Last month was Global Rosacea Awareness Month and I wrote a few blogs in this ‘what is rosacea’ series: my diagnosis, the lifestyle changes that help me control and manage my skin, and a very personal blog about why I wear make up. The penultimate and final blogs in the mini-series are possibly the most requested blog for me: the products I use to treat my skin and the make-up I use to cover my rosacea. Here are my tips on skincare and learning to work around rosacea. Warning: this is a long one. Get a cup of (lukewarm) tea and some biscuits and settle down…
What is rosacea? And how can skincare help?
When I was first diagnosed with rosacea, I had no idea of what I was dealing with. I saw horrible pimples and oily skin combined (bizarrely) with dry, scaly patches. I panicked and used whatever I could get my hands on that was designed to get rid of these complaints, namely products aimed at acne. Huge mistake. Acne is a bacterial condition whereas rosacea is a vascular condition. I was using harsh astringents, facial scrubs with gritty peach kernels, and stripping cleansers. It makes me cringe just thinking about it. My skin got worse by the day as I angered and inflamed the already damaged skin. Understanding why your skin is unhappy and how you can help it is key here.
Here are my tips for skin care and how to manage your rosacea:
Don’t over do it with washing your face – When my skin is unhappy, I only wash my face with water once a day (at night). In the morning I would use a micellar water. As a general rule I avoid getting my face wet as much as I can – this includes in the shower (the water is too hot and you’ll be getting all the ingredients from your hair products on your skin – not good as hair care tends to have ingredients that aggravate sensitive skin). If I’m having a bad flare up I will try to cut out water cleansing completely. Products: I use a mixture of cleansers but particular favourites for sensitive skin are La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser for a standard cleanse and The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Oil for removing make up. For my morning cleanse I use Bioderma micellar water – there are ‘dupes’ out there. but they don’t come close in my opinion. For flare ups, Avene do a wonderful wipe-off cleanser that soothes and cleanses without water even getting involved.
Learn your trigger ingredients – I try to avoid certain ingredients that I know will anger my skin. A few examples are alcohol, tea tree, witch hazel, menthol, peppermint, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (a foaming cleansing agent in a lot of shampoos and skin care products), fragrance (usually if a fragrance is in the top 3 ingredients my skin will hate it) and eucalyptus. I soon realised that anything that smells minty or if the description says it will make my skin ‘tingle’ I should throw it out of the window!
Natural does not automatically mean good – As you can see from the list above, there are a lot of natural products that are actually terrible for my skin. In the past I was sucked in by ‘100% natural’ or ‘totally organic’ claims thinking this would mean no reactions. Foolish.
Find the regime that works for you… – I have spent a lot of time and money trying out skincare products so when I find something that works, I am pretty loyal. I do like to try out new things as I have terrible FOMO, but I tend to go with my trusted brands (Avene, La Roche Posay, Trilogy, Bioderma…) as I trust their products implicitly.
…And stick to it – I have found that my skin reacts terribly to atypical situations (flights, holidays, staying over at a house that isn’t mine, weekends) because my routine changes. Which is why I try to adhere to my routine as strictly as I can. My mum always complains when I go to stay with her: ‘Why on earth did you use up flight case space on moisturiser, I have that here?!’ – and the answer is always because it’s not MY moisturiser! Even though the last thing I want to do on a Saturday morning is cleanse my skin and go through my skincare regime, I always notice by Saturday lunchtime if I’ve skipped it. I pay the price if I fall asleep in my make up (*shakes fist at red wine, you soporific but delicious bastard*) so I always try to wash my face as soon as I get home. That way if I fall asleep on my laptop on the sofa, my skin will be okay.
