Rosacea Sensitive Skin Care

A Canadian survey of over 2,500 rosacea patients revealed that 80% of respondents want to know more about how to care for their skin. Almost 50% indicated they use only water to cleanse their skin. Patients also tend to avoid using moisturizers and makeup because they believe these products will worsen the condition of their skin. The study results suggest patients may have some misconceptions and fears relating to the types of products they can safely use on their faces.

Highly sensitive skin is characteristic of rosacea. To properly care for your skin, follow this daily four-step, skin-care regimen.

Cleanse
Skin cleansing should remove dirt without upsetting your skin’s protective layers or natural pH balance. Everyday soaps and cleansers are often harsh, causing dryness and irritation. Because rosacea–prone skin can be easily irritated, it is important to cleanse with a non-irritating, soap-free, oil-free and fragrance-free, gentle skin cleanser. Use as small an amount of cleanser as possible and apply it gently with your fingers. Rinse with plenty of lukewarm water and blot with a soft towel.

Medicate
There is no substitute for medical treatment in the effective management of rosacea. Once diagnosed, carefully follow your prescribed treatment. Apply your prescription medication in a thin layer across the affected areas only and allow it to dry before applying moisturizer, makeup or sunscreen. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Often you will need to experiment with several sunscreens before finding the one that suits you. Apply your sunscreen often and liberally to all exposed areas when outdoors, whether during the summer or winter. Consult your pharmacist for additional information on sunscreens.

Moisturize
Rosacea and other skin conditions noted for dryness can upset your facial skin’s normal protective barrier. To help restore moisture without causing irritation, apply a long-lasting water-based moisturizer in a cream or lotion formulation. Make sure you choose a product that does not contain fragrances or lanolin.

Maintain
You can help maintain your skin’s normal healthy state by cleansing and moisturizing your face once in the morning and again before bedtime.

Other year-round helpful tips:
Avoid pulling or scratching your facial skin; do not use loofahs, brushes, hard sponges or rough towels on your face.
Keep your face well protected when outdoors in cold or windy weather; always use a scarf to cover your cheeks and nose.
Drink a lot of water.
Use a humidifier to offset the drying effects of indoor heating.
Reduce your bathing time; use lukewarm, instead of steaming-hot water.
Stay away from harsh cleansers and astringents that over-dry your skin or any substance that causes redness or stinging.
Avoid alcohol-containing shaving creams or gels; do not use after-shave lotions.
Use an electric shaver rather than a blade, which might cause further irritation. If you use a blade, replace it regularly to avoid scraping.
Avoid skin care products that contain any one of the following ingredients: witch hazel, menthol, peppermint, salicylic acid, eucalyptus oil or clove oil.
Use natural fiber fabrics, other than wool, close to your face or against the skin. Cotton, linen, silk and hemp are soft, breathable and non-irritating.
Choose light, oil-free makeup products. They are safe to use and effective in countering the impact a rosacea flare-up may have on your appearance.

Sun Protection
Rosacea sufferers have very sensitive skin that requires special care. When you are outdoors, whether during the summer months or when enjoying winter activities, protect your skin by applying a daily facial moisturizer with a minimum of SPF 15, as well as additional sunscreen for protection against prolonged exposure to the sun. Let your prescribed topical medication dry before you apply your moisturizer, makeup or sunscreen.
Remember that protection against the sun’s harmful rays means covering all exposed parts of your body with a sunscreen, minimum of SPF15, according to guidelines set by the Canadian Dermatology Association. In addition to the face, be sure to apply the sunscreen generously to your neck and ears, reapplying it every few hours and after you have been in the water.
You may have to try several different sunscreens to find the one that is best suited to you.

Camouflage Make-Up
While camouflage make-up is not a substitute for diagnosis and treatment, learning some good camouflage techniques can go a long way in helping you cope with the redness associated with rosacea on a daily basis, and particularly during a flare-up. You will need to experiment with several colours and products in order to find the ones that are particularly suited to you.