WHAT IS ROSACEA?

Rosacea is a common condition of the skin of the face and is characterised by flushing /blushing-like acne spots, often under the skins surface, swelling of the nose, redness of the eyes and eyelids and eventually spider veins.

Common myth: It used to be and sometimes still is referred to as adult acne, which is incorrect as they are both very different skin conditions, however, they can both appear at the same time.

WHO IS MOST AT RISK?

Rosacea is rare in childhood and usually takes some time to develop; it can initially come and go on its own. Characteristics of those who are most likely to develop it include:

• Fair skinned adults
• Those between the ages of 30-50
• Women are more commonly affected than men
• Some drugs can also worsen rosacea

WHAT CAUSES IT?

The exact cause of Rosacea is still unknown; it is thought that it may be due to the blood vessels in the skin of the face dilating too easily. There are certain factors that are found to trigger a flare up and these are listed below, however, what worsens Rosacea in one person may have no effect on another’s.

TREATMENT

Rosacea cannot be cured; however there are treatments including topical creams and tablets that can be prescribed by your dermatologist to control it and even reverse its effects. It is important to diagnose Rosacea as early as possible as treatment works best when started in the early stages of Rosacea. If left untreated, the redness can become permanent and blood vessels become more visible. Lasers and pulsed lights can be used by your physician to reduce Rosacea and related skin redness.

PREVENT AND REPAIR

There are certain triggers that can be avoided to help reduce the likelihood of a flare up, these include:

• Hot drinks, spicy foods and alcohol
• Sun exposure. 61% of sufferers say sunlight makes their Rosacea worse
• Hard rubbing, massaging and scrubbing of the face, this will irritate the skin
• Environmental factors e.g. harsh weather conditions
• Irritating cosmetics and facial products
• Stopping caffeine intake after heavy use can make Rosacea worse
• Stress

It is important to eliminate any additional skin drying and irritation that may be caused by daily facial products such as soap and moisturisers. By using Dr Nick Lowe skincare products you can reduce the drying and irritation often caused to your skin.

Redness Relief Correcting Cream is calming and will help soothe and nourish red, irritated, blotchy skin by reducing a flushed red appearance, added menthol provides a cooling sensation and the lightly tinted colour of the cream helps to minimise red skin tones and provides an excellent base for makeup.