Skin experts recommend these six top products and treatments that can help, from LED masks to colour-correcting moisturisers …
Do I have rosacea?
“If you’re experiencing redness and flushing, small bumps or pimples, or visible blood vessels, you may have rosacea,” explains Shannon McCreery, Yon-Ka’s Brand Educator. “Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that usually presents with frequent flushing and persistent redness on the face, which can sometimes include the neck, chest, and scalp. While there is no definitive cause of rosacea, symptoms can be triggered by various factors, such as a change in temperature, stress, alcohol, exercise, sun exposure, smoking and spicy food.”
As each person’s symptoms and triggers vary, it’s important to visit your GP or dermatologist for an assessment and diagnosis first: due to its symptoms, rosacea can commonly be mistaken for eczema, acne or an allergic reaction. Ryan advises keeping track of what triggers a rosacea flare-up, along with medication and lifestyle changes: “I always advise using a notebook to monitor how different factors can cause a reaction and avoid or limit your symptoms.”
Rosacea can occur at any age, but is more likely to start any time after the age of 30 and can become more persistent with age, note the experts at Rosalique. Many women have found that menopause is a big trigger.
How can I avoid flare-ups?
As well as avoiding any triggers that cause your skin to flare up, using gentle skincare can also help to reduce them. Ryan recommends the Yon-Ka Sensitive range, designed to soothe red, irritated, inflamed skin both immediately and on a long-term basis. Yon-Ka Serum CBD also destresses the skin, with promising results on rosacea-prone skin. “Wear SPF daily, no matter the weather, as UV exposure can exacerbate symptoms. Avoid using hot water to cleanse the skin and avoid scrubbing or intense washing too. Since irritants vary from person to person, always test a new product on your neck to prevent causing a reaction on the face.”
I need expert advice about rosacea
For an in-depth expert guide, sign up for Dr Laura Lenihan’s Skincare Chat, ‘Rosacea and How to Manage It,’ on April 15 – as well as expert advice on what works and what doesn’t, there will be a live Q&A so you can ask Dr Lenihan your questions. €50. www.phare.store.
6 TRIED AND TRUSTED PRODUCTS
1 My colleague has found relief for her rosacea with Dublin facialist Eavanna Breen, who recommended the German-made Skinmade Problem Solver Serum (redness and irritation); €70, she has found REN Skincare’s Evercalm range (available via www.millies.ie and The Skin Nerd) effective, too.
2 A friend raves about The Ordinary’s Azelaic Acid for easing redness. Azelaic helps with inflammation in the skin and can help reduce pigmentation. The US, Korean-inspired brand Naturium also do an Azelaic Acid serum, 10% – it contains a high concentration of a glycinated azelaic acid complex, as well as niacinamide, vitamin C and coffee seed extract, to help improve skin tone.
3 Rosalique Soothing Night Cream is designed to soothe and calm skin overnight, reducing redness and improving skin tone. Its key ingredient is date seed extract, rich in polyphenols with proven anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties – use twice daily for a month to see good results; €40. Rosalique was developed specifically for those with skin that’s hypersensitive and prone to redness. Also try the Anti-Redness Miracle Formulas SPF50 for a handy all-round daily protector with colour-correcting. www.rosalique.ie
4 Neelu White is renowned for her non-interventionist approach to skincare, and has a great reputation for her holistic facials. She has seen excellent results for rosacea (and acne) with the Lumi-Light LED facial treatment which uses infrared light energy to boost cellular activity. Non-invasive, this is an efficient, heat-free route to more radiant and clear skin. Neelu’s Beauty Salon, 6 Liffey Street Lower, Dublin 1. www.neelus-salon.com
5 At home, try the SkinKrush LED face masks. The founders of SkinKrush, Sinead Gallagher and Jeanette Dunne, have 20 years’ experience as skincare nurses behind them and are well-versed in the benefits of LED light therapy, having used it in their clinics for 12 years. “Red and infrared light have been shown to promote collagen production, reduce redness and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and skin smoothness,” Gallagher explains. “Blue and red light combined calm the skin and reduce redness. Our masks are targeted to all skin types and work really well for anyone dealing with rosacea.” For best results, use regularly: Dunne recommends using an LED face mask for 10 minutes a day, three to five times a week for a period of six weeks.” The SkinKrush®Rejuvenating LED Face Mask and SkinKrush® Clear & Calming LED Face Mask, €350 each. www.skinkrush.com
6 Valerie Osborne, the founder of Elysium Skincare Clinic in Co Galway recommends BBL BroadBand Light, proven to treat rosacea effectively with as little as three treatments. “It improves the skin’s overall appearance and targets aging, tired and dull skin. It treats unwanted pigmentation, redness, thread veins, rosacea, acne and sun spots, all while stimulating collagen,” says Osborne. The cost is from €350 per treatment; Osborne recommends a course of three to four weeks apart. www.elysium.ie
SEE MORE: An Expert Guide To Dealing With Rosacea
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