I don’t want no scrub – The years I spent punishing my face with harsh scrubs make me want to cry. I thought that the only way to get rid of my rosacea-triggered dry skin was to forcibly remove it. A doctor later told me that my skin was reacting to my scrubbing by going into emergency recovery mode: it was seeing my harsh exfoliation as an attack and was producing more skin cells to protect my damaged skin…which made my dry skin worse… which made me use the scrub more. Do you see the problem? Sensitive skin does not react well to most physical exfoliants, and this includes certain well-known rotating facial brushes. It’s just too much. I use a common or garden flannel to remove my cleanser at night and twice I week I use a chemical exfoliant. Sounds scary? Read on…
Exfoliation is not the enemy – Although my trusted flannel deals with the necessary day to day shedding of dead skin, there are certain parts of my face that need some extra help. Which is where chemical exfoliation comes in. When I first heard the term I was petrified but do not fear! These contain AHAs or BHAs (Alpha/Beta-hydroxy acids) which sound scary but really aren’t. I’d recommend doing some research to find the right one for you based on your skin type and budget. I’ve done a post on my affordable exfoliation picks HERE.
My face is clean. Now what? – This very much depends on your skin type – you can read my most recent Skincare Shake Up post HERE if you’d like to see what I’m currently using. If I’m having a flare up I will also use a targeted treatment. Products: If I’m mid-flare up and my skin is hot and itchy, I spray Avene Thermal Water Spray onto my face. It cools the skin down really well (it’s also good for sunburn and razor rash so it’s an all-rounder). In the evening I double cleanse (cannot recommend this enough if you use SPF – which you all do, right? – and/or wear make up). Oil/balm for the first cleanse and cream/gel for the second cleanse. I then use a serum and moisturiser. If I’m having a flare up I will apply La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 as soon as I get in the house (after cleansing) all over my face and leave it for as long as I need to. This stuff is a godsend. It’s great for my stubborn dry patches and also really cares for angry rosacea skin. (UPDATE 2019: La Roche Posay have released another Cicaplast product and it’s great – read my comparison post HERE).
SPF – For people with rosacea this is a must. My skin is very sensitive and burns quickly, but I also notice my rosacea plays up as soon as I’m the sun. I wear factor 50 every day (yes, every day) to protect myself but I still find my pimples and itchy cheeks occur if I’m in the sun for more than 20 minutes (I’m super fun at BBQs and in beer gardens: “Can we sit in the shade please?” *Everyone boos Lex*). Products: I am a huge fan of the La Roche Posay Anthelios range, especially the La Roche Posay Anthelios XL Ultra Light: it doesn’t aggravate sensitive skin, non-clogging and keeps the pesky sun away! I’ve shared my other favourites HERE.
Phew! That was a lot of information! I hope that some of that was helpful. You may also like my rosacea FAQ post which has TONS more info – you can find it HERE. If you have questions or fancy a natter about any of this please do get in touch: easiest is probably instagram or you can email me. If you’re interested in the make up I rate (or don’t rate) you can take a look at my YouTube channel, where I test out foundations to see how well they cope with my redness.
Looking for some next steps?
- Follow me on INSTAGRAM for lots of rosacea updates.
- Get more information on rosacea and my journey so far in my ROSACEA FAQ POST.
- Join my private rosacea FACEBOOK GROUP.
- And – exciting news! – I’ve just launched some digital downloads to help you get to grips with your rosacea: grab the Rosacea Trigger Checklist and the Rosacea Flare Up Diary.
Lex
==PIN ME!==
I’m new on your blog and I have to say: I love it! I have rosacea (hate it sooo much!) and I’m looking for some useful informations. About exfoliation – what do you think about enzyme peel? (I can’t buy Alpha H Liquid Gold in my country.)
Author
Thank you so much, Sara, and welcome! I haven’t tried any enzyme peels I’m afraid but I’ve heard good things if you find a mild one. I’ve just ordered the Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel as that has great reviews for sensitive skin (it comes with a sample so I can send the full size back if my skin hates it) I will report back!
Thanks for all the great info. I suffer from acne, vascular rosacea and seb derm so a nightmare to treat them all at the same time. Trying to find products that don’t contain a lot of oil as this can make the seb derm and acne worse. Interested to know which brands of Japanese suncare you use, are they chemical sunscreens or physical. Any advice appreciated.
