Rosacea

Rosacea (pronounced 'roh-ZAY-sha') is a skin condition that primarily affects the face. It typically develops at around the age of 30 and is diagnosed predominantly in women, although many men also suffer from Rosacea. It is characterized by flushing or redness on the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead that may come and go. Left untreated, inflammatory bumps and pimples may also develop. Rosacea can also cause your skin to feel itchy, with a burning sensation. All of which can be very upsetting. While rosacea is a long-term skin condition, there are some important factors to consider when looking for the best skin care products to use. There is often the temptation to avoid sunscreen and other skin care products, as many high street brands contain a high chemical load which will increase skin irritation and stinging.

What causes rosacea?

There are many factors that may trigger rosacea, including dairy foods, hormonal triggers (such as the menopause), alcohol, certain medications, genetics, cold or hot temperatures... the list goes on. Whilst we can't control things like genetics, there are some lifestyle changes we can make to reduce the appearance of rosacea and the frequency of flare ups.

Is there a cure for rosacea?

Rosacea is long term (chronic) condition; however, it can be controlled with the correct skincare. In clinic, we stock Obagi skin care products which have been specifically developed with rosacea in mind.

Should I wear sunscreen if I have rosacea?

Protection from harmful UV rays is essential for everyone but choosing the correct sunscreen can be more challenging if you are suffering from rosacea. The good news however, is that there are products available that are perfect for you. At LDR aesthetics, we recommend using a mineral based broad spectrum sun protection with a minimum factor of 30. Mineral based sunscreens contain zinc which has anti-inflammatory properties.

Every face cream I use stings or burns, are there face creams that might help?

The reason that many face creams sting, is largely due to the high levels of chemicals and perfume they contain. In addition, harsh exfoliating products should be avoided to prevent damage to delicate skin. We offer free skin consultations, either in clinic, or remotely, where we can discuss your concerns and recommend the most appropriate product for you.

Will my rosacea improve immediately?

Healthy skin takes time and commitment; therefore, improvement of your rosacea will be gradual. The key to success is to take your skin back to the basics, and then over time, as your skin barrier becomes stronger, slowly introduce additional skincare products that will maintain and improve your results.

*If you suspect you may be suffering from rosacea, it is worth considering consulting your GP*