What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a long-term inflammatory skin condition that causes redness of the skin and rashes, usually on the nose and cheeks. It could also cause eye problems. Symptoms typically come and go, and many people report that certain factors, such as spending time in the sun or experiencing emotional stress, trigger them.
“There is no cure for rosacea, but treatment can keep it under control. The choice of treatment will depend on the symptoms and usually includes a combination of self-help measures and medication.”
Symptoms of Rosacea:
The majority of people only have partial rosacea symptoms, and each person’s symptom pattern is unique. Although the condition is chronic (long-lasting), rosacea often alternates between periods of flare-ups and periods of remission (lack of symptoms).
Symptoms of rosacea include:
- Facial redness: This may start as a tendency to flush or blush, but over time the redness may persist for longer periods. It is sometimes accompanied by a tingling or burning sensation, and the red skin may become rough and scaly.
- Rash: Areas of facial redness may develop red or pus-filled bumps and pimples that resemble acne.
- Visible blood vessels: These typically appear as thin red lines on the cheeks and nose.
- Thickening of the skin: The skin may thicken, especially on the nose, giving the nose an enlarged, bulbous appearance. This is one of the most serious symptoms and mostly affects men.
- Eye irritation: In what is called ocular rosacea, the eyes become irritated, red, itchy, watery, or dry. They may feel rough or like there is something in them, like an eyelash. The eyelids may swell and become red at the base of the eyelashes. Styes may develop. It is important to see a doctor if you have eye symptoms because if left untreated, eye damage and vision loss can occur.
Sometimes rosacea follows a progression, from a temporary redness of the nose and cheeks, to a longer-lasting redness, then to the appearance of a rash and small blood vessels under the skin. If left untreated, the skin can thicken and enlarge, causing red, firm bumps, especially on the nose.
“The condition usually affects the center of the face, but in rare cases it can spread to other parts of the body, such as the sides of the face, ears, neck, scalp, and chest.”
Natural skin care for rosacea:
When I purchase natural skin care products for rosacea (or anything else) I try to find as much information about the brand as possible to make sure our values are aligned. I believe that as consumers we vote with our dollars and what we choose to invest or purchase impacts the environment, farmers, communities and ultimately our health.
“Becoming a health advocate and demanding that companies become transparent in their practices/sourcing will not happen at a government level, it must be a grassroots movement led by men with power.”
Why choose natural, non-toxic and organic skin care products for rosacea
So why is it important to choose clean, non-toxic, organic skin products if you suffer from rosacea?
“No category of consumer products is subject to less government scrutiny than cosmetics and personal care products. While many of the chemicals and contaminants found in cosmetics and skin care products likely pose few risks, long-term exposure has been linked to serious health problems such as hormonal problems and cancer.”
The truth is, women use 5 to 15 skin and hair care products in a day, so those “small amounts” of chemicals add up.
“Over 73,000 products containing 88 chemicals that have been connected to cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm have been reported to be used by 595 cosmetics manufacturers since 2009.”
Many of the chemicals banned in Europe are still found in cosmetics in the United States:
- Formaldehyde, known carcinogen
- Mercury, which can damage the kidneys and nervous system.
- Dibutyl and diethylhexyl phthalates, which disrupt hormones and damage the reproductive system
- Isobutyl and isopropyl parabens, which disrupt hormones and damage the reproductive system
- The long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds, or PFAS, that are used in hair dyes irritate and sensitize skin, damage DNA, and may even cause cancer. M- and o-phenylenediamine
The European Union, among many other countries, has outlawed these harmful chemicals, and many of them are about to be taken out of major U.S. retailer brands like Target, Rite Aid, Walgreens, and CVS Health from their stores.
“All of these toxic chemicals become a burden on the liver and a CRUCIAL element in healing rosacea is having an optimally functioning liver. (Keep pumping those toxic chemicals into your system – including chemicals like glyphosate, herbicides and pesticides from the non-organic foods you eat – and your liver will be forever busy trying to rid your body of toxins, toxins that ultimately end appear in your body.skin like rosacea.)”