I literally just stumbled over your blog from blogosphere magazine which I only discovered this morning – where have I been?! You hit the nail on the head with the natural thing, a lot of ‘natural’ is actually the worst for sensitive skin including Rosacea as its packed full of essential oils which are known allergens & irritants – eek! I say save them for the oil burner 😉 … have you tried any products with Collodial oatmeal or Allantoin or Bisabolol – they are all great skin soothers, anti-irritants, pH balancing etc etc. 😀
http://www.honestyforyourskin.co.uk
Author
Hooray for Blogosphere magazine and hooray for you discovering me! Welcome 🙂
I was totally sucked in by the ‘natural’ thing when I was first diagnosed, it’s a common mistake I think. I’ve never tried any of those but I will look them up – thank you! x
Your blog is amazing! I was diagnosed with rosacea about a year and a half ago, and my doctor prescribed Metrogel for me too. I’ve been trying desperately ever since to get it under control. The gel worked for a while but really only when I was having a really bad flare, which means I constantly have a level of red/dry/itchy that I just can’t get rid of. I was just wondering how you managed to work out what triggered your skin, in terms of ingredients products? Trial and error? I’ve also just binned my St Ives face scrub after reading this …
I know that stress, alcohol and heat are all triggers for me. And tiredness. I can’t use face-wipes either. I swear by Liz Earle hot cloth cleanser but I need a new ex I’m wondering if I maybe need to change my moisturiser and make-up or try a more effective targeted treatment. I’m sick of feeling like I can’t wear makeup every day because I’m scared of a flare. I love my makeup. It’s expensive and looks pretty! Any advice you have, or even links to other things you’ve written would be greatly appreciated!
Cx
Author
Thank you so much Claire, that’s just made my day!
From an ingredient point of view, I did some reading online and discovered a few common triggers (although it’s worth bearing in mind that some products can have some of my no-no products in and can still be fine (e.g. a product with fragrance can be fine depending on other ingredients). The rest was trial and error, which can be painful and expensive. Which is why I tend to stick to quite simple products and return to the brands I trust.
Your flares seem very similar to mine – tiredness is one I didn’t connect for a long time, but I suppose it’s another stress on your skin and body so it makes perfect sense. I review foundations on my YouTube channel so you can see the coverage and I talk about how comfortable they are to wear – you can find it HERE. Let me know if this helps! x
Amazing – thanks so much 🙂 x
Claire- ask your doctor for Metrocream. It is not as strong and quite moisturizing. I was diagnosed almost a year ago and my skin feels great with the Metrocream and I use it twice a day. My doctor said that most women find the gel causes dryness and redness and that men seem to handle it better. I am also using on 56 year old skin.
Hey Lex! Just saw your post on Buzzfeed which led me to your blog. Thanks for sharing, I read the whole thing, I’m quite the skincare junkie these days Anyway, I’ve had my own skincare business for the past year working with the Proactiv doctors brand new company. What they did to bring an acne solution into homes they are doing for anti-aging, sun damage, sensitive skin (rosacea, psririosis, eczema), and a new more gentler acne formulation as well. Would LOVE to offer you our Soothe regimen for my consultant discount, I know you’d love it. Feel free to email me if you’re interested in hearing more! Love your page! Xo
Carlyrosenbaum4@gmail.com
Thank you so much for all the tips. I’ve had rosacea since I was 15. I’m now 19 and since I moved to holland 6 months ago my face has been a mess. I’m from Aruba and there it’s always warm and now that i’m here my face is always red. I’m going to focus more on what I’m eating from now on.
Author
Hi Yzra, do you think it was the change in diet and lifestyle that triggered it? I notice a huge difference when I eat something I shouldn’t, it’s an immediate reaction. It was annoying at first, but I soon decided that I’d rather feel more comfortable in my skin than eat certain foods.
I hope some of my tips on the blog help you 🙂
I’m so glad I stumbled across your blog! I’ve dealt with rosacea for the last 10+ years on my face and chest (I’m now 45). It’s such a drag, everyone always assumes I have a sunburn. I’ve been lucky enough to freelance for a Medspa and have access to IPL Photofacial treatments that help tremendously. I do at least 2 a year and it is the only thing that has really kept it in check for me. If you can afford laser treatments it’s the best treatment IMO. Sun is my biggest trigger and I avoid it like the plague. Anxiety is also a big trigger and when I’m nervous I turn into a tomato face. I’m fond of a few products that treat and/or don’t irritate… Acure Organics Sensitive Facial Cleanser, iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum and EltaMD UV Clear SPF 45. Now that I’m older it’s a challenge finding products that treat mature skin but won’t irritate rosacea!
