Do you have Rosacea or just Red Cheeks?

Rosacea is a very common skin condition that affects a large proportion of the population. In fact, we have many clients who think they just have red cheeks or a bumpy red nose when it is actually a form of rosacea.

It is most prevalent in women between the ages of 25 and 60, but it can affect any gender. Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin that typically affects people with fair skin. Although it is frequently referred to as 'the celts' curse, many Asian clients also suffer from this condition.

If you occasionally have red cheeks, it could be due to flushing; this does not mean you have rosacea. Therefore, look at the symptoms listed below to determine if you fall into the rosacea category.

• Persistently red cheeks
• Small, visible facial blood vessels
• Small red bumps on the face
• Burning sensation or uncomfortable eyes (advanced rosacea)
• Red, bulbous nose (advanced rosacea)

If your symptoms do not fall into one of the categories listed above, you most likely have sensitive skin. So, for tips on how to lessen skin sensitivity, see our other blog, "Make My Skin More Tolerant."

4 Main Types of Rosacea

1. Red face and flushing; sometimes developing into a constant redness around the forehead, nose or cheek area. It is usually symmetrical and has a 'butterfly' appearance across the face.
   
   
2. Red bumps or fluid-filled lesions; can look like acne, occurring with or without the red face or flushing.
   
   
3. Ocular Rosacea (affecting the eyes); the skin may experience a burning sensation, and the eyes and eyelids may begin to redden and become sore. This is an advanced form of rosacea.
   
   
4. Rhinophyma (affecting the nose); involves a slow enlargement of the oil glands, which thickens the skin on and around the nose. It is more common in men and can often be confused with excess alcohol intake.

Does my diet affect Rosacea?

I am going to refer to this excerpt regarding dietary information from Dr Katta in an article from The National Rosacea Society:  Common Connections Among Rosacea Dietary Triggers.

"Dr Katta groups rosacea dietary triggers into four categories: cinnamaldehyde-related, capsaicin-related, heat-related and alcohol-related. While heated beverages and alcohol may seem like obvious rosacea triggers, foods that contain capsaicin (peppers, spices and hot sauces) and cinnamaldehyde (cinnamon, chocolate, citrus and tomatoes) may be less obvious and more difficult to track and avoid. In addition to medical therapy, Dr. Katta suggested that patients should keep a food diary and undertake an eight-week elimination diet, individually adding potential triggers back into the diet slowly over time."

Other Factors that trigger Rosacea

• Excess sunlight (especially without sun protection)
• Exercising intensely
• High weather temperatures
• Hot baths/saunas
• Emotional stress

Interestingly, a Time Out Beauty client who experienced Rosacea decided to cut out alcohol and change her intensive exercise to Pilates. As a result, we saw a reduction in the redness that she has experienced for many years.

Will make-up and skincare aggravate Rosacea?

Rosacea sufferers should avoid making poor skincare/makeup choices.

Here are some examples of products that can negatively impact the skin:

• using skincare that will compromise the barrier of the skin, such as stripping toners.
• cleansers containing sulphates.
• skincare that contains skin irritants such as perfume and artificial colouring
• cheap makeup.
• high acid-based skincare such as glycolic, lactic acid.
• alcohol-based skincare 
• stong astringents such as witch hazel, menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil or peppermint

Quick fix Anti-Redness Solutions.

Just think of the colour green; it neutralises the colour red. 

We love the two products below because they are effective for helping to treat Rosacea as well as reducing redness

Medik8 Calmwise Colour Correct
A multi-action treatment for redness-prone skin provides instant colour correction and caring for sensitivity. Mineral green pigments quickly blend with your skin tone upon application, instantly neutralising redness for a more even complexion. 

Colorescience All Calm
This 3 in 1 proprietary formula instantly neutralises redness, helps soothe and calm sensitive skin, and provides SPF coverage, while its patent-pending BioSolace™ complex helps provide ongoing relief from sensitivity and the appearance of redness.

How to stop Rosacea Flare-ups.

Here are 5 long term solutions and routines to control Rosacea.

1. Heal the Gut

Consider using gut-healing products such as Miss Vitality Elixir Collagen, which contains Zinc to help repair a leaky gut.  

Introduce Omega 3 and 6 oils to help improve the barrier of the skin as many of us are deficient in these essential oils. We really like Miss Vitality Good Oil and recommend Bestow Beauty Plus Oil to vegans.

Inadequate digestion has been associated with skin conditions such as Rosacea. Intestinal bacterial overgrowth and H Pylori are caused by low stomach acid. Consuming bitter foods such as dark leafy greens (collards and kale) can aid in this process. Bestow Be Cleansed powder is a beneficial, fibrous addition to the diet of anyone suffering from Rosacea and having digestive issues.

2. Reduce surface capillaries and flushing

Centella Asiatica helps to reduce the appearance of surface capillaries and reduces flushing. This highly effective ingredient has been shown to strengthen capillary walls, thereby increasing blood flow.

Centella for Face Serum is highly recommended because it also assists in detoxifying the skin and addresses any red pimples. Combine it with Hydroflore Beauty Oil to help heal and rebuild the skin's barrier.

If you are a cosmeceutical enthusiast, consider including your Vitamin B3 serum (no more than 11% niacinamide), which effectively increases the skin's strength and decreases inflammation. Our go-to for rosacea is SpaCeuticals Phyto B3 Serum as it has the perfect level of Niacinamide and is combined with skin nutrients.

Mild retinol (Vitamin A) helps maintain healthy blood vessel formation. The gentlest and most effective way to deliver vitamin A to the skin is through stabilised retinol, which is found in Synergie Ultimate A and Medik8 Retinol 3TR.

3. Reduce inflammation by using physical sun protection

Always use a physical sunscreen with Zinc, which is anti-inflammatory and will help environmentally protect your skin.

Examples:

• Synergie Uberzinc
• Aspect Physical Sun Protection SPF 50+
• Medik8 Physical Sunscreen SPF 50+

4. Reduce colonies of mites on your skin

Mites live on everyone's skin, but they congregate in colonies with Rosacea. A probiotic and prebiotic will aid in the growth of beneficial bacteria and eliminate harmful bacteria. Use probiotic and prebiotic products to improve the skin's microbiome.

Examples:

• Synergie Dermiotic
• Cosmedix Reboot
• Aspect Probiotic Sleep Mask

5. Mineral makeup for added benefits to your skin

Zinc-based mineral makeup is far more beneficial to your skin compared to non-mineral based makeup . There are no harmful ingredients or skin irritants in quality brands, such as the ones we carry, and the pigment used is entirely natural with no artificial fragrance.

Examples:

• Synergie Minerals Mineralwhip Cream Foundation
• Aspect Minerals Liquid

Rosacea is pretty complex, and there is no easy fix. However, it can be controlled. As recommendations in this post are general, to seek a customised skin journey, always feel free to contact us as we offer free consultations to enable you to get your Rosacea under control.