Skin Care

If you suffer from the skin problem, rosacea you will know that your skin is easily irritated and very sensitive. You will probably find it much better to use specially formulated rosacea skin care products that are mild and will not make the symptoms worse. If you find a product results in a stinging feeling stop using it.

A number of sufferers have discovered that some preparations containing salicylic acid, peppermint oil, clove oil or menthol have resulted in irritation of their skin so you should be extremely cautious if you purchase a skin care preparation that contains these ingredients and apply a very small amount as a test first.

Rosacea sufferers are very often more sensitive to the sun which can cause outbreaks. You should aways use a high factor sunscreen even on overcast days for maximum protection. A sunscreen containing titanium dioxide or zinc is a good idea as these ingredients won’t inflame the skin.

Treatments for Rosacea

It is important, if you have symptoms of rosacea, that you are treated by a dermatologist or other medical practitioner who is able to give you a suitable treatment. The most common therapy that is prescribed is a combined course of oral antibiotics which is followed by medicines, in the form of lotions, gels or creams, that help control the condition in the long term. They have anti inflammatory effects which can reduce the redness associated with rosacea and can prevent flare ups.

The medicines applied to the skin enhance the effect of the antibiotics and assist with control over the long term. Some remedies frequently used are sodium sulfacetamide, azaleic acid and metronidazole.

For those people who fail to respond to these treatments or who have very severe rosacea perhaps with disfigurement, there are some other treatment options. Laser therapy can be used to take care of the blood vessels that are visible on the skin, dermabrasion may be used or plastic surgery.

Dermabrasion removes the skin’s top layer which leaves it clearer. For those people who have thickening of the skin, in particular in the vicinity of the nose, one option is plastic surgery to repair areas that have been damaged severely.

Ingredients Used in Rosacea Skin Care Preparations

Once the condition is controlled, OTC skin care preparations can be used successfully. Specially made rosacea skin care products are available that are non-irritating and mild, contain ingredients that have been found to be helpful for sufferers and have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial actions.

Other ingredients that have been shown to be helpful include Willowherb and Vitamin K. Willowherb has a long history of use for treating inflammation and is very good for decreasing the redness resulting from by rosacea. Vitamin K is critical for blood vessel health and is useful in healing the capillaries in the face.

Bio Maple has also been found to be effective in lessening redness and skin blemishes and will help to inhibit the growth of bacteria. Bio Maple is extracted from maple trees and has a pH comparable to that of skin.

Cosmetics

Women need to also take care when they select cosmetics. Thick make up will block up the skin pores and trap oil, which will promote the bacterial growth. A light, oil free, non-comodogenic (does not clog pores) cosmetics is preferred.

Conclusion

Even though rosacea can be a painful and embarrassing condition treatments are available. As well as using topical medication, looking after your skin and being careful of the products you apply to your face, will bring about a marked improvement.

For more helpful information on rosacea visit Choosing Rosacea Skin Care Preparations