Best Products for Rosacea:
1. Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream:
Rosacea can cause dry, flaky skin with red patches, so it’s important to retain moisture. Although suitable for all sensitive skin types, Vanicream’s moisturizer is ideal for dryness; it spreads it often but in a way that doesn’t suffocate the pores. It has a 4.6 out of 5 star rating on Amazon, and reviewers say it quickly resolved irritation and redness.
2. SkinCeuticals Redness Neutralizer:
If you’re looking for a moisturizer that can help calm irritation and redness, add this dermatologist-recommended product to your cart. This lightweight cream works to calm dry skin and redness caused by skin conditions such as rosacea or general dryness. Contains cooling and soothing biomimetic peptides and botanical extracts, nourishing shea butter and squalane oil, and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8, which works to combat environmental factors that cause redness and irritating flushes.
3. Joanna Vargas Ritual Bar:
Vargas’ Ritual Bar contains a soothing green tea extract that quickly calms inflammation and is great for sensitive skin. Avocado oil also keeps the skin constantly hydrated and contains vitamins A, E and D, which nourish the skin. If you’re the type of person who prefers a simple bar for washing your face, this one will work wonders and is gentle enough to use morning and night without affecting your skin barrier. In addition to using products with green tea extract to help defuse rosacea, Vargas also recommends chamomile tea, which “compresses to calm the skin and make it feel a little better if it gets inflamed.”
4. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser:
This cleanser is the holy grail of moisture. Even for those who don’t have rosacea, it’s what you should use. If your rosacea symptoms are easily triggered by anything, this cleanser is super gentle yet effective and provides all-day hydration with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin. On top of all the benefits, it will last you for years, so for just $15 it’s basically a no-brainer.
5. Danucera Cerabalm:
This clean skin care product, which nourishes and hydrates the skin, is not your ordinary balm. In fact, it works as a cleanser, moisturizer, and mask, all in one. And while Cerabalm can be used to lighten and brighten skin, it’s also “ideal for those suffering from rosacea and redness,” according to Danuta Mieloch, founder of Danucera and Rescue Spa. And to help prevent flare-ups, Mieloch recommends avoiding “ excessive sun exposure, excessively hot and cold temperatures and spicy foods. Also, refrain from mixing products containing fragrances, silicones, and parabens to avoid skin irritation.
6. Eucerin Redness Relief:
Shainhouse recommends this gel-like, fragrance-free Eucerin cream that fights redness. She says licorice root extract calms the skin and is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. Simply apply a layer to your face before bed and you’ll wake up with a more even complexion.
7. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%:
Idriss calls azelaic acid “the gold standard” for rosacea. In prescriptions, he recommends it at 15%, but this $11 cream still has 10%, not bad for the price. He says the acid is an anti-inflammatory ingredient and also has mild antimicrobial properties to control the growth of certain bacteria on the skin. “The skin may be more susceptible to bacterial colonization with rosacea, and azelaic acid may help reduce the number of bacteria present, potentially decreasing the inflammatory response,” he says. The jelly-like consistency has a lightweight, non-greasy finish that brightens and targets any skin bumps or bumps.
8. Hourglass Equilibrium Resurfacing Retinoid Treatment:
It is a retinol that you can use every evening without annoying sensations of flaking or burning. Of course, you should apply this formula before testing it on your skin type, but the milky consistency gives you that glassy complexion. It works against discoloration and uneven texture, leaving your face brighter and smoother in the morning. Some reviewers say they even use it in the morning and afternoon. without the harsh side effects of other retinols.
9. Hero Cosmetics Shield Superlight Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30:
The light green glossy texture counterbalances any redness and also serves as a great primer if you add makeup to the mix. The green dye penetrates the skin and leaves a breathable finish that is fragrance-free and reef-safe. Apply it in the morning and reapply every two hours for sun protection that is also hydrating and soothing thanks to green tea leaf extract.
10. Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster:
If you’re more of a Paula’s Choice diehard, this azelaic acid product is also a great place to start. Shainhouse recommends this booster that you can wear alone or mix with any moisturizer or serum. It contains licorice root to combat red cheeks and also has a dose of salicylic acid for a visibly smoother complexion. Reviewers say it works well as a dark spot remover, so you can add hyperpigmentation to the list of things this product helps fix.