Ah rosacea, plenty of us Irish girls have it…
Rosacea presents as a rash usually affecting the face, occurring predominantly in middle-aged, fair skinned people. It presents more frequently in women but is more severe when it occurs in men. Areas commonly affected are the forehead, cheeks, chin and nose. Affected areas are reddened with dilated blood vessels, red bumps and spots. Inflammation of the eyes or eyelids may be present.
Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that can be characterised by red patches on the face. It can affect anyone and is mainly found in adults between the ages of 30 and 60. Marie Therese Burke, National Trainer with Graham Anthony Distribution, identifies four different stages of rosacea:
- Facial redness or vasomotor flushing – The first stage of rosacea is where a redness appears on the face’s skin, appearing similar to a sunburn. This is caused by flushing – when excess blood rapidly flows through the skin’s blood vessels, which then need to enlarge in order to handle this flow. After a period of time, facial skin can become very dry whilst the redness can become more noticeable.
- Erythrosis or couperose – In some cases, there will be a second stage, where small permanent red vessels can appear progressively on the face. This is mainly found on the cheekbones and the nose. This is called “couperosis”
- Papulopustular rosacea which adds bumps and pimple-like eruptions to redness. Some of the bumps at this stage can become infected with acne-causing bacteria. This stage is often what people are referring to when they say they have acne rosacea.
- The fourth stage is rhinophyma, which is a swelling of the nose. If the condition progresses, the nose will become swollen, appear redder and bumpy which changes its shape. This swelling is because there is the formation of scar-like tissue and the sebaceous glands (which produce oil on the skin) get bigger. This fourth stage is usually only found where rosacea has been active for many years.
Marie Therese suggests using active ingredients in products that are fragrance-free, which will help to smooth, moisturise, protect and treat Rosacea. Vitamin B and C are very important as Vitamin B protects skin from external irritants by fortifying the skin and Vitamin C will strengthen the wall of delicate vessels.
Using Ginseng and Red Algae Extract will help to reinforce your blood vessels, whilst Uriage Roséliane Anti-Redness Cream helps fight against Kallikrein 5 Activity, which causes inflammation and vascular problems.
Uriage Roséliane Anti-Redness Cream uses its SK5R complex to provide a highly effective soothing action against Kallikrein 5 Activity.
Uriage Roséliane Anti-Redness Cream RRP €21 – available in pharmacies nationwide and at http://uriage.ie
Some other top suggestions for anyone suffering from Rosacea:
1) SVR has just launched in the Irish Market – and brings the SENSIFINE range with it! The SENSIFINE AR Crème is a must try for anyone suffering from Rosacea
For skin prone to redness and sensitive, rosacea-prone skin, SVR has created SENSIFINE AR, the first* anti-relapse heat-regulating anti-redness cream. With a true “firewall” effect, it instantly and lastingly soothes sensations of overheating and redness while preventing their reappearance. SENSIFINE AR Anti-Récidive is highly concentrated in licorice extract and Endothelyol® to soothe, decongest, and lower the temperature of the skin. This cream-gel provides a gradual, long-lasting cooling effect that soothes the skin. Its high tolerance means it is suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive.
Proven effectiveness on rosacea-prone sensitive skin.
SVR Sensifine AR Crème RRP €19. Available in Pharmacies Nationwide
2) SENSIFINE AR Eau Micellaire
For skin prone to redness, SVR has created SENSIFINE AR Eau Micellaire, a soothing anti-redness cleansing micellar water that gently removes make-up from the face, eyes, and lips. Ultra-gentle on the skin, it is uncompromising on even the most stubborn make-up, including waterproof! Efficacy and tolerance tested on sensitive, reactive, rosacea-prone skin. Suitable for contact lens wearers. Hypoallergenic.
SENSIFINE AR Eau Micellaire RRP €17. Available in Pharmacies Nationwide
3) Delarom Anti-Redness Cream
Delarom Anti-Redness Cream is a gentle lotion that will sooth your complexion and keep redness at bay due to its essential ingredients such as water lily extracts that soothes and relieves delicate skin.
Delarom Anti-Redness Cream – RRP €45.00. Available in Pharmacies Nationwide and at http://delarom.ie
