If you suffer from rosacea you will know that your skin is very sensitive and easily irritated. You may find it better to use specially formulated rosacea skin care products that are non-irritating and mild and will not make the symptoms worse. If you find a product causes a burning or stinging sensation stop using it.
Some rosacea sufferers have found that skin care products containing clove oil, salicylic acid, menthol, peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil have caused irritation to their skin so be extra careful if you buy a product that contain these ingredients and use a very small amount first to test your reactions.
Rosacea sufferers are also more sensitive to the sun which can cause flare ups so always use a good, high factor sunscreen even on cloudy days for maximum protection. A sunscreen that contains zinc or titanium dioxide may be preferable as these ingredients will not irritate the skin.
Treatments for Rosacea
It is important if you have symptoms that indicate rosacea that you are under the care of a dermatologist or other health care practitioner who will be able to prescribe a suitable treatment. The most common treatment prescribed is a combined course of oral antibiotics followed by topical medicines in the form of creams, lotions or gels the help control the condition in the long term. These have anti inflammatory effects that can reduce the redness associated with rosacea and prevent flare ups.
The topical medicines boost the antibiotics effect and help with long term control. Some medicines frequently prescribed are azaleic acid and metronidazole and sodium sulfacetamide with sulfur.
For those people who fail to respond to these treatments or who have very severe rosacea with disfigurement there are other treatment options. Laser therapy can be used to treat the blood vessels that are visible on the skin, dermabrasion can be used or even plastic surgery.
Dermabrasion removes the top layer of the skin to leave it smoother and clearer. For people with skin thickening, especially around the nose, plastic surgery can be an effective option to repair areas that are severely damaged.
Ingredients Used in Rosacea Skin Care Products
Once the condition is under control, over the counter skin care products can be used effectively. Specially formulated products are available that are mild and non irritating and contain ingredients that have been found to be helpful for rosacea sufferers and have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Some ingredients found helpful include Willowherb and Vitamin K. Willowherb has a long tradition of use in treating burns and inflammation and is excellent for reducing the redness caused by rosacea. Vitamin K is essential for the health of the blood vessels and can help to heal the capillaries in the face.
Bio Maple has also been found to be helpful in reducing redness and skin blemishes and helps to prevent the growth of bacteria. It is extracted from maple trees and has a similar pH to the skin.
Make Up
Women should also take care when they choose make up. A heavy make up will clog up the pores and trap oil which will encourage the growth of bacteria. A light, oil free, non-comodogenic (does not clog pores) make up is preferable.