A Guide to Rosacea Skin Care Products

Rosacea skin care products are for treating a chronic condition of the skin that plagues an estimated 16 million Americans.  It affects the blood vessels of the skin and can lead to permanent damage if left untreated.  In approximately half of all sufferers, there is a secondary infection that is present called ocular rosacea.  In this condition, the eyes are also affected by the existing rosacea.

This problem is hereditary and is not only confined to the facial area.  It can be found on other parts of the body as well.  While the most common group that is afflicted with rosacea is adults between the ages of 30 and 65, there are reports of cases occurring in children.  Rosacea seems to occur more often in women and people with fair or light colored skin, indicating that these groups are very prone to the condition. 

Rosacea has four stages that progress the condition from the frequent dilation of the blood vessels in pre rosacea, through the mild and moderate stages to severe rosacea where there is actually structural damage to the skin and vascular hyper responsiveness.  The condition is quite painful at times, particularly in the later stages.  The most common symptom, however, is the redness that appears near the center of the face.  It is often subtle, but as eruptions of the rosacea lesions appear on the nose, forehead, chin and cheekbone, it is more noticeable and more difficult to hide. 

A physician or dermatologist may recommend or even prescribe products that are designed specifically for the treatment of rosacea in an effort to control the redness and inflammation.

The lesions, or papules, appear when the tiny blood vessels on the face dilate.  The papules are red, blotchy areas and are solid lesions which are often elevated.  There are three general classifications of these papules:

• Minor Papules - About the size of a pimple or measles lesion.  Often mistaken for common acne.
• Moderate Papules - About the size of a pencil eraser.
• Severe Papules - Large, can be as large as a coin and contain pustules (inflamed bumps on the skin that are filled with pus).

As the delicate skin on the face thickens and swells, it can become quite tender to the touch.  Successful treatment of this disorder employs a specific type of products that contain ingredients that are very gentle and will not act as an irritant, making the condition worse.

It is important to carefully read all labels on skin care products when treating and caring rosacea.  Make sure that products that will be applied to the skin such as cleansers, moisturizers and other products have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial ingredients as primary ingredients.  Willowherb (Epilobium angus folium), a wildflower native to Russia, northern Europe and parts of Canada, has an extract that has healing properties and is used in some rosacea skin care products.

Willowherb has been used by native people for centuries to heal burns and skin inflammations.  It naturally reduces redness, soothes the skin and is a powerful anti oxidant.  Research has shown that vitamin K is very effective in treating rosacea.  It helps the blood to coagulate or clot and is a desired ingredient in rosacea medications.  It also helps to strengthen the blood vessels in the body which includes the tiny capillaries in the face.

A very effective method of controlling rosacea is to use a gentle, non abrasive cleanser.  Use the fingertips to gently work it into a lather and rinse well with tepid or lukewarm water the blotted dry with a clean, soft towel.  This should be done on a regular basis for best results.  The skin should never be scrubbed.  Astringents, exfoliating agents and products that contain other ingredients that are too harsh for sensitive skin should be avoided.  Men may choose to refrain from using aftershave and certain shave gels and creams because they may irritate the skin.

Women who wear makeup should select products that are non comedogenic and oil free.  Many of the mineral makeups are also very good for rosacea sufferers.  Apply makeup in light layers.  Heavy makeup such as oily foundations and wax based makeups act as masks and trap the oil, dirt and bacteria which clog the pores.  This is a prime environment for bacteria to thrive.  The heavier makeup only serves to exacerbate the condition and should be avoided.  Women should opt for gentle skin care products that are specifically intended for rosacea.  Make up and moisturizers should be water based.  Mineral makeup is often a very good choice for rosacea sufferers.

Sunlight is an irritant for rosacea and should be avoided.  A sunscreen of at least an SPF or 8 should be worn every day, even on cloudy days or when there is no sign of inflammation.  Other irritants that should be avoided include:

• Menthol
• Alcohol
• Witch Hazel
• Peppermint
• Eucalyptus and clove oils

It is vital to read all product labels and avoid products containing these ingredients.

Sometimes products that seem benign may irritate the skin.  It is important for individuals to know that if any product burns, stings, causes redness or irritates the skin, it should be avoided.  Everyone is different and what triggers or irritates rosacea in one person may not have any effect on another person.  Many dermatologists recommend that patients keep a diary detailing activities, foods, medications and skin care products as a way to aid them in identifying what triggers a flare up.

It should be noted that products that contain medications such as benzoyl peroxide, erythromycin and azelaic acid have been shown to be quite effective in reducing rosacea flare ups as well as the number and severity of papules and pustules associated with the condition.  

Rosacea skin care products containing medications such as benzoyl peroxide, erythromycin, and azelaic acid have been shown to be useful in reducing flare-ups and the number of papules and pustules associated with the condition.