Rosacea Treatment, Harley Street, London
Whether you’re dealing with mild or severe redness, rosacea can be hard to treat. Although it’s chronic, that doesn’t mean it’s unbeatable. When redness, bumps, coarse skin and irritation have got you down and your typical rosacea treatments aren’t cutting it, it may be time to take a combination approach. Read on to understand the most common rosacea triggers, and how to get it under control.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting an estimated 415 million people globally. Primarily manifesting on the face and eyes, it is characterised by symptoms such as redness, pimples, and broken blood vessels. The condition typically begins with easy blushing or facial flushing and can progress to persistent redness, particularly around the nose, eventually spreading across the face. Rosacea may present in various forms, including pre-rosacea, vascular rosacea, inflammatory (or papulopustular) rosacea, and rhinophyma. Common eye-related symptoms include redness, burning sensations, broken capillaries, tearing, and inflamed eyelids.
How Do You Treat Rosacea?
The most common treatments for rosacea include topical medications such as azelaic acid, Imetronidazole, sodium sulfacetamide, and sulphur, along with oral medications like doxycycline and isotretinoin. Soolantra is very effective for killing off the Demodex mite which causes Rosacea. Additionally, brimonidine gel and encapsulated benzoyl peroxide are specifically used to alleviate symptoms such as redness and inflammation. For targeting visible redness and blood vessels, therapies such as Byonik Laser, IPL Laser, and light therapy are also effective options.
My Top Tips for Bringing the Redness Down
Try Azelaic Acid
Available within prescription-strength creams – which can be especially helpful for calming the raised, sore bumps on your skin – you can also find it within high street serums and gels in lower concentrations. As for how it works: azelaic acid is an antioxidant with a potent anti-inflammatory effect. In fact, it’s clinically proven, through independent trials, to decrease erythema (aka redness), swelling, and inflammatory lesions, without side effects.
Care for your skin barrier
Navigating the multitude of redness-reducing formulas available can be overwhelming. My primary piece of advice when shopping is to look for ingredients that not only decrease inflammation but also support the skin barrier. A compromised barrier often leads to dryness, tightness, and soreness—conditions particularly detrimental to rosacea-prone complexions.
Key ingredients to watch for include niacinamide and azelaic acid, which help protect and reinforce your skin. Additionally, look for natural hydrators like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which are vital components of your skin barrier.
Don’t forget your SPF
Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition, and the sun’s UV rays can exacerbate it by causing free radical damage to your skin. Those of us with sensitive skin often approach SPF with caution due to its traditional reputation for being thick, heavy, and causing breakouts. However, there are excellent formulas that I personally recommend. One standout product is Heliocare 360° Mineral Tolerance Fluid SPF 50. This 100% mineral SPF is superb for sensitive skin; it’s exceptionally lightweight and doesn’t leave an ashy cast.
Be aware of your triggers
Identifying the triggers for your rosacea is the first step towards managing it effectively. The triggers can vary widely, but some of the most common include hot and spicy foods, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks (especially red wine), exercise, and emotional stress.
Understanding which factors to avoid is key to minimizing redness and inflammation. For comprehensive guidance on managing triggers, consider visiting the National Rosacea Society website. There, you’ll find a detailed list of potential irritants and practical skincare tips to help keep flare-ups under control.
Get expert advice when you need it
With rosacea, it might be easy to dismiss it as just a bit of redness. However, seeking expert advice can be incredibly beneficial. Consulting with a skin health practitioner doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll need medication. Rather, you can receive personalised skincare advice and a tailored treatment plan that suits your needs. This approach can make a significant difference in managing your symptoms effectively.
