Rosacea is a skin condition affecting millions of people, but when you’re going through a flare-up, you feel as if there is a spotlight trained on your face.
Rosacea is a common skin condition that results in flushing, redness, and bumpy skin. Besides the frustration of an uneven complexion, it can also cause physical pain, such as burning and dry eyes.
Even though rosacea can cause physical pain as well, for many people, the blow to their confidence is the worst symptom. Luckily, there are ways to manage your rosacea and get a clearer, calmer complexion by following these simple steps.
Try a Treatment Such as Laser Skin Resurfacing
To get a better complexion with rosacea, skincare is often not enough. You need to treat this chronic condition first and then develop a skincare routine around your treatment.
For so long, patients have struggled to find reliable treatments for rosacea, which is a chronic condition that can follow people throughout their entire lives. Today, you can find a reliable rosacea treatment at your local medical spa. The most common option is laser skin resurfacing, which uses lasers to reduce inflammation and blockages in veins below the skin.
Laser skin resurfacing is not the only treatment available for rosacea. Skin rejuvenation, skin resurfacing, and sofwave technology are other treatment options that have been proven to reduce inflammation and redness. The medical professionals at your local spa can help you figure out which treatment is right for you.
Invest in Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid is one of the most potent skincare ingredients that you can find on the market today. It works as an antioxidant, fighting inflammation and reducing the bacteria that live on the surface of the skin and cause acne (many rosacea flare-ups are accompanied by acne breakouts).
This ingredient is often prescribed by doctors to treat rosacea and other conditions, such as acid. These prescription-strength topical treatments are one of the most effective things a rosacea patient can have in their medicine cabinet.
Prescription-strength azelaic acid can be expensive unless you have a good insurance plan. Some doctors are also reluctant to prescribe azelaic acid to people with mild cases of rosacea because it can be too strong. If you don’t have a prescription, look for OTC products with azelaic acid as an active ingredient.
Replace All Harsh Ingredients in Your Skincare Routine
Some people with rosacea think that the best way to get a clearer complexion is to cleanse their skin of impurities, which causes flare-ups. However, many common ingredients in cleansers and other skincare products make rosacea products worse or actively cause flare-ups.
Rosacea tends to make your skin sensitive. The best way to get a calmer complexion is to use products that work with that skin rather than combating it.
Common ingredients that cause rosacea flare-ups are glycolic acid, lactic acid, alcohol, and menthol. Most fragrances also cause rosacea flare-ups instead. Get rid of all products that go near your face that contain these ingredients.
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Use a Gentle Cleanser
Even though harsh cleansers are bad for rosacea, washing your face is still important for a good complexion. Regular cleansing prevents bacteria build-up that leads to acne breakouts and can reduce inflammation.
Make sure that you are using a cleanser that is gentle on your skin. These products are labeled “for sensitive skin” or will mention that they are rosacea-friendly. Look out for natural ingredients such as green tea, glycerin, or sulfur. Micellar water is also another good cleansing option that is gentle on sensitive skin.
The way you clean your skin is just as important as the ingredients you do it with. Avoid rubbing or picking at your skin. Gentle movements won’t irritate you as much.
Make Sure to Moisturize
One of the problems that rosacea causes for the skin is persistent dryness. Even if your skin feels oily to the touch, rosacea reduces the actual moisture that reaches your skin barrier. Moisturizing will help your skin heal from rosacea flare-ups and help you feel relief from the more painful symptoms of rosacea.
As with cleansers, look for moisturizers that are designed for sensitive skin. Avoid products that have fragrances or harsh ingredients. Look for moisturizers that have light textures because thicker, heavier creams can irritate rosacea symptoms.
Learn Triggers for Your Rosacea and Avoid Them
Getting a clearer, calmer complexion with rosacea won’t just come with cosmetics. Lifestyle changes can help you reduce rosacea flare-ups by avoiding things that trigger them. This will lead to a better complexion overall.
Some people notice that their rosacea acts up when they eat or drink certain foods and drinks. Common triggers include sugar, red wine, and other alcohol, spicy foods, hot drinks, and tomatoes. Triggers will differ from person to person, so it may take some experimenting to figure out what is making your symptoms worse.
One trigger that most people with rosacea have in common is the sun. Direct sunlight triggers flare-ups and irritation. Wear SPF throughout the year. Look for a sunscreen with rosacea-friendly ingredients such as zinc oxide.
Use Makeup for a Smooth Complexion
You shouldn’t have to cover up your rosacea to feel happy and secure in your skin. However, if you want a smooth complexion for special occasions, you can use makeup to help yourself feel more confident in photos.
A green-tinted concealer is your friend during a rosacea flare-up thanks to the magic of color theory. Green-tinted concealer neutralizes the redness of a rosacea flare-up, creating the appearance of a smooth complexion.
You don’t want to overuse makeup, because in the long run, makeup irritates your skin and sets you back on your journey to clear skin, but it is a good tip to have for special occasions.
Image: Unsplash
Even though rosacea is a difficult chronic condition, it doesn’t mean that your days of clear skin are over. Avoiding triggers, using gentle ingredients, and developing a rosacea-friendly skincare routine can help you regain control over your complexion.
Beyond cosmetics, there are medical treatments that can help you manage your rosacea. Some doctors prescribe azelaic acid to patients with rosacea. Another option is to look into treatments for rosacea at your local medical spa, which can deliver lasting results.