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Having the reddened facial skin that marks rosacea sufferers can be embarrassing, but it doesn't mean a beauty-conscious diva has to hide her head inside a paper bag or her skin beneath a pore-clogging coat of foundation. Feel more beautiful -- and get your self-esteem back on track -- by learning important facial care steps for preventing and minimizing rosacea symptoms. Go ahead and give that crimson flush a one-two punch. Who needs red, anyway?
The Facts
Can't seem to stop blushing? Rosacea is an ongoing skin condition that causes excessive flushing and the presence of small, red bumps that lend a reddened, inflamed appearance to your facial skin. Facial areas commonly affected by this condition include the nose, forehead, cheeks and chin. Flared skin generally occurs in cycles, with common triggers being sun exposure, wind, hot baths, cold weather and stress. Tender, loving skin care is essential to controlling symptom flare-ups arising from this incurable but manageable skin condition.
Prevention
When it comes to keeping rosacea symptoms from taking over your face and your life, prevention is key. Always protect your facial skin from temperature extremes. Fold a scarf across your face whenever you're outside during the winter months and wear a hat whenever you're outside during hot summer months. Thirty minutes before going out in the sun, slather on a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. Avoid the temptation to touch or rub your face with your hands or fingers.
Considerations
Avoid rosacea-caused rosy cheeks by taking a closer look at your beauty regimen, which may be a culprit behind your symptoms. Check your beauty-product ingredient labels; ditch those harsh soaps and astringents, as well as products that contain acids or alcohols, which are known to irritate skin and lead to more visible rosacea symptoms. Look for mild facial cleansers and makeup products labeled as "noncomedogenic," which means they're less likely to clog your pores. Help disguise any facial redness that does occur by applying a green- or yellow-tinted pre-foundation cream to your skin before following your regular makeup regimen.
Treatment
Talk to your dermatologist about prescription medication if your rosacea symptoms worsen or fail to go away for an extended period of time. Topical creams containing metronidazole, azelaic acid or sulfur typically produce relief of rosacea symptoms on facial skin, but your doctor may also opt to prescribe an oral medication, depending upon the severity of your facial symptoms. If your doctor does prescribe a topical medication, apply it evenly to your skin and leave it to dry completely before applying makeup or any other skin care products, such as moisturizer.
