Skin Care In Your 40s For Combination Skin With Rosacea

Your face is the first thing people see when they look at you, so it's not hard to believe that someone suffering from a combination of facial issues can lack self-confidence. In your 40s you are already dealing with fine facial lines and maybe even wrinkles, but if you also have rosacea, you may find skin care especially challenging.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder. Although the exact cause of rosacea is unknown, it is believed that facial blood vessels dilate too easily, and the increased blood circulation makes the skin appear flushed, according to the Rosacea Society. Triggers can increase the redness response, the society says. Additional symptoms can include acne-like bumps, thickened skin, eye irritation and swelling. Although women have rosacea more often than men, men frequently have the most severe symptoms, according to "Human Anatomy and Physiology," by Elaine Nicpon Marieb and Katja Hoehn.

Aging

As skin ages, epidermal cell replacement slows and collagen decreases, causing skin to lose its elasticity, according to "Human Anatomy and Physiology." Although fine lines become visible in the mid- to late-20s, they become more prominent in the 40s.

Combination Skin

Combination skin has both dry and oily regions. The T-zone is the section of the face that extends from the forehead down the nose and chin. For those with combination skin, this area tends to be oily. Rosacea affects dry areas of the face, so flushing and irritation often occur on the cheeks of those who have both rosacea and combination skin.

Suggestions

If you suspect you have rosacea, contact a dermatologist for an evaluation. Although there is no cure for rosacea, a dermatologist may prescribe a topical or oral medication. In addition, a professional can give you information about products appropriate for your skin. The National Rosacea Society advises products with no irritating or unnecessary ingredients.
Some common stimuli that trigger rosacea symptoms are alcohol, heat, spicy foods and the cold. The triggers aren't the same for everyone, so knowing your own triggers can help reduce the severity of your symptoms.

Considerations

Some treatments recommended for aging skin are too harsh for sensitive skin caused by rosacea. For example, a chemical peel is a common dermatological procedure for fine lines and wrinkles and skin discoloration, but those with rosacea may not be able to tolerate a chemical peel. In addition, facial scrubs used to exfoliate the skin will often irritate and cause a rosacea flare-up.
Sun exposure often triggers rosacea, so minimal exposure is recommended. But even if the sun isn't one of your triggers, take care when you're outside, because UV rays age the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology advises wearing a daily sunblock with an SPF of at least 30. Talk to a dermatologist to find a sunblock that's appropriate for rosacea.