ROSACEA S.O.S.

Skincare tips to keep rosacea at bay during the holidays!

Rosacea, sensitive skin and inflammatory acne are all skin conditions that require gentle care. Very few people have true rosacea, but many people have inflamed skin due to environmental factors, harsh products, and stress. Unfortunately, the holidays are notorious for flaring up sensitive skin issues. Consuming spicy foods and alcoholic beverages are known aggravators of rosacea; then you add a little bit of stress coupled with drier weather, and your skin is not happy.

What is rosacea?

It is common for people of Northern European origin to be prone to what is often labeled rosacea, where the skin is dry, red and easily irritated; typically those people will have a fair, pink complexion. Acne rosacea is an eruption that affects the whole face and is associated with seborrhea (excessive oiliness). Pustules typically appear on the nose, cheeks and chin giving an over all red flushed appearance. Both types are affected by fluctuating temperature, sun exposure, spicy foods, and alcoholic beverages, which all aggravate the condition. While there is no real cure for rosacea, it is something that can be managed through your daily skin care routine.

Choosing the right skincare products for rosacea

Whether you have a mild or more aggressive form of rosacea, it is important to eliminate any products that could cause irritation in the skin, this includes make-up! Switch to a mineral based make-up foundation that is as pure as possible. Use only products that are soothing and calming to the skin, so avoid any exfoliants except for a gentle peeling gommage when your skin is not flared up. Use a sulfate-free cleansing cream or milk containing anti-inflammatory ingredients such as German chamomile, rose, or lavender. Follow with at calming, hydrating floral mist, and a light serum that contains skin-soothing essential oils of carrot seed, rose, or German chamomile. For a richer moisturizer, look for oat beta glucan (derived from oatmeal), calendula, burdock root, sea algae extracts as well as anti-oxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E. Always, remember to wear sun block before going out, zinc oxide serves as a protective layer for the skin against the environment.

Managing Rosacea during the holidays?

So what can you do to get yourself through the next couple of months? You may have to a little detective work and find out what your skin reacts to. If it is red wine, switch to white wine or clean cocktails such as vodka with little sugar added. Does your rosacea flare up when you eat very spicy food, then think of ways to remove the hot peppers from your diet and substitute with other milder spices. Do you keep the heater on during the winter months? Then try a humidifier in your bedroom to keep your skin from drying out and thus irritating the skin. If stress is the culprit, try slowing down and taking a daily blend of anxiety-reducing flower essences such as Rescue Remedy in order to manage your stress.

I hope this blog was helpful and my have answered some of your questions about rosacea. Please let me know your thoughts and I am happy to answer any other questions that you might have!

Gratitude + Beauty,

Gunilla