WHAT IS ROSACEA?
Many people throughout the UK suffer with Rosacea, a condition which is often confused with acne, mild sensitivity and even sunburn. Those who spend a lot of time outside all year round, are more prone to developing this condition; ever heard of farmers ruddy cheeks?
It is important to recognise the early signs of Rosacea and what you can do to help to control it. Rosacea generally affects the face, although it can appear on the scalp, neck, chest and back. The most common symptoms are facial flushing, persistent redness, and spots. This is due to the small blood vessels in the skin becoming more visible and in very severe cases, skin around the nose can become thick and enlarged.
Who Does it Affect?
Rosacea is a common but poorly understood condition not only of the blood vessels, but also of the facial skin structure. It is estimated to affect 415 million people worldwide, many of whom do not even realise that they have Rosacea! Though Rosacea is primarily diagnosed in fairer skinned individuals, it is not exclusive to them and the actual cause is still unknown.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, while people of all ages and races can develop rosacea, it is most common in the following groups:
- People between age 30 and 60
- Individuals with fair skin, blond hair, and blue eyes
- Women, especially during menopause
- Those with a family history of rosacea
If you believe that you may have rosacea, please do contact a dermatologist or skincare professional to get properly diagnosed and get on to the correct treatment path.
Identifying Rosacea
As we have mentioned above, there are a number of signs to look out for when identifying rosacea. The earliest sign is often the facial flushing, many sufferers have a history of frequent blushing or flushing and it’s this facial redness which can be sporadic and may resemble a blush or sunburn which does not go away. With many rosacea sufferers, small blood vessels become visible on the skin, while in some cases, the eyes may be irritated and appear watery or bloodshot. This is a condition known as ocular rosacea.
More extreme symptoms include small red solid bumps or pus-filled pimples which can resemble acne, however there are no blackheads. In some cases, the individual will experience a sensation of burning or a feeling of tightness. Raised red patches, known as plaques may develop without changes in the surrounding skin. The skin may thicken and enlarge from excess tissue, most commonly on the nose. This condition, known as rhinophyma, affects more men than women.
Severe cases can result in corneal damage and vision loss where medical intervention isn’t sought. Doctors can diagnose rosacea in patients, although there is no specific test for it. In extreme conditions, topical and/or oral medications may be prescribed.
Rosacea Prevention
Whilst there is no cure for rosacea, there are ways to prevent and minimise the effects of the condition. It is really important to identify and then void the lifestyle and environmental factors that trigger individual rosacea flare-ups. These can include:
- Stress
- Sun Exposure
- Hot Foods and Drinks (think soup, hot chocolate etc.)
- Extreme Heat, Cold or Wind
- Extreme Exercise
- Alcohol – especially red wine
- Caffeinated Beverages (Tea, Coffee)
- Spicy Foods
- Various Cosmetic Products
The list goes on (unfortunately)…. basically, anything that will cause your face to flush is something to watch out for. You need to proactively care for your skin by reducing redness and soothing it with natural products and ingredients made to prevent rosacea flareups.
There are also products and ingredients to avoid when it comes to skincare. These may exacerbate the condition and includes; alcohol, mineral oil, lanolin, synthetic fragrance and isopropyl myristate, to name but a few.
Ingredients That May Help
Powerful natural ingredients known to help rosacea include, Green Tea which is healing and antibacterial, Chamomile which has a calming and destressing effect on the skin, French Rose Extract, which has a light, natural fragrance and calms redness and reduces stress of the individual, and Liquorice which soothes and reduces redness and irritation.
Specific Rosacea Products
Using products formulated to improve a condition such as rosacea is essential. Pevonia’s RS2 line is specifically designed to treat rosacea and acne rosacea along with symptoms of vascular skin.
For the best results, products within Pevonia’s RS2 line should be used together, morning and evening. With regular use of the products and treatments, the symptoms can be controlled and dramatically improved. Each product contains the main ingredients of Green Tea to heal and desensitise the skin, antibacterial Olibanum (Frankincense) to soothe, and calming French Rose Essential Oil for its rejuvenating and soothing properties and natural fragrance.
The line comprises:
Want to try the Pevonia RS2 line, but just not 100% sure if you want to commit? Introducing the Zero Waste Redness-B-Gone Trial Kit – Redness Skincare Solution (RS2)! Reduce redness, calm skin, diminish dilated capillaries, and rosacea discomfort with this soothing 3-step, trial sized, TSA 3-1-1 compliant set of RS2 Gentle Cleanser, alcohol-free RS2 Gentle Lotion, and RS2 Care Cream. These little bottles are reusable/refillable so that you can always have your on-the-go kit. A budget-friendly way to try the RS2 line and see the results for yourself before committing to the full-size product.
