Anyone of any age can get rosacea, but women over 30 are more likely to develop it than any other group. There
are different types of rosacea but they share a few
things in common – visibly red, inflamed skin, usually around the nose, eyes, and
forehead. Mild
rosacea can be hidden under make up, but when it’s more severe, it can be
profoundly embarrassing, interfering with both work and social life.
It’s never a good idea to ignore rosacea, as it
tends to worsen when untreated. One of the most important things you can do to start
getting your life back is to keep a journal of exactly what you do that may
affect your skin so you can learn to avoid your triggers.
The National Rosacea Society conducted
a large survey of sufferers who said that the following worsened their rosacea:
- Sun exposure 81%
- Emotional stress 79%
- Hot weather 75%
- Wind 57%
- Heavy exercise 56%
- Alcohol consumption 52%
- Hot baths 51%
- Cold weather 46%
- Spicy foods 45%
There are more potential triggers, but many
doctors particularly emphasize the importance of avoiding the sun (wear
sunscreen or a hat), excessive heat or cold, and alcohol. These are clearly key
things to note in your journal, but also take note of what you eat, the soap
you use, and anything else you suspect.
Anti-inflammatory medications can be used, but many report mixed results and limited benefits. Avoidance of flare ups in the first place, keeping the skin nourished with light, non-clogging moisturizer (such as InfiniteAloe--Aloe Vera is famous for its anti-inflammatory properties!) makes sense.
I’ll be sharing more tips in upcoming blog posts.
Is there anything specific you want to address?
