The noticeable redness of rosacea can lead some people to feel uncomfortable about being in public. Although it can be difficult to eliminate the problem, there are ways to reduce flare-ups and possibly manage the problem.
Know Your Triggers
Although there is no single cause of developing rosacea or experiencing a flare-up, if you pay attention you might notice certain factors that can contribute to a flare. A common source is heat, such as sun exposure, being near a heater, or overheating from stress. It is imperative to minimize your sun exposure by wearing sunscreen on your face and other areas that show signs of redness during a rosacea flare-up. Since rosacea more commonly affects people with fair skin, being meticulous about your sun exposure can reduce the appearance of rosacea and minimize sun damage. Avoid sitting directly in front of heat sources, such as space heaters or fireplaces. Learning coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety can minimize the flushing and sweating that can make rosacea more noticeable.
Be Gentle With Your Skin
In addition to including SPF products as part of your skin care, you should adopt a skin care routine that is effective while minimizing irritation to your skin. Try using a mild soap to wash your face once or twice each day. Gently rinse off any soap with water that is warm enough to do the job. Hot water will increase redness. When you apply moisturizer, try to gently pat it into the skin rather than rubbing it in. Most other face products, such as astringents and exfoliants, should be eliminated from your skin care routine. If you have additional skin care needs, such as removing dead skin, unclogging pores, or dealing with breakouts, it is best to speak with a dermatologist who can help you find the mildest product to fit your needs.
Use Dermatological Treatments
The most common treatment for rosacea is brimonidine gel. This medication is applied topically and is designed to reduce skin redness for several hours. Unfortunately, the results are temporary, but over time you may notice an overall decrease in redness. Since the results only last up to 12 hours, you may want to apply the medication before leaving for the day. Reduced redness can make it easier to hide rosacea, especially if you do not wear makeup, or you may need less makeup to achieve the same amount of coverage. Laser treatments are another option to reduce the redness of rosacea. Everyone is different in the amount of benefits they receive from laser treatments. You will not know the full benefits until after several treatments.
Reducing the number of flare-ups can minimize long-term skin damage from rosacea. Paying attention to your triggers and skin needs can help you achieve the right balance to reduce redness.
Share
