Beauty Tips for Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects approximately 14 million American adults, according to RosaceaNet. This condition causes areas of redness, acne-like blemishes and irritation on the face. In order to look your best and keep your rosacea under control, you must practice proper skin care and exercise caution when choosing cosmetic products.

Sun Protection

Sun exposure is a common trigger for rosacea. In order to minimize the risk of a flare-up happening as a result of sun exposure, wear a broad spectrum sunscreen that is at least 30 SPF, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Reapply it every two hours. Additionally, stay out of the sun as much as possible by staying in the shade or wearing protective clothing. If you are going to be in the sun a lot, a wide-brimmed hat may help to protect your face from the sun; but even if you wear a hat, you should still wear sunscreen.

Cosmetic Products

If you wear cosmetic products, choose non-comedogenic products that are made for sensitive skin. The Mayo Clinic suggests that you choose a green or yellow tinted pre-foundation if you are trying to cover up the redness associated with rosacea. If the rosacea affects your eyes, don't wear any eye makeup while you are in the midst of a flare-up. Even gentle products can irritate the sensitive tissues near the eyes during a flare-up.

Gentle Cleansing

Keeping your face clean is an important part of looking your best---even in the midst of a rosacea flare-up. Gentle facial cleansers that don't contain any fragrance, alcohol or exfoliating ingredients are usually a good option. Clean your face in the morning and before bed using the cleanser. If you apply it more often than that, you risk irritating the area and triggering a flare-up. The National Rosacea Society recommends using a soft cloth or your fingertips to apply the cleanser.

References

Article reviewed by Roman Tsivkin Last updated on: Aug 11, 2011

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