Author
I’m glad you found me too, Kelly! I am very tempted by IPL, I’ve heard wonderful things. Anxiety is one of my biggest triggers too but it’s pretty hard to avoid (my doctor did advise I avoid stress…yeah, okay!)
Have you seen my review on the Avène anti-ageing range that’s great for sensitive skin? You can find it here: https://talontedlex.co.uk/2016/01/08/avene-physiolift-anti-ageing-skincare-sensitive-skin/.
Hi, I just came across your blog and I love it! I have rosacea and I am 37 and live in Canada. Rosacea runs in my family (dad, mom, ….). I was wondering, what kind of makeup do you use to camouflage the redness? I also use a lot of creams (Avene, La Roche Posay) and no water to wash my face, which helps a lot. Also, lots of sunscreen. Thanks so much!
Also in Canada, can we be rosey friends 🙂
Makeup wise I use a couple as we all know Rosacea is temperamental so it depends how it’s behaving. Normally I wear Koh Gen Doh Aqua foundation as it soothes my skin as well as covering it. If my skin is really acting up I go for the full coverage Laura Mercier Silk Creme foundation. Don’t even need concealer and it comes in two varieties one for oily skin and one for dry. You could wear it everyday as you don’t even feel like your wearing anything I just like the KGD as it seems to actually be helping my skin as it looks great when I take it off in the evening.
Author
Yayyy to people making friends in my blog comments 🙂
I’ve heard really wonderful things about the Laura Mercier foundation but it’s so expensive that I’ve been putting it off… I might try to get a sample somewhere. Thank you for your comment!
I’m in canada as well and my favorite foundations are by Jane Iredale (I use the pressed powder but the liquid is great too!) and Cover FX! They have been a godsend! Cover FX you can get at pretty much any shoppers drug mart and I get my Jane iredale from specific spas/dermatologists but they have a locater on their website! The price is about the same as Sephora brands (it’s higher end) but soooo worth it!
Author
The CoverFX one is on my ‘to try’ list – is it good for oily skin? I struggle with anything that isn’t super matte. Thank you for your comment.
Author
Hello! Thank you for your comment 🙂 Have you seen my YouTube channel? I review make up on there and show how well it covers redness so that may help: http://www.youtube.com/talontedlex
Cold water is everything. I avoid heat as much as often, even in the shower. I splash cold water in the morning and gently use a clean cloth soaked in cold water in the evening. Micellar water on a cotton pad, held lightly for a count, takes off all make up in time. I apply makeup carefully patting with a new sponge daily. I do not rub, I do not use heat on my face and I do not use too many products. Still looking for that perfect foundation, with full coverage, no irritation, matches my skin tone and stays put on an oily complexion. =\
Author
Hi Jasi, it sounds like you’ve got your routine down! I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t use micellar water anymore, it’s just wonderful stuff. Your skin type sounds similar to me, you might find my YouTube channel helpful as I test out foundation on there: http://www.youtube.com/talontedlex.
Just came across your blog today and love it! I was diagnosed with rosacia in any early 20s as well and it took me a while to get it under control. I really only have one isolated area on my face that is affected. For me, diet was a huge factor – when I cut out soda the flair ups and redness calmed down a lot. I am also lucky that, for the most part, I can control the flairs with an over the counter salicylic acid face wash. I only use/wash once a day and for me it maintains the redness and bumps well.
My problem right now is that I am 14 weeks pregnant and avoiding salicylic acid and my flair ups are back with avengance. I am totally going to try some of your recommendations and see if I can get it back under control. I am looking forward to seeing how it goes.
Author
Thank you so much for your comment, Erin. I hope my tips and reviews will help you, let me know how you get on! And congratulations on your pregnancy 🙂
Hi I’m 33 and have had rosacea for about 18 months. I have metrogel which works well as I only use it when I have a flare up. I’ve changed my makeup to bare minerals and have found it much nicer for my skin, removed anything with alcohol or microbes.
