Tips for Routine Facial Cleansing

In addition to medical therapy, a gentle twice-daily facial cleansing routine can help keep your rosacea under control. Here are some tips that will leave your skin clean without aggravating your condition.

Use a very mild soap or non-soap cleanser. Any products that might irritate skin are not useful.

Massage cleanser with your fingertips. A soft pad or washcloth may also be gently used, but patients should avoid rough or abrasive materials, loofahs, brushes or sponges.

Rinse the face with lukewarm water. Avoid temperature extremes, especially hot water, which may cause flushing.

Dry the face gently. Blot with a soft and thick cotton towel. Never pull, tug, scrape or scratch.
Air dry before applying medication. Let your face dry until surface moisture is gone. Then apply any topical medication that has been prescribed. Let the face dry again before using any moisturizers, sunscreen, makeup or other skin-care products.

Avoid irritating skin-care products. Eliminate or find alternatives for any skin-care products that sting, burn, irritate or cause redness.

Foundation Make-ups

Make-up foundations are used to cover skin blemishes, and acne, as well as to even out and give color to your face.
There are four basic types of foundations. They are all different combinations of oil, water, emulsifiers, talc, kaolin, titanium dioxide and pigment. Their ability to cover skin is related to the amount of titanium dioxide, talc, zinc oxide, chalk and koalin they contain. Chemical sunscreen may be added to the sun-protective effect of titanium dioxide.

Types Of Foundations:
* Oil-based foundation - These are water-oil emulsions which contain pigment in the oil. The water evaporates after the foundation is applied to the skin, leaving the pigment and oil on the face. This feels moisturizing and is useful for those who have dry skin. The color has good staying power and the foundation is easy to apply as there is time to play with the application before it sets, which takes a few minutes. Oil-based foundations may result in clogged pores and increased pimples.

* Water-based foundation - These are also oil-in-water emulsions with only a little oil. The pigment is emulsified and the oil component reduces the drift or spread of color. They are good for people who have slightly dry to normal skin. This type of foundation is a good choice if one has a problem with acne.

* Oil-free foundation - These have no animal, vegetable or mineral oil. They contain oily substances such as silicone based substances (dimethicone). The pigment is dissolved in water and other solvents. These are produced for those with oily skin. Dimethicone is generally soothing to the skin. It's a good choice for those with easily irritated skin.

* Water-free foundation - These are waterproof. Oil, alcohol and synthetic esthers are combined and then mixed with waxes to form a cream. These foundations may be opaque enough to be used to cover scars. The color is produced by combining titanium dioxide with iron oxides, and sometimes ultramarine blue. These foundations will cause clogged pores and increased pimples.

*Mineral based powder foundations - these foundations are composed of a loose powder which is brushed onto the skin. Pure mineral pigments lay on top of the skin to provide extraordinary coverage, while mica reflects light to minimize the look of fine lines and give skin a sheer, flawless finish. The minerals work with your skin's natural oils to make imperfections disappear instantly, without looking thick, cakey or dull. You get a luminous, natural look that lasts and lasts.

Foundation Terms Used To Describe The Ability To Cover The Skin:
Liquid - sheer to moderate coverage (sheer means semi-transparent)
Mousse - sheer
Water based- moderate coverage
Soufflé - moderate
Water-free - full (opaque and therefore gives full coverage)
Stick - full (opaque)
Shake lotion - sheer
Matte - flat with no shine
Semi-matte - minimal shine