Living with a disease that affects your face can be difficult, especially when there is no cure. But rosacea flare-ups are sometimes caused by failing to comply with physicians’ orders. Make sure you take or apply your medications regularly according to instructions. Even then the strictest of lifestyles can be interrupted by outbreaks of rosy patches across the center of the face. Some patients have difficulty controlling symptoms with conventional treatments alone, and they add in alternative therapies or home remedies. For best results though, consult with your dermatologist before trying alternatives and certainly before making substitutions for those conventional treatments prescribed by your doctor.
Keep a journal.
Take time to get to your know own skin. Keep a rosacea diary and jot down the weather, foods you eat, your stress and exercise levels, and symptoms you are experiencing. After a while, you will begin to notice trends and discover what triggers your own rosacea symptoms. Most symptoms will appear the day after exposure to a trigger.
Love your face.
Love comes in the form of using the best products. Avoid ingredients such as alcohol, witch hazel, fragrance, menthol, and peppermint. When washing your face morning and night, avoid using washcloths, sponges, or exfoliants. Keep water temperatures lukewarm.
Even though you should love your face, give it some space too; touch your face as little as possible. Do more splashing than rubbing and then blot dry with a plush towel. Wash towels and pillowcases regularly and avoid detergents with fragrance and sulfates. Allow your face to dry for 30 minutes before applying your moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or higher. Men should use electric razors rather than disposables to avoid extra irritation caused by shaving with dull razors. Avoid aftershave products and lotions that sting or burn.
With makeup, hide blemishes and bumps using green-tinted concealers. If your face is dry and flaky, use yellow-tinted foundation creams, and avoid powders, as they will accentuate the dryness of your skin. Those will oily skin should use yellow-tinted mineral-based loose powders to help absorb oils rather than using foundation creams. Take care to use gentle, water-soluble products in the eye area, especially if you have ocular rosacea. Apply makeup with antibacterial brushes rather than using your fingers. Avoid reds in your makeup that will call attention to your complexion.
Watch the weather.
Avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is the most damaging. Exercise in air-conditioned rooms when possible and use fans to keep your body temperature from rising. Keep a cool rag around your neck, drink ice water regularly, or eat ice chips to stay cool. If you must be outside, bring a portable fan or a mister to spritz and calm your face.
During dry seasons, use a humidifier in your home to keep the air moist. Shield your face from wind and cold air by wearing ski masks, balaclavas, or scarves. Wear thick moisturizers to help with itching and keep your eye drops nearby to cut the dryness.
Manage your stress.
When self-esteem sinks or stress levels spike, listen to positive affirmations or practice guided relaxation techniques. Meditate or get a massage, avoiding facials. Place cucumber slices on your red spots, kick back with your feet up, and practice deep-breathing exercises. Some patients use pure essential oils such as oregano oil or lavender oil to help alleviate symptoms.
Eat right.
Dietary remedies may include an anti-inflammation diet, the alkaline diet, or just avoiding foods that put you at risk for a flare-up. Eat a variety of fresh foods and drink plenty of water. Avoid processed foods as much as possible. Include fish in your diet or supplement with fish oils containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as they may help reduce inflammation. Always consult with your physician to best determine which diet is best for your type of rosacea.
