Managing Rosacea: A Guide to Soothing Your Skin Naturally

Managing Rosacea: A Guide to Soothing Your Skin Naturally

Living with rosacea often means grappling with increased skin sensitivity to factors like sun exposure, heat, humidity, and alcohol. 

These can trigger flushing and vasodilation, which over time can lead to more permanent dilated and visible capillaries and thickened skin. 

If you're one of the many people dealing with the redness, inflammation, and visible blood vessels that come with rosacea, you know how challenging this skin condition can be.

While the exact cause of rosacea remains unknown, researchers believe there's a genetic component and that an overreaction of the immune system to certain bacteria and parasites in the skin can trigger more severe symptoms. 

This blog post will guide you through understanding rosacea, managing your rosacea triggers, and the ingredients that can help soothe and heal your skin. 

Understanding Your Rosacea

There are four types of rosacea that affect the skin, most commonly the face, head, and neck. Each type has its own unique symptoms and requires a different approach to management and treatment. 

Understanding your specific type of rosacea can help you better manage your symptoms and choose the right skincare products.

  • Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea (ETR)
This type of rosacea is characterized by persistent redness (erythema) and visible small blood vessels (telangiectasias) on the face. 
People with ETR may also experience flushing, stinging, burning sensations, and skin roughness. 
The redness typically appears on the cheeks, nose, and forehead. It can progress without proper treatment, leading to long-lasting flare-ups covering a significant amount of skin.
Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea (ETR)
  • Papulopustular Rosacea 
Also known as acne rosacea, this type of rosacea causes facial redness, inflammation, visible spider veins, and acne-like breakouts — usually large and painful papules and pustules that develop deep into the skin. 
This condition can also cause sensitized skin that burns and stings, along with oily or dry patches that become thick and rough. It's often mistaken for acne, but unlike acne, it doesn't cause blackheads.

 

Papulopustular Rosacea

  • Phymatous Rosacea 
This type of rosacea causes the skin to thicken and scar, creating bumps and lumps. 
While this disorder is rare and is more common in men than women, it most commonly affects the nose, causing a condition known as rhinophyma, which results in a bulbous, enlarged nose. It can also affect other areas such as the chin, forehead, cheeks, and ears.

 

Phymatous Rosacea

  • Ocular Rosacea 
This form of rosacea impacts the eyes, causing redness and inflammation inside the eyes, on the eyelids, and around the delicate under-eye area. 
Those who struggle with ocular rosacea commonly experience watery, burning and irritated eyes, along with increased sensitivity, photosensitivity, and even blurred vision. 
In severe cases, it can cause vision loss. It's often underdiagnosed as it can occur before skin changes are evident, and its symptoms can be mistaken for other eye disorders.

 

Ocular Rosacea

Each type of rosacea has its own unique set of symptoms and triggers, and understanding which type you have is crucial to managing the condition effectively. 

Always consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Managing Your Rosacea Triggers

Living with rosacea often means learning how to manage the triggers that can exacerbate your symptoms. 

These triggers can vary from person to person, but common ones include sun exposure, heat, alcohol, spicy food, and stress.

  • Sun Exposure: Always protect your skin from the sun. Use a sunscreen that's gentle on sensitive skin, or wear a hat when going out. Sun exposure can cause rosacea flare-ups, so it's essential to protect your skin.
  • Heat: Extreme heat can worsen rosacea symptoms. Try to avoid saunas or hot baths, and stay cool during hot weather.
  • Alcohol:Alcohol can cause vasodilation, leading to redness and flushing. If you notice that your rosacea flares up after drinking alcohol, it might be best to avoid it.
  • Spicy Food: Spicy foods can trigger rosacea flare-ups in some people. If you notice a connection between eating spicy food and your rosacea symptoms, consider adjusting your diet.
  • Stress: Stress increases inflammation in the body, which can worsen rosacea symptoms. Try to manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
  • Skincare Ingredients: Certain skincare ingredients can irritate your skin and worsen rosacea symptoms. Be cautious with products that contain alcohol, acetone, acids, and fragrances.

Retinoids or vitamin A can make the skin more sensitive to burning and cause irritation if too strong for sensitive skin, so use these with caution.

In addition to avoiding these triggers, it's also important to choose the right makeup products, apply daily SPF, and read product labels carefully. Identifying your personal triggers and learning how to manage them can help you prevent flare-ups and keep your rosacea under control.

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Ingredients That Can Help Soothe and Heal Your Skin

While managing rosacea often involves avoiding triggers, it's equally important to nourish your skin with ingredients that can help soothe and heal

Here are some ingredients that can be beneficial for rosacea-prone skin:

  • Vit B3: Also known as Niacinamide, this essential vitamin is a powerhouse for skin health. It not only decreases inflammation, a common issue in rosacea, but also supports healthy skin repair and boosts collagen production. 

