While often associated with the rosy complexion older ladies get, rosacea is more common than you might think. The flushed look you acquire after a few glasses of wine, or the shiny film that appears all over your face could actually be associated with rosacea.  

 

Rosacea is a common skin problem that affects at least one in 20 people in Australia. And it’s not hard to see why, when climate, UV radiation and diet are amongst the common triggers.


Dr Geoffrey Heber, one of Australia’s leading authorities on skincare and health, says women over 30 with fair skin are most likely to suffer from rosacea. But it’s something he is seeing more commonly in people of all ages.

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin condition usually characterised by facial redness, predominately around the nose and cheeks, chin and brow. But if you have a blushing problem, it could actually be a symptom of rosacea as well.


“Rosacea is a medical condition that must be diagnosed clinically,” Dr Heber says. “The burning of facial skin, flushing, persistent redness, bumps and pimples are all symptoms.”


Sensitive skin with stinging and burning sensations, watery and bloodshot eyes plus a shiny, slightly oily appearance, are all consequences of rosacea. Some people who are more severely affected may also find that the texture of their skin changes and thickens in some areas, developing an ‘orange peel’ feel.

What causes it?

The Australian climate with its ever-changing extremes can contribute to rosacea. According to Dr Heber, the sun, heat, humidity, cold and wind can all trigger a rosacea flare up. But there are other causes too.


“Spicy food and alcohol instigates flushing in many sufferers. Skincare products which dry the skin can also aggravate rosacea.”

What’s the best way to treat rosacea?

Avoiding potential irritants such as alcohol and spicy foods, is probably the best way to start, suggests Dr Heber. Triggers that may exacerbate the condition include direct sunlight, extreme weather, hot drinks, stress and heavy physical exercise so it’s best to steer clear of them where possible. Also try to limit really hot showers and baths, saunas and excessive heat. Invest in cotton sheets and don’t over heat your bedroom during winter.


Skincare products can also make the condition worse, especially products containing alcohol such as toners. It’s important to read the ingredients, and maybe change to products designed for sensitive skins. Look for known anti-inflammatory ingredients such as aloe vera, arnica, calendula, chamomile, cucumber, Provitamin B5, feverfew, green tea, licochalone, perilla leaf extract, red algae, red clover, thyme, willow herb and zinc.


One range created to address the issue is Eau Thermale Avene. Formulated using Avene thermal spring water and a combination of trace elements, they have a neutral pH level to help soothe and soften sensitive and irritated skin. Try the Diroseal daily treatment to treat, correct and disguise reddened skin.


It also helps to use non-irritating sunscreen. Look for the ones with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, as they tend to irritate skin less than chemical sunscreens. That’s because titanium dioxide and zinc oxide sit on the surface of the skin and aren’t absorbed by the body as chemical sunscreens can. Try Dermalogica Daylight Defense System Super Sensitive FaceBlock SPF 30 which contains lavender, green tea and licorice to soothe and titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to defend against UV rays.


Switching to mineral make-up may also be beneficial, as it tends not to be absorbed by the skin. Most mineral make-up products also use anti-inflammatory ingredients that can help to calm and soothe the skin. Musq Mineral Make-up is not only formulated from minerals but also leaves out all synthetics and fillers such as bismuth oxychloride, petrochemicals, genetically modified ingredients and carmine, making it perfect for sensitive skin. Other names to know for mineral make-up are Inika Mineral Cosmetics, Bloom and Sheer Cover.

Other courses of action

For severe rosacea, topical medication and powerful anti-inflammatory agents (usually requiring a prescription from a doctor), include metronidazole gel and clindamycin gel. These can be very effective if you have rosacea that has caused papules (small red pimples). Azelaic acid and salicylic acid are also topical agents that have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and have been shown to improve rosacea.  Topical steroids are not recommended for the treatment of rosacea as although they can decrease inflammation in the short-term, prolonged use can make redness and capillary formation worse.


An increasingly popular way of combating the redness and facial capillaries caused by rosacea is laser treatment. Vascular lasers selectively target and damage abnormal blood vessels in the skin. Multiple treatments may be required, and rosacea can recur with time so future treatments may be necessary.

What are the consequences of rosacea?

Left untreated, rosacea can damage the skin, possibly causing enlargement of the nose, worsening of redness and facial capillaries, and thickening of the skin. Think you may be at risk? See your beautician, doctor or dermatologist.

 

- Claudia DeBono