Rosacea Awareness Month

April is National Rosacea Awareness Month – but what exactly is this common skin condition known as ‘The Curse of the Celts’?

Rosacea affects 1 in 10 people in Ireland and is often known as ‘The Curse of the Celts’?  It can bemistaken for acne, eczema or an allergic reaction, causes facial redness and may produce small, red, pus-filled bumps. The first signs of rosacea are a blush-like reddening which spreads across the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin, along with a burning or stinging feeling when using water or certain skincare products. 

Typically, rosacea flares up for a few weeks or months, then disappears again for a while. Women are twice as likely to suffer from it as men, although men do tend to get it more severely. It is particularly prevalent among middle-aged women with delicate (Irish!) skin or those with sun-damaged skin. There is no cure, but you can do a great deal to avoid the onset of attacks and reduce symptoms.

It is worth noting that many people who suffer from rosacea also suffer what is known as ocular rosacea - dry, swollen and irritated eyes and eyelids. The arrival of ocular rosacea can sometimes precede and signal the onset of facial symptoms. Over time, rosacea can also cause the thickening of skin around the nose, making it appear a bit bulbous, but this is much more common in men than in women.

What causes rosacea - and what treatments are available?

No one knows exactly what causes rosacea, but it is thought a combination of hereditary and environmental factors could be responsible. Anything that dilates the blood vessels, increasing the flow of blood to the surface of the skin, can trigger an attack. Triggers include sunlight, spicy foods, red wine, extremes of temperatures, wind, exercise which makes you sweat, cosmetics and stress.

Surveys have shown  that around half of people with the condition experience an outbreak or increase in symptoms at least once a month.As with any persistent skin condition, you should consult your GP or dermatologist for an official diagnosis and treatment. Your skin specialist is likely to tell you there are three main ways to treat rosacea: topical formulations, antibiotics or light therapy. 

Topical gels, creams or lotions are applied to the affected areas and can be used in combination with antibiotics and medication to reduce redness. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a fairly new treatment which can be helpful in some cases.  Surgical intervention is possible where there has been severe thickening of the skin. If there is eye involvement, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist and prescribed drops or ointment for dry eyes.

Avoiding lifestyle and environmental triggers

It is a good idea to keep a diary of flare-ups to try and identify what tends to trigger attacks. Low impact exercise like walking or swimming will be less likely to trigger an attack than, say, aerobics or running. Wearing a scarf or ski mask to protect delicate facial skin in winter can be useful. Avoid any oil-based cosmetics or skin products containing alcohol. Green-tinted make-up will help neutralise facial redness. Try to reduce your stress levels with yoga, relaxation techniques or deep breathing exercises. 

Elave Skincare uses only the purest, gentlest ingredients which are kind to sensitive skin conditions like rosacea - that’s why they are trusted and recommended by pharmacists and healthcare professionals. Our facial products are free from alcohol, parabens, dyes, scents, formaldehyde, sulfates and MI, are safety-tested to the highest international pharma standards. 

As UV rays can trigger flare-ups, avoid direct sunlight and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (UVA & UVB protection) with a minimum SPF30 at all times of year, but particularly during the summer months. Elave Sun SPF30 is a hypo-allergenic invisible zinc formula which offers high broad-spectrum protection from UVA, UVB and infrared rays. It hydrates with antioxidant vitamins B5, C and E to guard against environmental damage. Water-resistant if used as directed, it is safe to use during pregnancy and paediatrician-approved from newborn.

People with rosacea often have sensitive, easily irritated skin

Since people who suffer from rosacea often have easily irritated skin it is important to avoid rubbing your skin during cleansing and to use something gentle like  Elave Rejuvenating Cleansing Treatment. This unique combination of hydrating skin cleansers is combined with 12% glycolic acid arginine complex to gently exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin.

Elave Skin Balancing Moisturiseris a multi-action, oil-free formula with naturally-derived prebiotics and antimicrobial Manuka honey UMF 10+ for a healthy skin barrier. Antioxidant vitamins B5 and E combine with natural glycerin and hyaluronic acid to boost hydration levels and smooth the appearance of fine lines. Quickly absorbed with a matte finish, this moisturiser is recommended for all skin types.

Protect against the sun while boosting hydration and improving the dermal barrier with  Elave Daily Skin Defence SPF45, which offers high UVA/UVB protection in an invisible zinc formula containing antioxidant vitamins B5 and E which is absorbed quickly absorbed into the skin.  It is suitable for all skin types and oil-free to prevent clogging of pores.

Men with rosacea need to shave carefully to avoid causing extra irritation. Electric shavers may be gentler on your skin. Avoid any shaving creams or lotions that could burn or sting your skin.  Elave Men Shave Balm is easilyabsorbed and contains aloe vera and menthol which to cool, soothe and reduce redness. Antioxidant vitamin E and natural glycerin repair, hydrate and recondition sensitive skin.