Not sure where in the world you are but I found a moisturiser for sensitive skin with redness last year. I can only find it in superdrug and the best bit is it only costs £5.99 for a tube. It’s made by Palmers and is light yet nourishing and gentle
Author
Hi Liz! I really didn’t get on with Metrogel, it made me skin sore and angry but I’m so glad it works for you! Bare Minerals keeps getting recommended to me so I may need to try it out. I live in London so I will have a look for that Palmers moisturiser, thank you!
So nice to finally see that I am not the only one struggling to find something that works! About six months after I had my daughter my skin went rouge! It took me a year and a half to figure out it wasn’t hormones and diagnosed with rosacea. I was placed on an antibiotic for 3 months and countless creams and gels. We are currently trying for a second child so I am limited in what I can put on my face. My rosacea tends to manifest as red or flesh colored bumps on my forehead and general redness with occasional itching. My skin has completely changed and I am so overwhelmed with all of the products and choices out there! Thank you for all your tips!
Author
Thank you for your comment Lauren, it sounds like you have Rosacea subtype 2, the papule type. This is what my skin was like when I was first diagnosed and it’s a frustrating time as even when you cover it, your skin looks bumpy and uneven. There is a lot of advice on here and more on my YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/talontedlex) but do let me know if you have any questions!
Hi,
This is probably a silly question but do you think the Alpha-H Liquid Gold is a good product for dry skin types? Also, I generally use a serum and moisturizer after cleansing, would you reccomend not using those on the days I would be applying the Liquid Gold?
Author
Hi Lauren, not a silly question at all! I would say the Liquid Gold is good for dry skin as well, it just encourages cell turnover so it may help to keep flakes and dry spots at bay. It is more intense if you don’t apply any skincare afterwards, but I would start off using it combined with your usual routine (serum, moisturiser etc) and then after a few weeks maybe try doing one night without the other products and see how your skin feels. I very rarely do it by itself as my skin can get very grumpy!
I just found out about your blog today, thanks to buzzfeed, and let me tell you it´s just amazing. Rosacea it’s a pain, specially when you have to talk in front of a lot of people and you began to change colors.
I don’t know if you ever heard or used Bioderma sensible products, but they really, really helped me out with my rosacea.
Check them out and i hope this can help lots of your followers.
BTW, my dermatologist recommended it and said the brand is one of the best out there to treat rosacea.
Author
Hello, and thank you so much for your comment! My skin goes mad if I’m the centre of attention, I get so warm and red it’s horrible.
I LOVE Bioderma micellar water and have *just* bought some moisturiser and treatment balm so I’m excited to try them! What do you use?
Hi, I’m from Brazil, I love your blog, he met at Buzzfeed, anyway I’m 21 years, I have rosacea since I can remember, used to use products from La Roche and Avene, but after making two laser sessions at a clinic here Santa Catarina, and my telangiectasias were gone, or when I take wine I’m not red. Kisses
Author
Hello Leticia, it’s so strange to think of someone all the way across the world in Brazil reading my blog! Thanks for reading 🙂
I am very interested in laser treatments, I’ve heard the results are incredible.
Hi, great read! I’m new to the whole rosacea thing. Spent a couple years unknowingly making it worse before going to a dermatologist (who helped me to ditch the bad makeup products I was using, but didn’t change my skincare ones!) and trying every prescription gel/lotion under the sun and then getting discouraged and giving up before stumbling upon your buzzfeed post and feeling hopeful for the first time in years that my skin may one day be okay-ish again. Thanks to you, I just trashed all the foaming cleansers in my cabinet (well, gave them to my much luckier sister who happens to use the same products) and stopped turning scalding hot water on (no wonder my skin always felt worse after cleansing!). I found some great cleansers sans SLS (with aloe – a tip a vegan friend of mine gave me) and cooled down the water I splash on my face, and am already feeling a difference (though the redness will probably take time/products/diet changes). I’m curious about one thing in your routine though: when do you apply sunscreen? After all the other stuff and before makeup? Or before any of the mositurizers/serums/etc.? Or does it make any difference?
Author
Hi Marcie, I know exactly what you mean. If I could go back in time and change all of the terrible things I used to do to my skin!
