The Best Way to Minimize Rosacea: Keep It Simple and Soothing

 

Just because something is common, doesn’t mean it’s easy to treat. Rosacea is a case in point. More than 16 million people are affected (according to the National Rosacea Society), but to date, there’s no definitive treatment. It appears mostly on the forehead, nose, and cheeks in the form of flushing, redness, and small visible blood vessels, but it can also include acne-like bumps. While there’s no magic bullet for rosacea, there are ways to minimize the redness and reduce flare-ups. It’s all about avoiding irritants and keeping your routine simple and soothing.

 

Most rosacea sufferers have one or more triggers that bring about a flare-up. If you can identify your triggers, you can reduce reactions. A study by the National Rosacea Society found that 96% of sufferers decreased flare-ups by avoiding identified triggers.

 

Common triggers include:

Stress

Hot or cold weather

Wind

Alcohol

Hot baths

Heavy exercise

Allergies

Spicy foods

Sun exposure

Some skin care products

Fragrance additives

 

A weak moisture barrier and excessive transepidermal water loss are characteristic of rosacea-prone skin. Both contribute to irritation and inflammation. To keep skin calm and collected, look for ingredients that help improve skin’s barrier function. Niacinamide boosts ceramide production and reduces inflammation. Aloe is a calming healer. Green tea is a protective antioxidant and powerful anti-inflammatory. Lactic acid gently exfoliates while pulling moisture into the skin. Here are more tips on keeping your skin barrier healthy.

 

Rosacea-prone skin is unusually sensitive skin. Anything that creates irritation is going to exacerbate the condition. Avoid scrubs, drying ingredients, or hot water when washing.

 

The National Rosacea Society recommends keeping products minimal. Check ingredient lists for irritants and consider reducing the number of items you use on your skin by choosing products with multiple functions.

 

A gentle cleanser is a must. For oily or normal skin, Green Tea Antioxidant Cleanser provides powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic (inhibitor of the growth of blood vessels) properties in addition to UV and environmental protection. It calms inflammation, stimulates cell repair, enhances the skin barrier, and strengthens capillaries, which may reduce the appearance of spider veins.

 

For dry or sensitive skin, Cleansing Milk is an extremely gentle, luxuriantly creamy, moisture-rich formula that contains nourishing, anti-oxidant grape seed oil.

 

Follow either one with Vivant’s antioxidant-rich and ultra-gentle Skin Nourishing Toner. Alcohol-free toner and loaded with skin nourishing and calming ingredients including niacinamide, mandelic acid, green tea extract, and rosehip oil.

 

For redness reducing, plus rejuvenation, introduce your skin to peptides. These protein builders act as cellular communicators to stimulate collagen production and cell proliferation and also inhibit the pathways for inflammation. Vivant’s Rejuv Rx is a high-performance formula that pairs peptides with gently exfoliating lactic acid and nourishing niacinamide to bolster the skin barrier and combat redness while increasing elasticity and volume.

 

If there is acne associated with the rosacea, mandelic acid provides mild exfoliation and anti-bacterial support. The larger molecular structure in mandelic acid means it absorbs more slowly into the skin and won’t promote irritation. And because antibiotics are often prescribed to treat rosacea, mandelic acid has an added advantage. 8% Mandelic Acid  3-In-1 Serum blends the right amount of gentle exfoliation with nourishing, hydrating ingredients including lactic acid and niacinamide.

 

Sometimes rosacea redness fades with treatment, only to reveal noticeable spider veins in the same area where the redness had been. Physicians can use laser treatments to treat these veins.

 

Studies have shown that light facial massage can help reduce the symptoms of rosacea and that active treatment can help in preventing telangiectasia (small, widened blood vessels). So consider getting a regular facial tailored to the needs of rosacea skin.

 

You can also use an ice gel pack on affected areas to constrict blood vessels and reduce the appearance of redness when you have a flare-up.

 

To prevent sun exposure flare-ups, always use UV protection. Day Treatment Lotion SPF15 is gentle enough to use on rosacea-affected skin and provides hydration and anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as being non-comedogenic to keep skin clear.

 

Like any treatment for problem skin, the best results come from consistent, targeted care. Avoid triggers, pay attention to ingredients in your products, and stick to your tailored skin care routine to see a reduction in inflammation and redness, along with a smoother, more even skin tone.