You know that feeling when your face starts to redden. That flushed, blushed look you can’t control. Most times, it’s situational. You’re talking in front of a group, you’ve embarrassed yourself, or spotted your crush.
But that’s okay, because you know what’s causing you to blush.
Rosacea is different. It’s a type of non-contagious skin inflammation that targets the face. The problem is, there’s no reason as to why it happens. As the small surface blood vessels (capillaries) of the skin expand, the result is a permanent flush.
People aged 30 to 50 usually experience this condition. It begins with more frequent blushing but with age, rosacea worsens. There’s still a big question mark around it but it’s thought that overheating in bed at night may contribute to the development of rosacea. Other environmental triggers include alcohol, hot drinks, coffee and tea, spicy foods, overexposure to sunlight, anxiety, and emotional stress. Genetics also play a role in the probability of rosacea.
When rosy cheeks are actually rosacea.
It’s difficult to know the difference between redness and rosacea. They both produce the same look, that red face. So, watch out for these symptoms:
- Enlarged capillaries (telangiectasis)
- A flush across the nose and cheeks that doesn’t go away
- Yellow-headed pimples on the forehead, cheeks and chin
- Non-tender lumps under the skin
- Mildly swollen cheeks and nose (hyperplasia)
- A sensation of burning or stinging
- A rash that is confined to the face.
If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor.
The best way to lessen the appearance of rosacea is a personalised approach. Everyone’s skin is different and there are varying levels of severity when it comes to rosacea. With most skin treatments, they don’t go nuclear. It’s best to take a slow, measured approach – gentle moisturising ingredients, careful and consistent use of sunscreen, and finding a small number of products that agree with your skin.
Keep it simple and avoid giving your skin whiplash by introducing lots of new things to it.
Know your triggers and do your best to avoid them. Pair a preventative approach with skincare that works for you. Some foods to include in your diet for calm, happy skin include bland vegetables like cucumbers, pumpkins and broccoli, soothing spices (coriander and cardamom), and non-citrus fruits (grapes and mango). Salmon, fish, turkey, and goat cheese are also great foods.
Don’t let rosacea trouble you. It’s not something to blush about.