While sporting pink and rosy cheeks may look sweet and innocent enough, that permanently flushed appearance may actually be the warning sign of an underlying skin condition known as Rosacea.

   

Rosacea is a common skin condition that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including pink to red, sometimes hot and itchy blushing of the face with or without visible broken capillaries (Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea).

   

Ignore these initial warning signs, and Rosacea can evolve into a much more aggressive issue involving acne-type breakouts (Papulopustular Rosacea), thickening of the skin (Phymatous Rosacea), inflammation of the eyes and eyelids (Ocular Rosacea) - or a combination of any of these symptoms.

   

Rosacea’s complex range of symptoms and their resemblance to other common skin conditions, such as eczema, acne and allergic reactions, means that Rosacea can often be misdiagnosed, causing mismanagement of the symptoms that will ultimately make the Rosacea worse. So it’s important to make the time to get a professional skin analysis, if you notice your face looking permanently flushed.

 

Signs And Symptoms Of Rosacea

 

• • Persistent Redness is the most common individual sign of rosacea and may resemble a blush or sunburned appearance that does not go away.

• • Skin Thickening caused by Rosacea is most commonly seen to develop on the nose and is known as Rhinophyma. It’s a less common symptom of Rosacea but can lead to facial disfigurement and inadequate nasal airflow when severe.

• • Flushing and facial redness can be accompanied by a sense of heat, warmth or burning that comes and goes and is often an early sign of Rosacea.

• • Bumps & Pimples that resemble acne can often develop.

• • Visible Blood Vessels called telangiectasia develop on the cheeks, nasal bridge and other areas in the centre of the face.

• • Eye Irritation can develop and appear as irritated, watery or bloodshot eyes. The eyelids can also become red and swollen, with blood vessels around the eyelid margins becoming noticeable.

• • Burning or stinging with or without a feeling of skin tightness may develop.

• • Facial swelling may accompany other signs of Rosacea or develop as raised red patches on areas of the face.
  • Dryness and rough, scaly skin may develop, particularly in the central area of the face, although the skin may still feel oily for some.

 

What Causes Rosacea?

 

There is no specific reason yet known for the underlying cause of Rosacea. A genetic predisposition and exposure to a variety of environmental irritants seem to be the main contributors.

 

Because our skin is the body’s first line of defence when it comes to protecting our internal systems from potential toxins and stressors, exposure to things such as pollution, sun, wind and chemicals found in the cosmetics we use can trigger Rosacea flare-ups.

 

Furthermore, your skin is also a reflection of what’s happening on the inside of your body. Poor gut health, highly processed foods and sugary beverages, alcohol, caffeine and not drinking enough water all contribute to the severity of Rosacea.

 

How To Treat Rosacea

 

Although each type of Rosacea has its own set of symptoms and, therefore, different treatment options, treating Rosacea at its earliest signs is always the best, especially since ignoring those early ‘flushing’ symptoms of ETR (Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea) can lead to the development of the more severe forms of Rosacea mentioned above.

 

Although there are a range of oral and topical medications a doctor can prescribe to treat the various signs and symptoms of Rosacea, you can also opt for advanced in-salon skin treatments such as LED Light Therapy (Light Emitting Diode) to get fast relief of your Rosacea symptoms.

 

How To Manage Rosacea

 

Besides identifying and avoiding your own personal Rosacea triggers - be it spicy foods, red wine, wind days or taking those extra hot showers… using a good Rosacea skin care plan plays an important role in keeping Rosacea and its symptoms under control on the daily.

 

Thanks to our sisters over at Australian Skin Institute, here are some simple skin-cooling tips you can incorporate into your daily skincare ritual to help manage your Rosacea.

 

Tip #1 - Be Gentle With Your Skin

 

A skin that is suffering from Rosacea is already hypersensitive. Therefore, it’s important to avoid rubbing, scrubbing or exfoliating your skin. Swap out using washcloths, facial sponges or cleansing cloths and instead, simply wash your face morning and night by gently and slowly massaging your skin with your fingertips using a gentle cleanser before rinsing with slightly cool water.

 

We recommend The Australian Skin Institute’s Rejuvenating foaming cleanser.

 

Tip #2 - Avoid Overheating

 

Rosacea can often be triggered by overheating your body and your skin. Controlling your body temperature by avoiding excessive exposure to heaters, fireplaces, hot and steamy showers, as well as high-intensity activities will help to keep any flare-ups at bay.

 

Tip #3 - Hydrate

 

Besides keeping your body cool with a fan or exercising in air-conditioning or shaded areas, you can give your skin a cooling head-start by ensuring that it’s loaded with hydrating hyaluronic acid.

 

Holding 1000 times its weight in water, The Australian Skin Institutes All Day Hydration dives deep into the skin to keep moisture locked in at a cellular level. A potent cosmeceutical loaded with pure hyaluronic acid and illuminating B3, it will not only keep your skin cool and hydrated but will also stimulate collagen production to strengthen your skin’s natural defence barrier, reducing topical hypersensitivity and redness.

 

Tip #4 - Protect Your Skin From The Elements

 

Besides ensuring your skin is protected from the ultraviolet rays of the sun, taking extra steps to protect your skin (especially if you are also taking any medication for your skin) is paramount. Always wear a hat and avoid the midday sun. Sit in the shade, go for a walk early in the morning or in the cool of the evening. And if the weather is cold or windy, be sure to also wear a scarf to protect your skin from the elements.

 

We are obsessed with The Australian Skin Institutes' new and improved Daylight Defence Tinted Sunscreen SPF50. It's a high broad spectrum UVA and UVB protector, plus it's non-greasy and quick drying. Perfect for those who need an extra layer of protection while enjoying their outdoor lifestyle.

 

Yours to try for FREE when you purchase any Australian Skin Institute Skin Kit at any Believe in Beautiful Clinic or online. Offer ends 28/02/2023.

 

Tip #5 - Mineral Makeup

 

It’s understandable that if you suffer from Rosacea, you may want to cover it up, but the ingredients in many foundations and concealers can also make Rosacea worse.

 

Made with minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide, opting to use a mineral based make-up will not only give you natural protection from the sun, but thanks to its healing properties, mineral makeup will also be less likely to irritate the skin and cause a Rosacea flare up.

 

Choosing a loose mineral foundation in preference to a liquid mineral foundation will also prevent your skin’s pores from clogging, and you can conveniently mix a little of your loose mineral powder with your moisturiser to make your own bespoke BB cream for a light and dewy coverage.

 

We love the Mineral Radiance Loose Mineral Foundation SPF15+. Free of oils, parabens, talc and fragrance, the cruelty-free formula is available in 5 skin-loving shades and comes in a creamy option for those who prefer a full-coverage finish.

 

Believe in Beautiful Is Here To Treat and Help Manage Your Rosacea

 

If you suspect you have Rosacea, are struggling to manage the symptoms or perhaps have sensitive skin that needs some extra TLC, then the team at Believe in Beautiful would love to help.

 

Simply book a complimentary consultation at one of our 9 Brisbane locations to get started. Our friendly team of experienced Dermal Therapists will assess your skin, talk to you about all your treatment options and suggest the perfect Rosacea-friendly home routine for you.