I always apply SPF as the last step in my skincare routine: it’s widely considered to change the effectiveness of the SPF if you apply it before. I try to leave about 10-15 mins between SPF and make up to make sure it’s totally absorbed.
Hi, what a great read! I just purchased some micellar water based on your recommendation and am now researching sunscreen with summer approaching. You didn’t mention what Japanese sunscreens you use, would you mind sharing? Perhaps I can order them to the US.
I’m 30yrs and was diagnosed with rosacea several years ago, suffering from redness, cystic acne, peeling, combination skin and general flare ups. My derm and I went through many different combos of meds… metrogel, permethrin cream, solodyn. The combo that has completely cleared up my skin (which unfortunately I have suspended while I am pregnant, I am quite sad but can deal with rosacea for the health of my baby) is sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur wash by Plexion and Soolantra cream. The wash does wonders to soothe my flare ups, even if the smell isn’t the greatest (others have said they can’t smell it though). But I think the real wonder drug is the Soolantra – it only came on the market in the past year or two and it’s ivermectin in cream form – before ivermectin was only available as pills. I definitely balked when he told me to use it – it’s essentially a pesticide, ivermectin is the main ingredient in my dog’s heart worm pills (!), but visit after visit to the derm I have tested positive for demodex mites :(. A lot of dermatologists won’t test for these mites but this doctor finally did and they are directly correlated to my flare ups unfortunately, when I am suffering they are very present. He says that everyone on Earth has these mites, but my immune system cannot fight them properly and that they are the cause for my rosacea. I’ve read up alot and many different sources site demodex as a cause of rosacea, although they say this reason is not acknowledged as much in western cultures – likely because of the ick factor. I am still grossed out because of this reason – but it has allowed my doctor and I to treat my rosacea in a much more effective way. Not sure if you had ever heard about that cause before (apologies, haven’t had a chance to read all your back articles yet).
Anyway, thanks for documenting and sharing so much personal research into rosacea – I have really enjoyed stumbling upon your blog. 🙂 Best wishes! Meg
Author
Hi Meg 🙂 I put the Japanese sunscreens into this sunscreen round up post: https://talontedlex.co.uk/2016/05/20/sunscreens-for-rosacea-sensitive-skin/.
I have read a bit about the dermodex mites and agree that I think the reason it’s not more talked about is the ick factor. No one wants to say that that’s the reason their skin is unhappy! I have heard lots of people talking about Soolantra but they have all been US based, I’m not sure if it’s that common here. I might do some research into it.
Thanks so much for your lovely comment x
Hi, I was just diagnosed with Rosacea and I’m super freaked out. I recently switched my routine per my dermatologist. He suggested Cera-Ve and Ceta-phil, both aren’t doing it for me. I come from a Beauty Sales background and have tried just about everything. I was wondering if you have heard anything about Evan Healy products. They are Natural line, which I prefer organic/natural food/personal care. I currently purchased the Whipped Cream with Olive Oil, which is a moisturizer. I haven’t seen any reviews regarding Rosacea and the product. Wondering if you had any feedback….. Thanks
Author
Hello Gina, thank you for your comment! I haven’t heard of the Evan Healy products I’m afraid so I can’t offer my advice there. Are you getting on well with it?
Hi, I have just found your blog and what a relief…. I currently use the Liz Earle skincare range have you tried that?
My main problem now is sore, flaky eyelids…. have you come across this before? So far I have not been able to find anything that helps. I can’t even wear eyeshadow now which is really getting me down. They itch and flake and are very sore and puffy. Any ideas
Hello Gillian,
It sounds to me that you may have something called Blepharitis which is a common condition allied to rosacea. Loads of information on the internet, I had it for some time and dealt with it by scrupulous cleaning( cotton bud with salt water/baby shampoo and using eye wipes on first waking to remove the deposits( tip:being a Scrooge I cut the supranettes wipes into 8 then used 1 side on each eye!) the cheapest place I found to buy them was Boots. Takes a long time to improve but does after a while. I also used various eye drops as I had dry eye syndrome too.
I also use Liz Earle but only the cleanse and polish, a dermatologist I saw recently recommended the IS Clinical range for rosacea, pricey but a little really does goes a long way. She works on the belief that less is more.
