Your 4-Step Program for Managing Rosacea
Iykyk with rosacea, am I right? It’s hard to hide and it often pops up at the least convenient time. In many ways, it shares similarities with another persistent skin issue we're all too familiar with – acne. Like acne, rosacea has no cure but adopting a treatment plan and a targeted skincare regimen can help your symptoms and give you healthier skin. But beyond skincare adjustments, making some lifestyle changes can also be a budget-friendly way to tackle rosacea head-on.
Below, we'll outline a practical program for you to manage your rosacea. It will take some dedication, but you can manage it! If you're taking oral medications or using prescribed topicals for your rosacea, it's essential to periodically reassess their effectiveness and potential side effects. We'll also discuss some strategies for managing those pesky flare-ups that seem to pop up at the most inconvenient times.
1. Skincare Regimen
What you put on your face often significantly impacts your face. The secret to your products and rosacea is to keep your skin's natural balance intact and provide it with the nourishment it needs. The best way to do that is to refrain from experimenting with products. Every time you put a new ingredient on your skin, you risk a flare-up. For the best chance at controlling your rosacea, discontinue using all products you don't know to be beneficial. You want to start with fresh, non-expired, rosacea-proven skincare products. You may think you have picked out the right products based on buzzword ingredients like "hyaluronic acid" and "niacinamide," but those formulas can be low quality or contain skin irritants. Use products that aestheticians recommend because they have been tested and proven to work.
Even with rosacea, no two skin is the same – so we can’t just give a standard regimen. Some rosacea skin can tolerate active ingredients well, while some will flare from the slightest bit of exfoliation. Some rosacea is acne-prone and won’t tolerate rich ingredients, while others will thrive from tons of moisture.
You need an aesthetician to recommend the basics, and then, if you want more results, you will need to layer more serums, use masks, and get treatments. Generally speaking, rosacea skin should not use scrubs and stronger chemical exfoliants, but gentle enzymes and some acids can be great. Here are some rosacea-specific products that can help, but we still recommend getting your own customized regimen.
2. Avoiding Triggers
Unlike acne, which has endless triggers, rosacea tends to have a more limited set of proven triggers. However, since it's an inflammatory disease, anything inflammatory can be a problem. Before you spiral, read on about the main triggers. Some are easy to avoid, and some are going to be harder for you. Start small and try to see which one has the biggest impact on your skin.
Saunas/Steam Room/Hot Yoga: Unless recommended for health reasons or your rosacea is under control, these heat factories should be avoided completely. Of course, you should always exercise and sweat some, so just find cooler options.
Hot Beverages: This one should be easy to switch to cold coffee or tea. While avoiding caffeine altogether is probably the best option, we know that can be a toughie for people – so start here and then work towards minimizing caffeine as much as you can.
Alcohol: Similar to caffeine, the same thing applies to alcohol. Avoiding it is ideal, but that might be a tough sacrifice so start with the biggest known trigger – red wine. Also, try drinking slower, incorporating more water while drinking alcohol, and taking a break when you see your skin get flushed.
Sugar: As an instant “maker of chaos” in the body, sugar will also affect rosacea as well. Cutting sweets isn’t enough, look for hidden sugars in specialty coffee drinks, cereals, carbs, granola, yogurt, sauces, protein bars, processed snacks and more. Start eating more nutrient-dense foods and omega 3s, or supplementing. Also, zinc supplements can help rosacea as well.
Sun/Extreme Weather: Even with SPF coverage, time in direct sun can instantly flare rosacea. Work to find shade in addition to wearing SPF. You might hear a lot of buzz on mineral SPF for rosacea, but we see clients do fine on whatever type of SPF your skin likes – high quality and reapplication is more important as both chemical and mineral absorb UV rays and convert it to a small amount of heat. Your odds are always better with a well-formulated SPF that looks good on your skin.
One benefit of living in Minnesota is lower UV exposure, however extreme cold and wind can flare rosacea as well. You will need lots of barrier help for dryer, winter temps. Your regimen should contain the right ingredients, but in a pinch – petroleum jelly will do the trick to protect your skin from the blustery elements.
3. Professional Treatments
Consider BBL (broadband light) laser treatments for more significant and lasting changes. If you must choose between facial treatments and BBL, prioritize BBL sessions every 1-3 months for optimal results. BBL penetrates deep into the skin to target redness and prevent future rosacea flare-ups. Learn more about BBL here!
Many dermatologists recommend BBL treatments as part of a comprehensive approach to managing rosacea. Coupled with the right skincare regimen, BBL can significantly improve rosacea symptoms and contribute to the long-term health of your skin.
4. Prescriptions, if needed
Like acne, there may be instances where rosacea flare-ups persist despite your best efforts. While we don't advocate for prescriptions as the first line of defense, you may want to consult your dermatologist or primary care provider about prescription options if flare-ups become overwhelming.
Certain rosacea medications constrict blood vessels, providing instant relief from redness. These medications are typically used on an as-needed basis and can be particularly useful during travel or times of stress when flare-ups are unavoidable. However, exercise caution with oral and topical medications, especially if you're still experiencing extreme redness despite their use.
Remember, for visible improvement in rosacea, it's crucial to use skincare products with the right ingredients while also addressing stress and inflammation in the body. A holistic approach is key to achieving lasting results regarding most skincare issues, especially rosacea.