beauty

"I couldn't treat my rosacea, until I found these 3 products."

Image supplied.

I’m blessed with exceptionally sensitive skin. And if there’s one topic I can talk to you about for hours, it’s how to deal with the chronic, inflammatory skin condition that is rosacea.

I’ve made it my life’s mission to find products that nourish, reduce redness, and leave my skin feeling soft (and not on fire, preferably).

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“[Rosacea] usually starts with red blushes and flushes, progressing to small red bumps and pus-filled spots (papules and pustules) which come and go,” explains Dr Naomi McCullum, a Sydney-based cosmetic doctor.

There isn’t a known cure for rosacea, but there are effective treatments available that can help people to manage their symptoms. Your Dermatologist or GP can undertake a thorough examination and provide a tailored approach for you.

But when it comes to my skin, These are the three that have kept my rosacea at bay, give these beauties a go.

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1. A gentle cleanser.

“People living with rosacea should check their skincare routine with their dermatologist or GP to ensure it is suitable with their skin-type. I often advise my clients to clean their face with a mild and non-abrasive cleanser, then rinse with lukewarm water and blot the face dry with a thick cotton towel or muslin cloth.” Dr Naomi says.

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I use Cetaphil Daily Cleanser, as it is incredibly gentle, and it cleans you skin well. It does what it is supposed to do without flaring up your skin. You can buy it here.

Lizzie's rosacea on a good day (Image supplied)

2. A hydrating face cream.

I love Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream. Love love love. Extra-gentle, oil-free moisturizing cream feels calming straight away. And it reduces visible redness - yes even rosacea. You can buy it here. I use it every, single day.

RELATED: 3 reasons why cleansing your face in the shower isn’t the best idea. 

The Glow Tip: A serum is also a great option at hydrating and calming the skin. We recommend Ultraceuticals Ultra-Red Action Complex ($45), which is fast acting and nasties-free.

3. This magic CC Cream.

I have been using a CC cream by IT cosmetics and it is the single greatest discovery of my life. It is gentle, nourishing, and contains SPF 50.

It's like it was made to reduce and treat redness. Because it was. It's hydrating and is also primer. You can get it at Sephora.

It's also worth investing in a rosacea-friendly foundation.

"Look for an oil-free foundation that offers the level of coverage you need as people with redness will require less coverage than those with pustules or papules," explains Dr Naomi.

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"Many of my patients with rosacea opt for mineral makeup as it typically doesn’t contain potentially irritating ingredients. Mineral powder also contains innovative ingredients specifically formulated to colour-correct redness." (Post continues after gallery.)

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2 other ways you can manage, rosacea.

1. Antibiotics

"As rosacea has many facets and symptoms there are different treatments that can be used. Oral antibiotics can help with the inflammatory element of moderate to severe rosacea and it can be common for a doctor to suggest using an oral and topical treatment together," explains Dr Naomi.

"Topical treatments are applied directly to the skin and generally work on the papules and pustule element of the condition. There are prescription topical treatments which constrict the blood vessels reducing the redness associated."

RELATED: 5 face oils that will make your skin look and feel incredible.

2. Keep track of what's irritating your skin.

Identify things that flare your skin up (for me it's alcohol and temperature changes). Other triggers can include sun exposure, exercise, hot baths, spicy food, stress, and some medical conditions. Make sure you see your GP to manage and treat your rosacea if it is persistent.

Do you have any other recommendations for treating rosacea?

 

Before using any of these products, always test it in a peripheral area, such as your neck or hand, before using it on your face to make sure it doesn’t react. Also seeing your GP before taking any action to discuss your options is a great idea.