Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition which is characterized by an appearance of facial redness and small red bumps.
Even though this condition is generally associated with fair-skinned people of northern European ancestry, it can affect people of any nationality, race, and skin type.
The rosacea sufferers may experience different symptoms. Some people have a dry and flaky skin which is sensitive to skin care products, while others have an oily complexion with bumps which resemble pimples.
Many patients also deal with eye irritations and inflamed blood vessels. This condition is commonly mistaken for acne, eczema, or some skin allergy, and, if left untreated, it can worsen with time.
What Triggers Rosacea?
Rosacea is an uncontrolled inflammation of the skin. Normally, the skin’s outer layer serves as a barrier that protects the skin against environmental irritants and prevents a loss of moisture.
However, when the skin is inflamed, the barrier cannot perform its function properly. Tiny breaks in the barrier allow the moisture to make its way out, and the chemicals to make their way in. This will result in an increment of the inflammation and an additional weakening of the barrier.
The most common rosacea triggers are stress, improper skin care, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Even though managing your levels of stress can be extremely difficult, there are some simple steps you can take in order to provide your skin with a proper care and UV protection.
How to Treat Rosacea?
The following tips can help you to treat rosacea and to improve the appearance of your skin.
1. Wear a Sunscreen
During daytime, you should always wear an SPF 30 sunscreen because the sun can worsen your condition.
The sunscreens which contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are an excellent choice since they give broad spectrum coverage, without causing any irritations. Apart from using a sunscreen, you should also wear a hat and sunglasses whenever you are going outside.
2. Moisturize Your Skin
You should always use a moisturizer at night, even if you have an oily skin. When choosing a moisturizer, you should look for products that contain ceramides. These products will repair your skin barrier while you sleep.
3. Use Gentle Skin Care Products
When you look for skin care products, you should choose the ones which are marked “sensitive skin”, “fragrance-free”, or “allergy tested”.
Make sure that you avoid using products which claim to contain “anti-acne”, “skin-brightening”, or “anti-aging” properties.
These products can irritate a rosacea-prone skin. The same applies to exfoliating scrubs. You should choose a cleanser that can gently remove the makeup and impurities, without causing any irritation or loss of moisture.
4. Consult Your Dermatologist
In order to successfully treat rosacea, you need to find an experienced dermatologist who can help you to customize the most suitable treatment and prevention regimen for your skin.
With the help of a caring and skilled dermatologist, proper medicine, and right skin care routine, you will be able to control and treat this common condition in no time.