What Else Can Trigger Symptoms And What Can Help To Relieve Them?
Sun Protection
Daily sun protection is a must for any skin type, but anyone with rosacea should be especially vigilant. Sun exposure was named a top trigger for rosacea flare-ups by 81% of patients in a National Rosacea Society survey. It is also linked to the visible blood vessels (telangiectasia) and severe redness often associated with the disorder!
Be smart and wear your sunscreen every day whether it’s cloudy, rainy, sunny, or snowing… it doesn’t matter, the UV rays are still shining through. Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 40 UVA/UVB Protection + Blue Light Shield will protect and hydrate your sensitive skin and is free from chemicals, added fragrances, colours, and more. Did you know it’s reef and ocean safe too? Find out more here in our Indoor & Outdoor Sun Protection Blog.
Another option is our YouthRenew™ Tinted Cream SPF 30 which will protect your skin from the sun and help minimise visible redness, too with this 5-in-1 tinted cream.
For instant refreshing relief – hydrate, replenish, and soothe with our lightweight, moisturising Phyto-Aromatic Mist. Spritz this replenishing mist on your skin anytime, especially during or after-sun exposure; it instantly hydrates with Hyaluronic Acid and restores balance with a blend of soothing Aloe, Calendula, Chamomile, and Rose.
Eyes
If you suffer from symptoms of Occular Rosacea then you know how careful you need to be when selecting products that go on or near your eye zone. Are we talking about skincare? ALWAYS! However, here we want to discuss make-up. Eye Shadows, Eye Liners, Mascaras, Brow Pencils/Powders etc.
There are additional factors that those with occular rosacea need to consider.
Safety. Is the product safe for your skin – free from chemicals, non-comedogenic, no artificial fragrance, etc.?
Colours. What colours do you want to select? Many rosacea resources advise people to shy away from highly pigmented warm tones that can irritate (due to additional pigment) and draw out/enhance red tones in your skin! A neutral mineral powder eye shadow may be the perfect choice.
Lastly, is the product easy but not too easy to remove? You do not want products that are going to flake off and irritate your eyes, but you should not be scrubbing or rubbing this delicate area to remove products either. Pevonia’s Eye Make-Up Remover is perfect for sensitive skin – find out more here.
Make-up Tips
Use a green-tinted base to correct and tone down red tones in your skin. Find one with UV protection, like our YouthRenew™ Tinted Cream SPF 30, and you will help shield your skin from sun exposure that can further aggravate rosacea. A protective base can also help your makeup last longer! Tip: for those with rosacea-prone skin, a light touch with a clean brush is the best way to apply foundation or primer. Using a sponge or pressing too hard with your fingers may irritate the skin (or spread bacteria and oil). Make sure you clean your brush between uses too.
Red is such a beautiful colour isn’t it? As many of us with rosacea know… not when it comes to your cheeks! Similar to what clothing you choose to wear — avoid red lips! Choose neutral lip shades instead of red because the red of the lipstick can accent the red of your complexion.
Colours to Compliment
Not a skincare tip, but a Rosacea Awareness tip nonetheless! If you have rosacea-prone skin or suffer from excessive blotchiness; wear cool tones to compliment your skin (blues, greens, or even neutral colours like black and white). Wearing pink, red, or maroon can pull out the red from your face making it look more apparent.
Skincare For Men
Shaving may pose a unique challenge for men with rosacea. Here’s what you can do to help get a smooth shave without irritating your skin:
Shaving – Get the closest shave possible and prevent irritation, razor burn, and dryness with Pevonia® Easy-Glide Shaving Emulsion for Him; a non-foaming, cream-to-oil shaving solution that soothes and hydrates the skin.
Lotion – Avoid any shaving creams or lotions that burn or sting your skin, look for natural products with no chemicals, artificial fragrances/colours (Pevonia Men’s Line!)
Aftershave – Use a post-shave balm and/or moisturiser to help soothe the skin like Soothing After Shaving Balm For Him!
Click here to learn more about our entire “For Him” line!
If you believe that you may have Rosacea, please see a dermatologist or a skincare professional for a thorough diagnosis.
IN-SPA TREATMENT
The Pevonia Rosacea Facial is incredibly popular with those suffering with the condition. Featuring an alleviating thermal clay mask, it provides soothing relief and visible results to dilated capillaries, congestion, blotchiness, and irritability. Comforting and healing ingredients, such as: Rose, Green Tea, Chamomile and Liquorice, combine to decongest and calm skin for an even, healthy appearance.
To find your nearest Pevonia Spa/Salon – please click here.