Incorporating Vit B3 into your skincare routine can help manage rosacea symptoms and promote overall skin health.

  • Zinc Oxide: This mineral is a crucial ingredient for skin health, particularly for those with rosacea. Zinc Oxide provides protection from harmful UV radiation, which can cause inflammation and worsen rosacea symptoms. 

Incorporating products with Zinc Oxide into your skincare routine can help manage rosacea symptoms and protect your skin from further damage.

  • Hyaluronic Acid: This powerful ingredient is a must-have for rosacea-prone skin. Hyaluronic Acid not only increases skin hydration, but it also helps repair the skin barrier, which is often compromised in those with rosacea. 

Incorporating products with Hyaluronic Acid into your skincare routine can help manage rosacea symptoms and promote overall skin health.

  • Essential Oils: Manuka Oil and Lavender Oil are particularly beneficial for those with rosacea. Known for their antiseptic properties, these essential oils can help keep skin clean and free from irritants. 

lavender oil

Additionally, their calming properties can soothe skin irritations, a common symptom of rosacea, and support skin regeneration. Incorporating these essential oils into your skincare routine can help manage rosacea symptoms and promote overall skin health.

evening primrose oil

  • Healthy Oils: Oils such as Seabuckthorn, Fish, Krill, Salmon, and Hemp Seed are rich in Omega 3, 6, and 9. These essential fatty acids can help reduce inflammation, increase skin moisture, and support the skin barrier, making them particularly beneficial for those with rosacea. 
Additionally, these oils can also help alleviate dry eyes, a common issue for people with rosacea, by increasing the lubrication of mucous membranes, skin, and eyes. 
Incorporating these oils into your skincare routine can help manage rosacea symptoms and promote overall skin health.
  • Antioxidant-rich Berries: Berries, particularly Cloudberry and Black Raspberry, are rich in antioxidants that are crucial to skin health. 
These antioxidants help repair the skin barrier and soothe inflammation, common issues in rosacea-prone skin. Oils derived from these berries, such as Cloudberry Seed Oil and Black Raspberry Seed Oil, contain high levels of these beneficial antioxidants. 
cloudberry seed oil
Incorporating these antioxidant-rich oils into your skincare routine can promote healthy, glowing, less irritated skin, helping to manage rosacea symptoms.
  • Blue Tansy Oil: Derived from the Tanacetum annuum plant, a member of the chamomile family, Blue Tansy Oil is known for its ability to soothe and calm irritated and reactive skin, making it an excellent choice for rosacea-prone skin. 
It contains chamazulene, a compound known for its calming effects on the skin and its ability to fight free-radical damage, which contributes to signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. 
This compound also gives the oil its signature blue color. 
Blue Tansy Oil has a camphor-like smell and should be diluted before topical use.
Incorporating this oil into your skincare routine can help manage rosacea symptoms and promote overall skin health.
How Dermagen Can Help

At Dermagen, our mission is to support you in managing your rosacea effectively.

We've carefully formulated our products with sensitive skin in mind, infusing them with soothing oils that help reduce irritation and redness. Free from acids, alcohol, and preservatives, our products are a safe and gentle choice for your skincare routine.

Our pH-balanced, soap-free Liquid Soap and Shampoo is enriched with Manuka Oil, a potent ingredient known to inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria. 

This makes it an ideal choice for those with rosacea. Additionally, any of our oil serums can be used as a cleansing oil, offering a gentle and hydrating cleanse that respects your skin's natural balance.

For targeted treatment, we recommend our Rejuvenating Serum, which combines the power of Manuka Oil, Cloudberry Oil, and Blue Tansy Oil. 

If your skin is more dry and prone to acne or pimple breakouts, our Active 8 Serum, with a higher concentration of Manuka Oil, Lavender Oil, and Wild Thyme Oil, could be your perfect match.

If you're in search of a moisturiser enriched with Niacinamide or Vitamin B3, consider our Skin Radiance lotion, Anti-Redness Cream, or Anti-Spot Cream

Each of these products contains 5% Vitamin B3 and Manuka oil, a combination that helps calm skin redness and promotes a healthy skin barrier.

While our focus is on empowering you with knowledge and products to manage rosacea at home, we recognise that severe cases may require professional-grade treatments. 

These treatments are designed to address a range of sensitive skin conditions, including rosacea, and can provide significant relief from symptoms.

A consultation with a skincare professional can provide a thorough assessment of your skin, helping you understand your unique rosacea triggers. 

This knowledge is invaluable in creating a personalised skincare routine that addresses your specific needs and helps manage your rosacea symptoms effectively.

Whether you're working with a skincare professional or managing your rosacea independently, remember that understanding your skin is the first step towards achieving healthier, happier skin. 

Always consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. And remember, our products are here to support you on your journey to better skin health.

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