Good luck
I am so glad I found your blog! I suffer with rosacea too and really struggle with it. To make it even worse I also have blapharitis. I’m so glad to find a community of people here striving to overcome it!
Hey! Just saw your post on Instagram which brought me to your blog. It’s so reassuring to hear about other people who suffer from rosacea so thank you for posting that. Of course you won’t believe it, but you really do look beautiful on both sides. That foundation has made your skin look incredible so I’m definitely going to purchase!
I’m not sure if you’ve tried it (and forgive me if you have and it hasn’t worked for you) but I can’t recommend Soolantra cream enough! It works by killing the demodex mites that are said to be more prevalent on the skin of people with rosacea. I’ve suffered with it for 8 years and know how awful it feels to have to plaster on makeup to feel normal. I found out about Soolantra on rosacea forums and I think it’s an absolute miracle cream! I’ve used it for almost a year now and no longer have any flare ups. I want to shout from the rooftops about it!! I order it at pharmacy2u.co.uk as I can’t yet get it on prescription from my doctor.
I just thought I’d share so that you could potentially have the same experience as me!
Keep kicking rosacea’s butt! 🙂 Good luck! xx
Author
You are so kind Emma, thank you. I’m so glad you found me!
I have been recommended Soolantra before but I wasn’t sure if you could get it in the UK. I’m going to talk to my GP about it though, so thank you!
You’re welcome. I’ll be happy if I can even make a difference to one person’s rosacea experience! Just a heads up – if you do try Soolantra, persist with it. You’re recommended to use it for 12 weeks every day and then I think it’s once a week after that to maintain. Your skin improves at first, then you have an initial flare up which is quite bad around 4 weeks later which is to do with the first die-off of the mites (disgusting, I know!), then it clears again and then you have a second flare around 4 weeks after that (the eggs they previously laid dying, eurgh!). For me it just got better from there and now my skin is generally really good! I think a lot of people who aren’t aware of the 12 week cycle have the first flare up and assume it doesn’t work for them so stop, but it’s really important to keep using it for the full 12 weeks for it to work properly! Hope it works for you 🙂
If you are having issues with Rosacea symptoms, please give dermalmd rosacea serum a try! It has worked wonders for my symptoms (flushing/burning and redness). I have re-ordered this serum several times now and highly recommend it. It’s also worth mentioning that I have done other things as well to control my Rosacea symptoms. Lifestyle changes mostly-no alcohol, no gluten, taking several vitamin supplements, etc. Those things in conjunction with this serum have been very helpful!
Hello,
I was wondering if you have a mist or a go to product that you use immediately when you get a flare out? Something that soothes and calms quickly before tackling it with your skincare routine?
Author
So sorry for my late reply! I have a post on this very topic, I hope it helps: https://talontedlex.co.uk/2016/07/11/help-rosacea-flare-ups/
Hello! This is so long overdue but I just found out about your blog today from a Quora answer. I wish I could agree about the products specifically targeted for people with sensitive skin and/or rosacea, but sadly none of them worked for me (I’ve used Avene, Bioderma, and other brands’ line for sensitive skin). I found those products flare me up even more, and yes, even the thermal water don’t work at all on my redness. I wonder if it’s because I live in a tropical country with high temperature and even higher humidity? I hope I could find a help here since even dermatologist doesn’t seem to be aware of my skin condition (they give me treatments for acne which turn me into a tomato with peeling skin, itch, and burning sensation all over my face) sobs. Sorry to rant here but I wish someone who have similar situation with me could offer some advices and I’m so glad to see your skin doing better!
This article offers a comprehensive overview of rosacea, providing valuable insights into skincare and self-care strategies. The personal experiences shared add depth and authenticity to the discussion, making it relatable and informative. It’s empowering to see individuals finding ways to manage and embrace their skin despite the challenges of rosacea. Thank you for sharing your journey and valuable tips!
This blog post beautifully captures the journey of understanding and managing rosacea. Lex’s candid reflections on skincare and self-care resonate deeply, offering valuable insights and solidarity to others navigating similar challenges. Truly empowering and informative!