ROSACEA & THE MENOPAUSE

If you’re over 40 and struggling with red bumps on your skin as well as spots, you’re probably suffering with Rosacea. This is a common skin condition that is often misdiagnosed but regularly makes an appearance in midlife, particularly around the menopause. Understanding what’s behind these stressful flare-ups, and the best ways to deal with them, is the first step to reclaiming control and feeling better about the skin you’re in.

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition affecting 415 million people worldwide. It’s commonly seen as constant redness across the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin, but can also be a feeling of warmth in skin – in other words, flushing. Some people also experience small red spots/bumps, patchy dryness, burning and stinging. Over time, redness can intensify and tiny blood vessels may appear. As it mostly affects the face it can make you feel self-conscious, embarrassed or lower your self-esteem. To find out more – read our Blog ‘WHAT IS ROSACEA?‘

What causes Rosacea?

Although the root causes aren’t fully understood, Rosacea typically makes an appearance between the ages of 40-60, predominantly affects fair-skinned women and may run in families too. It can however affect people in their twenties and thirties. It’s your body’s response to inflammation and certain triggers are known to cause flare-ups such as

• Alcohol
• Spicy foods
• Cheese
• Caffeine
• Hot drinks
• Hot baths/showers
• Fitness activity like running.

How does Menopause affect Rosacea?

Rosacea is believed to be triggered by hormonal changes too, hence menopause represents the largest hormonal change in a woman’s skin since puberty! The rapid decline in oestrogen levels from your 40s has a big impact on skin, making it thinner, drier, dehydrated and more sensitive. Essentially this means your skin’s natural barrier is compromised, making it more vulnerable to irritations. Add to this everyday stresses and it’s easy to see why Rosacea can suddenly become an issue. Often is the case that women simply don’t realise they are suffering from Rosacea; naturally they assume its just skin sensitivity. The most important thing to do is always visit your GP or dermatologist for a professional diagnosis.

Is Rosacea linked to hot flushes?

Most women will experience hot flushes during the menopause. This involves a sudden feeling of intense heat that spreads through the body which can be accompanied by sweating, palpitations and a flushing of the face and neck. Hot flushes are not the cause of Rosacea, but they definitely make the skin more vulnerable to redness which in turn makes the whole Rosacea experience feel much worse.

What’s the best way to treat it?

There’s no actual cure for Rosacea but you can easily manage and minimise the condition by avoiding your triggers and prioritising your skincare and self-care. It may give you some comfort to know that Rosacea tends to come and go and you may only need help for occasional flare-ups, such as during the menopause.

Why is skincare so important?

Knowing that Rosacea is an inflammatory disorder means it’s really important to use gentle, soothing skincare which works to reduce inflammation on a daily basis. Pevonia’s RS2 Collection is specifically designed for sensitive skin with microcirculation problems that often reacts to anything and everything resulting in redness and hypersensitivity. Using this homecare collection every day will desensitise and decongest, while effectively relieving Rosacea blotchiness and discomfort.  Pevonia’s Rose Line immediately heals, calms, repairs and hydrates skin, while strengthening capillaries and promoting an evenly toned appearance. Recommended for Rosacea and microcirculation problems to visibly reduce redness and soothe blotchiness.

What is in it?

• Green Tea
• Licorice
• Chamomile
• Allantoin
• Rose

Can you prove what it does?

Yes – Pevonia ran a 6 week clinical study at-home regime on 20 women between the ages of 40-64.*

Proven Efficacy Statistics*
90% – Effective & Well Tolerated
51% – Reduced Redness/Decongesting

*Evaluation of safety and efficacy requirements performed by the Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pava, Italy.

What else can I do to help combat Rosacea:

• Use a daily, gentle redness-reducing cleanser, such as the RS2 Gentle Cleanser. Don’t rub or scrub your face when cleansing.
• Avoid perfumed soap and alcohol-based products. The RS2 Gentle Lotion is alcohol-free and will cool, decongest and reduce redness whilst perfecting the cleansing process. It also makes a great facial spritz to keep your irritated or over-heated skin cool and calm throughout the day.
• Use an unperfumed moisturiser if your skin is dry or sensitive. Try the RS2 Care Cream which will instantly desensitise your skin while infusing it with hydrating and moisturising benefits.
• Blot your face dry or let it dry naturally.
• Use a sun block with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30 and wear a hat on sunny days. Pevonia’s Hydrating Sunscreen SPF40 offers a potent four-fold protective action that will safeguard your face and body (all year round) from sunburn, accelerated ageing, hyperpigmentation, and dehydration caused by continuous exposure to UV, infrared, and blue light rays.
• Avoid drinking alcohol (if possible) and see if cutting out stimulants, such as caffeine and spicy foods helps.
• If you’re self-conscious, camouflage your skin with suitable cosmetics (make-up). Our YouthRenew Tinted Cream SPF30 offers broad spectrum SPF 30 UVA/UVB protection and is ultra-hydrating. It reveals a subtle natural tint while reducing the appearance of enlarged pores for an effortless, flawless look anytime.

If you are unsure whether you are suffering from the Menopause and/or Rosacea, we do advise that you see your GP for a professional consultation and diagnosis.