Rosacea

What is it?

A chronic congestion primarily on the cheeks and nose. Characterized by redness, dilation of blood vessels, and in severe cases, the formation of pimples. The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, but it seems to be attributed to circulation, genetic predisposition, digestive disorders, bacteria and mites. Certain factors are known to aggravate the condition. Spicy food, alcohol, caffeine, exposure to temperature extremes, heat, sun and stress aggravate rosacea. Soothing and calming ingredients and treatments will help calm the skin and decrease the inflammation.

It’s important to know that just because you have redness in your skin and maybe even irritation, that does not mean you have rosacea.

Pay attention to your skin. It’s pretty smart and will tell you when you might be using something harmful. When you apply a product and it stings or causes redness, this is usually not a good thing. Sometimes Glycolic acid will sting but you should be able to tell a clear difference between “I can feel it when I apply it" vs “it stings and I can feel it irritating my skin.” If you don’t know the difference, stop using the products and see a professional.

Here are some ingredients to avoid.

(Avobenzone)—a common sunscreen agent which may cause skin sensitivity and inflammation.

      High doses of Ascorbic Acid, L-Ascorbic Acid or Alpha Lipoic Acid—these acid forms of vitamin C can increase skin sensitivity. Instead, choose Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate.
      Essential Oils—those with rosacea could disagree with oils containing cinnamon, clove, geranium or peppermint so they should be avoided.
      Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate or Ammonium Laureth Sulfate— surfactants used as cleansing agents that cut oil from the skin, but are too harsh and will also strip water from the layers of the skin.
Good ingredients to help with rosacea are green tea and chamomile. Everyone is different for what will help the skin.

It’s important to avoid overexfoliating the skin. Too much can break down the skins protective barrier causing it to become inflamed. It’s best to talk to an esthetician to get a recommended exfoliation routine.

Your skin has a moisture barrier made of natural lipids and when it is damaged, tiny and invisible cracks are created, allowing moisture to escape and irritants to enter the skin more easily. This all causes dry, flaky skin and can make even products created for sensitive skin cause stinging and irritation. This is when you want to use specific products that will repair this barrier. Derma Relief is my favorite serum for helping to repair the barrier. It feels so good on the skin and you can immediately feel a difference.



Avoid using hot water and storing products in the fridge is also a good idea but not always easy if your fridge isn’t close to where you apply your products.

Follow me on social media @pureskinoc

For more information or to shop: PureSkinOC.com

Click here to look at my recommended products.

Foundation suggestions for rosacea skin: Priia and Jane Iredale.