There’s regular redness, which can be induced by heat or friction, and then there’s rosacea. The American Academy of Dermatology defines it as a skin condition that begins with the tendency to blush or flush easily. While the root cause of rosacea skin is still unknown, some factors certainly come into play and contribute to risk. Read on for more information on rosacea and how to manage it with the right skincare routine.
Rosacea: What Experts Know So Far
According to the AAD, rosacea skin is most common in fair-skinned individuals between ages 30 to 50. If you come from a Celtic or Scandinavian ancestry or if someone in your family has rosacea or severe acne, you are at risk. If you have rosacea, you’re also likely to have severe acne or .
This can make the skin highly sensitive to numerous things, including sun exposure, certain skincare ingredients, exercise, extreme weather, and specific foods such as red wine. Knowing your triggers can help reduce flareups and prevent your skin condition from worsening.
Rosacea Skin Care Tips
Apart from avoiding your triggers, having a rosacea-friendly skincare routine can help manage symptoms, make your skin feel more comfortable, and improve its overall health. Here are some tips from the experts at AAD:
Cleanse your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser.
Choose a soothing and non-irritating one, like POND'S Aloe Vera Jelly Cleanser. This gel formula deeply cleanses the skin while infusing it with hydration and soothing any irritation with aloe vera. Follow it up with an oil-free, non-comedogenic, alcohol-free moisturizer like POND'S Aloe Vera Jelly Moisturizer. Pat it on your skin (do not rub!) until it’s fully absorbed.
Always wear sun protection.
Sun exposure is one of the most common causes of rosacea flareups. Dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen when going outdoors, regardless of the weather. Don't skip it even when , especially if your home or office has lots of windows that let light in. Make sure to look for a sunscreen with zinc and an SPF of at least 30. POND'S UV Bright Sunscreen offers protection from UVA and UVB rays while moisturizing and brightening the skin.
Use rosacea-friendly products.
, you’d want to avoid further irritation by skipping skincare products that can strip the skin of natural moisture or exfoliate it. The AAD recommends avoiding fragrance, alcohol, camphor, menthol, sodium laurel sulfate, urea, glycolic acid, and lactic acid. If a product causes your skin to sting, stop using it immediately.
Be physically gentle with your skin.
Since most individuals with rosacea can also experience severe acne, try to avoid friction that may further irritate the skin. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing your face, which means you can only use your fingers to wash your face. No washcloths or facial sponges. Be careful when putting on clothing made with rough fabrics. Make sure your bedding is non-irritating as well.
If your skin is prone to flareups, flushing, and blushing, consult your dermatologist immediately to get proper treatment for your rosacea skin. Avoiding your triggers and practicing a gentle skincare routine can also help manage your flareups and symptoms.