most topical agents and skin care products.

How to get rid of it

Sufferers will always be prone to attacks; but it is possible to manage it. Part of the battle is learning to recognise the triggers, and then rigorously avoiding them. As for treatments, they really do vary from person to person: some, but not all, sufferers will respond to antibiotics (these tend to be the ones who find their rosacea is accompanied by pimples) or products that contain sulphur (a natural antibacterial agent). Laser treatments can address broken veins, and there are many topical creams that can reduce the appearance of inflammation. Some people find that a daily antihistamine helps.

Daily care

In terms of skin care, it is important to look after the skin, that is to say keep it clean and moisturise regularly. Avoid anything that causes a stinging sensation, and try to keep things as simple as possible. An excellent range to try is a Hungarian skincare regime called Eminence; this is free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals, and it has also been formulated to eliminate most allergens The Mineral wash is brilliant for rebalancing the skin, while the Yarrow oil is both soothing and hydrating and balances the skin. Rosehip tonic contains rosehip juice: hydrates and improves the appearance of skin; is an  antioxidant and a source of vitamin C also Salicylic Acid which  sloughs off dead skin cells to smooth skin’s surface Stone crop gel is effective for the treatment of pigmented, reactive, sensitive and dehydrated skin types;  Thermal springs moisturiser is perfect for balancing oily and problem skin types. Skinceuticals gentle cleanser, retexturising serum, serum 10, redness neutraliser, Face cream  are suited to Rosacea skin.



Sunscreen is important daily.

Rosacea sufferers should also invest in a good daily sunscreen: Skinceuticals do a very nice 100% mineral filter, broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection which repairs and improves skin’s barrier function: provides all day hydration in a nourishing.

• comforting texture
• paraben &  fragrance-free

Make-up

It is hard to conceal rosacea completely, if your skin is rough and dry, you are better correcting the high colour rather than the texture. Use a concealer and light makeup.

Supplements

You might also find that boosting your intake of essential fatty acids helps: try full spectrum Omega or Bio care 3.6.9. (All available from a health store)

Treatments

With rosacea sufferers, it’s all about calming and soothing the skin. Facials are good, avoid anything too mechanically abrasive; the Jet peel is very effective as is Antyage LED light Therapy. Salacylic peels can also have excellent results – a proper consultation with a skilled Therapist is very important. Eminence Customised to suit the skins needs on the day is another effective option. Intense Pulsed Light is generally recommended by dermatologists as the best way of treating the redness and broken veins.

The Jet peel.

Antyage LED