Rosacea awareness month: 3 skincare products many rosacea sufferers swear by

Trine Jensen-Burke

It’s a condition so common that according to the HSE, as many as one in 10 people in Ireland are affected.

More common among fair-skinned people from northern Europe and the US, rosacea usually presents itself as persistent rosy, flushed cheeks and redness of the skin. Small blood vessels in the skin can become visible, and in the most severe cases, if left untreated, the skin can thicken and enlarge, usually on and around the nose.

Symptoms will often first present themselves between the ages of 30 and 50, and is a chronic (long-term) skin condition which often begins with episodes of flushing (when the skin turns red). There is as per today no cure for rosacea, but treatments are available to control the symptoms.

While the exact cause of rosacea remains unknown, there are several triggers that may make the symptoms worse in some people. These are:

exposure to sunlight
stress
cold weather
hot drinks
alcohol
eating certain foods, such as spicy foods

Identifying and avoiding the triggers of rosacea can be a useful way of controlling the symptoms.

Prevention, not cure

When it comes to rosacea, avoiding triggers and preventing outbreaks is easier and more effective than trying to fix it. Protecting your skin’s defensive moisture barrier is vital, as is avoiding the sun and wearing SPF every day, even in the winter and when it’s overcast.

Don’t try harsh exfoliators and scrubs that will just end up irritating skin that is already sensitive, and opt for mild, gentle cleansers and moisturising products.

Not sure what to buy? Here are four products that are often recommended by dermatologists and that many rosacea sufferers swear by:

1. La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR Anti-Redness Intensive Care

This intensive treatment fights topical redness of the skin and prevents the recurrence of symptoms.

€28.50

2. Avène Intense Protect SPF50+ Cream

Designed for those with sensitive skin, this carefully crafted formula offers very high UV protection without causing irritation to the skin.

€16.95

3. Bioderma Sensibio Defensive

The new Sensibio Defensive Active Rich is a defensive technology that protects skin from lifestyle daily aggressions and internal sensitivity. The cream instantly gets rid of discomfort and increases the skin’s sensitivity threshold. Bonus? This cream can be used as a hydrating base for makeup.

€13.55