How to Take Care of Skin That Is Prone to Rosacea
Being kind to your skin and yourself is the key to dealing with rosacea. Here are some tips from dermatologists and people who live with rosacea every day that you can use:
Make your routine easy and gentle.
When it comes to rosacea, less is more. Use a gentle, scent-free soap and warm water. Don't scrub or use rough washcloths; your skin will thank you. Instead of rubbing, pat your face dry with a soft towel.
Keep your skin moist, keep it moist, keep it moist.
A good moisturizer can help fix your skin barrier and make it less irritated. Avoid heavy scents and alcohol, and look for products that say "for sensitive skin." Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide are some of the ingredients that can help keep skin moist and calm.
Sunscreen is a must.
Sunlight is one of the main things that can make rosacea worse. Even when it's cloudy, you should use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day. Sensitive skin often does better with mineral sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. If you spend a lot of time outside, don't forget to reapply.
Find and stay away from your triggers.
Write down what seems to make your rosacea worse, like spicy food, wine, a hot shower, or a stressful day. As time goes on, you'll start to notice patterns and be able to avoid or lessen your triggers.
Be careful with new things
Before using anything new, do a patch test on a small area. Don't use products that have alcohol, menthol, witch hazel, or exfoliating acids in them. These can be rough on skin that is already sensitive. Stick to a few tried-and-true products; less is more.
Think about going to see a dermatologist
If over-the-counter products don't work, a dermatologist can suggest prescription creams, pills, or even laser treatments to help with redness and bumps. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Rosacea is a medical condition, and you deserve the best care possible.
People with rosacea share real-life tips
- "I carry a small fan in my bag for hot days. It helps cool my skin and stop flare-ups from happening."
- "I saw a big difference when I switched to laundry detergent without scents."
- "I learned to say no to hot yoga because it made me flare up too much!" Now I only do light exercise.
"I always have a light moisturizer and sunscreen in my purse, just in case."
Makeup and Rosacea
You can still wear makeup if you want to. Look for items that say "for sensitive skin" and "non-comedogenic." Primers with a green tint can help get rid of redness. At the end of the day, always take off your makeup gently. Don't use heavy, oil-based foundations that can block pores.
When to Get Medical Help
If your rosacea hurts, spreads, or affects your eyes by making them red, dry, or changing your vision, you should see a dermatologist or eye doctor. If you don't treat ocular rosacea, it can get worse.
Keeping a positive attitude
Rosacea is a long process, not a quick one. There will be good days and bad days, but with time and the right care, most people find that their flare-ups happen less often and are easier to deal with. Celebrate little wins, like finding a moisturizer that works or going a week without a flare-up.
It can be hard to live with rosacea, but it doesn't have to define you. You can find what works for you with some trial and error and a lot of self-kindness. Then you can get back to doing the things you love. Don't forget that you're not alone; there are a lot of people who know what you're going through.