Discover the Best Products to Manage Your Rosacea Symptoms
Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed a sudden redness on your cheeks? It’s likely that you are experiencing rosacea, a condition that affects an estimated 16 million people in the U.S. alone. While there is no cure for rosacea, there are plenty of treatments available to help reduce flare-ups and make life more bearable. Here we will discuss what rosacea is, who gets it, what causes it, potential triggers of rosacea, and recommended products to use.
What Is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that appears as redness on the face, usually located on the cheeks and nose. It can also appear on other areas like the forehead, chin, scalp or chest. The cause of this condition is unknown but it is believed to be related to genetics or environmental factors such as sun exposure or certain foods or drinks. While anyone can get rosacea, it tends to be more common in women aged 30-50 and those with fair skin.
What Causes Rosacea?
The exact cause of rosacea is unknown but there are several possible triggers that may set off flare-ups including sun exposure, stress, hot/cold temperatures, certain medications or topical products applied to the skin as well as certain foods or drinks such as alcohol and spicy dishes. It’s important to identify what triggers your flare-ups so you can avoid them if possible.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms may vary from person to person but often include flushing, persistent redness, bumps and pimples, and visible blood vessels. Other symptoms can include burning and stinging sensations, dry skin, and swelling.
Types of Rosacea
There are four types of rosacea, each with its own set of symptoms. They are Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea (ETR), Papulopustular Rosacea, Phymatous Rosacea, and Ocular Rosacea.
Product Recommendations
When treating rosacea flare-ups it’s important to choose gentle and soothing products formulated specifically for sensitive skin types prone to redness and irritation. Avène is a brand that many rosacea sufferers swear by that may help reduce flare ups and make life more bearable.
Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray for Sensitive Skin
This lightweight refreshing mist, infused with Thermal Spring Water can be used to refresh, calm and soften. With a lightweight, quick-drying formula, the spray works to hydrate and replenish lost moisture, leaving skin feeling smooth and conditioned.
Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid Replenishing Cleansing Oil
Designed to help soothe and comfort the skin, the Avène XeraCalm A.D. Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil for Very Dry, Itchy Skin provides up to 24 hours of moisture. The lightweight oil texture seeks to nourish and cleanse, promoting a healthier-looking complexion. Formulated with minimal ingredients, the unique cleanser leaves skin feeling soft and conditioned.
Avène Antirougeurs Clean Cleansing Lotion
Refreshing, no-rinse face wash for redness prone-skin gently removes make-up, dirt and oil while providing immediate comfort. Micro-gels release large doses of Thermal Spring Water to intensely soothe and refresh skin.
Avène Antirougeurs Calm Mask
Provides an immediate hydrating and comforting fresh effect to sensitive skin prone to redness. Use as an SOS application. This anti-redness mask with a gel texture is rich in Avène’s Thermal Spring Water and contains Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, an active ingredient that reduces visible redness.
If you're not an Avène fan, we've got some alternatives for you too to reduce sensations of discomfort and intensely soothe the skin.
selfless by hyram Centella & Green Tea Hydrating Gel Face Cleanser
This gentle daily gel cleanser is easy to use, suitable for all, and effectively cleanses the skin without drying or stripping. It contains an antioxidant-packed duo of Green Tea and Centella, plus hydrating Glycerin, in a pH balanced (5.5-5.7) formula.
Dr Jart+ Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Serum
This concentrated liquid gel serum helps reduce the look of red skin and calm irritation with soothing moisture. Powered by a Centella Asiatica (Tiger Grass) complex it calms sensitive skin, reduces redness, and soothes irritation.
Managing Rosacea Using Azelaic acid
Azelaic Acid can be found in both prescription-strength medication and over the counter, and is a great choice to treat rosacea. It works by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria that can cause flare-ups. Azelaic acid also helps reduce the appearance of acne, redness, bumps, and irritation associated with rosacea while simultaneously reducing excess oil production in the skin. One thing to know about azelaic acid products is that they can "pill" quite easily. This is because azelaic acid is actually a powder and you find it suspsended in a liquid in your products. This means when the liquid dries off it doesn't have the most elegant texture. Because of this, we'd only recommend to use azelaic acid products at night and to avoid using them under makeup.
Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster
This Azelaic Acid Booster is a real multi-tasker. The powerful combination of azelaic acid, salicylic acid and plant extracts has multiple benefits for skin. This booster visibly fades brown spots caused by sun damage, works to reduce breakouts and diminish red marks from past blemishes and reveal a more radiant, even complexion. A perfect alternative for those sensitive to benzoyl peroxide.
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Many rosacea suffers begin to notice improvements after using this product for as little as a week. Redness is significantly reduced and skin looks and feels smoother. If you have combination skin and have struggled with dryness while using typical acne products, this cream should not dry your skin out at all. In short - it's cheap and it works!
Using Arnica to Treat Rosacea
Arnica is a herb that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it especially beneficial for treating redness and inflammation associated with rosacea. Arnica can be taken orally or applied topically, either in the form of creams, gels, or oils. When applying arnica to the skin, it can help reduce redness, stinging, and burning associated with rosacea. Additionally, arnica helps moisturize the skin and intensely soothe the discomfort caused by rosacea. If you suffer from symptoms of rosacea, using a natural remedy like arnica is a great way to both reduce the symptoms of rosacea and improve your overall skin health.
Bioderma Cicabio Repairing Cream Damaged Skin Relief
Cicabio Arnica+ is a treatment formulated to reduce sensations of skin discomfort. Its formula contains arnica extract, apigenine and zinc. You can put it on every type scar and irritated skin - it’s truly amazing.
When to See a Dermatologist
While rosacea is not a life-threatening condition, it can significantly impact the quality of life. Therefore, it's crucial to see a dermatologist if you have symptoms of rosacea.
Severe Breakouts
If you experience severe breakouts that last for several weeks or come back after going away, it may be time to seek professional help.
Persistent Pain or Burning
Rosacea can cause discomfort. If you have persistent pain or a burning sensation on your face, it’s a signal to see a dermatologist.
Swollen Nodules
If your face is swelling or you notice nodules – hard, round, swollen lumps – it’s essential to consult with a skin expert.
Face routinely turns red
If your face routinely turns red, especially if this is accompanied by a burning or stinging sensation, it's time to see a dermatologist. They can recommend treatments to help manage these symptoms.
Managing rosacea can be difficult but with gentle yet effective treatments like those recommended above you have a greater chance at controlling your symptoms and living your best life. Remember that everyone's experience with rosacea is different so finding what works best for you may require some trial and error but don't give up until you find a treatment regimen that works. If over-the counter treatments do not work for you then please consult a dermatologist who may recommend prescription strength treatments tailored just for you.
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