Choosing Rosacea Skin Care Preparations

If you suffer from rosacea you will recognize that your skin is extremely sensitive. You may find it better for your skin to use specially formulated rosacea skin care products that are non-irritating and mild and won't make the symptoms worse. If you find a preparation causes a stinging sensation stop using it.

A few rosacea sufferers have found that some preparations containing salicylic acid, peppermint oil, clove oil or menthol have resulted in soreness of their skin so be very careful if you apply a skin care preparation that contains one or more of these ingredients and apply a very small amount at first to test the reaction of your skin.

Rosacea sufferers are usually much more hypersensitive to the sun's rays which can cause outbreaks. Always apply a good, high factor sunscreen even on cloudy days for maximum protection. A sunscreen that contains zinc or titanium dioxide can be used as these ingredients won't aggravate the skin.

Rosacea Treatments

It is important, if you have symptoms that indicate rosacea, that you are under the care of a dermatologist or other medical practitioner who is able to prescribe an appropriate treatment. The most common therapy that is prescribed is a course of oral antibiotics which is followed by medication, that may be creams or gels, that can help control the condition in the long term. All of these have anti inflammatory effects which can reduce the redness that is seen with rosacea and prevent flare ups.

The topical medicines increase the antibiotics effect and help with control over the long term. Some medicines very often used are azaleic acid, sodium sulfacetamide and metronidazole.

For sufferers who find these treatments ineffective or who have severe rosacea perhaps with disfigurement, there are a number of other treatment options. Laser therapy can be used to heal the visible blood vessels on the surface of the skin, the skin's surface, dermabrasion can be used or plastic surgery.

Dermabrasion is a procedure that removes the top layer of the skin which leaves it clear and smooth. For sufferers of rosacea who experience thickening of the skin, especially in the vicinity of the nose, one option is plastic surgery which repairs areas that have been damaged severely.

What Ingredients Are Used in Rosacea Skin Products?

Once the condition is controlled, over the counter skin care preparations can be used successfully. Specially made preparations can be bought that are non-irritating and gentle, contain ingredients that are helpful for sufferers and have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Some ingredients that have been shown to be effective include Vitamin K and Willowherb. Willowherb has been used for a long time for treating inflammation and is excellent for alleviating the redness caused by by rosacea. Vitamin K is vital for blood vessel health and can help to heal the capillaries in the face.

Bio Maple has also been reported to be helpful in reducing blemishes and redness and helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria. Bio Maple is extracted from maple trees and has a pH comparable to that of skin.

Make Up

Women must also take care when they apply cosmetics. Thick cosmetics could clog up the skin pores and trap oil, which will increase the bacterial growth. A non-comodogenic, oil free make up most beneficial.

In Conclusion

Although rosacea is a distressing and embarrassing condition there are treatments available. As well as using topical medication, looking after the skin and being careful of the preparations you use on your face, will result in a marked improvement.