Those who have rosacea tend to know that they have it – the telltale “red” and blushed appearance that can often be mistaken by others to be pimples or even a sun burn. Contrary to popular belief, rosacea is neither a sun burn nor is it some form of adult acne; it is a separate skin condition that affects up to 14 million Americans every single day. Rosacea can be treated, but it is first important to learn about what rosacea is and how proper rosacea skin care can help treat it.
What is Rosacea?
The problem with rosacea is that what causes it is not exactly known. Some will tell you that it is hereditary and genetic, while others will blame the environment that you are living in. Others still believe that it is caused by the Demodex folliculorum mite, or by a bacterium that is well known to cause intestinal infections (the Helicobacter pylori), or even the immune system.
Not knowing what may cause rosacea does impede the rosacea skin care process, but advances have been made which allow you to better treat and manage your rosacea symptoms.
What is Rosacea Skin Care?
There are some strategies you can use to help manage and control your rosacea. The first is:
1) Be gentle. At all costs avoid any sort of scrubbing or rubbing of the skin that is currently affected by rosacea. Rubbing that area will only make the rosacea worse by irritating it and causing inflammation.
2) Use gentle cleansers and cleansing routines. No harsh detergents or chemicals should ever be used on skin that is affected by rosacea. Some simple yet effective tips for cleaning skin that is affected by rosacea include:
- Wash and rinse your face with tepid or lukewarm water and never use hot water
- Cleanser should not be rubbed into the skin; gently apply it in a circular motion with your fingertips
- Aim for the most natural product out there! Avoid fragrances, dyes, and preservatives at all costs.
- Pat your skin dry; never rub it dry, as this will further irritate our rosacea symptoms
3) Always allow your skin to fully dry before applying any sort of moisturizer or treatment product. Applying any sort of product to wet skin will only cause an uncomfortable burning sensation that will leave your skin irritated and that will exacerbate your rosacea symptoms.
4) Visit a dermatologist. One of the best things that you can do as a rosacea sufferer is to visit your dermatologist. A dermatologist will be able to help you narrow down just why you may be suffering from rosacea, and offer some fantastic over the counter and also prescription products that will be able to help cure or at least reduce your rosacea symptoms.
The cost upfront for a dermatologist may be rather high, but when you consider how they will be able to help you get to the root of the problem you may potentially be saving yourself hundreds of dollars worth of useless product and heart ache.