Those who suffer from chronic skin inflammation caused by rosacea must take great care in choosing and applying makeup. A good makeup can help counteract redness and disguise visible blood vessels, allowing a rosacea sufferer to feel confident that she looks her best. Some kinds of makeup may even serve to soothe sensitive skin. The wrong makeup, on the other hand, can aggravate rosacea and actually trigger an outbreak.
Types
Choose an oil-free foundation in a tone that closely matches your skin. Your choice of coverage--light or heavy--will depend on the severity of your symptoms. You may also wish to layer a green-tinted primer under your foundation to counteract skin redness. You may wish to try mineral makeup, because it has soothing, anti-inflammatory qualities, according to Acne-Rosacia-Relief.com. Because it does does not require preservatives, mineral makeup is less likely to cause skin irritation.
Application
Apply makeup lightly, avoiding pulling or tugging the skin. The National Rosacea Society recommends applying makeup with an anti-bacterial brush rather than with the fingers or a sponge applicator. Wash the brush frequently to avoid spreading bacteria to the skin, which can cause rosacea flare-ups.
Benefits of Sun Protection
By using a combination foundation and sunscreen, you can protect your skin from the sun at the same time you are disguising redness. Wearing sunscreen is especially important if you have rosacea, since sun can exacerbate symptoms. Mineral makeup layered over an SPF lotion can provide additional protection, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Ttitanium dioxide and zinc oxide, two ingredients commonly found in mineral makeups, serve as natural physical sunscreen barriers by reflecting the sun’s ultraviolet rays away from the skin. Because natural minerals bond to the skin, they provide water- and smear-resistant sun protection, unlike regular makeups.
Considerations
Those affected with rosacea already have plenty of color in their faces, so blusher may not be necessary or desirable. If you wish to add a little color, lightly apply a sheer powder blush. As with makeup, an antibacterial brush makes an ideal applicator on rosacea-affected skin.
Warning
The ingredient list of many regular makeup products includes fragrances and dyes, both of which can aggravate rosacea. Additionally, many regular makeup products contain chemicals added to extend the products’ shelf life. Look for products that are natural and free of preservatives. The National Rosacea Society suggests that those with rosacea test new products on a small patch of skin first to check for any skin reactions. It is also a good idea to keep the number of makeup products you use to a minimum.
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