As it is Rosacea Awareness Month. It is a great time to understand a bit more about Rosacea. Rosacea (roe-ZAY-she-uh) is a common skin condition that affects parts of your face that causes redness and visible blood vessels in your face. Symptoms can include facial flushing, facial redness, spots, thickening of your skin, and eye problems such as dry eyes and sore eyelids. It may also produce small, red, pus-filled bumps. These signs and symptoms may flare up for weeks to months and then go away for a while. Rosacea can be mistaken for acne, other skin problems.
Who does it effect?
It's more common in women and people with lighter skin/ 'celtic skin' skin types Fitzpatrick 1 and 2) if, but symptoms can be worse in men.
The cause of rosacea is unknown, but it could be due to a combination of hereditary and environmental factors. Rosacea is not caused by poor hygiene. Rosacea is an auto-inflammatory skin condition. It is a chronic condition, meaning that it cannot be cured with a magic pill or cream, but it can be eased. It’s not contagious. Skincare and wellbeing practices can assist with the symptoms and support the relevant medical care.
A number of factors can trigger flare-ups, including:
- Hot drinks
- Spicy foods
- Caffeine
- Red wine and other alcoholic beverages
- Temperature extremes
- Sunlight or wind
- Emotions
- Exercise
- Drugs that dilate blood vessels, including some blood pressure medications
- Various cosmetic products
Anyone can develop rosacea. But you may be more likely to develop it if you:
- Are female
- Have light skin, particularly if it has been damaged by the sun
- Are over age 30
- Smoke
- Genetics - May have a family history of rosacea
Do not worry it is not all doom and gloom. There are ways to manage Rosacea and help you feel glowing!
How to manage Rosacea
1.Avoid over exposing your self to the extremes
2. Look at Rosacea as a whole body challenge rather than just the skin. Inflammation can stem from the gut - your gut effects how well you digest your nutrients
3. Leafy and Orange/Yellow Fruits which are full of Carotenoids which help to fight damage and exposure. Try to choose organic.
4. Eat Healthy Fats - Flaxseeds, Avocados, Chia, Hemp which can help reduce inflammation within the gut
5. Eat Anti-inflammatory vegetables - Broccoli, Ginger, Cabbage, Ginger, Turmeric, Onions, Garlic , Green Tea
6. Avoid a high intakes of Omega 6s which are proinflammatory - refined vegetable oils.
7. Wear SPF Every Day - UV light seems to aggravate rosacea symptoms and can cause inflammation that is linked to its onset.- Try a mineral based SPF which deflects the sun rather than the chemical which absorbs it.
8. Use Antioxidant's in your Skincare - Vitamins like A,B,C,E and K help to strengthen the skin, protect, calm redness and diminish dryness and help the vitality of the skin
The Glow Essentials Trio includes Antioxidants and Minerals which help to nourish, hydrate and protect the skin and helps with skin discoloration designed to be gentle for the most sensitive skins.
9. Hydration with Hyaluronic Acid - Hyaluronic Acid is probably the only acid a Rosacea sufferer should be using to hydrate the skin. Hyaluronic Acid should always be sealed with a moisturiser, otherwise it will draw water from your skin. The Glow Boosting 2 in 1 Moisturiser and Serum is incredibly multitasking and does just that.
10. Pat do not rub - Being gentle with your skin and calming your skin is managing Rosacea. Friction when cleansing with cotton pads or rubbing product into your face can lead to flare ups. The best approach is to 'pat'