There is a great deal of misunderstanding about rosacea, and at this time there is no known cure. Its signs and symptoms vary from person to person and it is more common than you may expect. It has been estimated that, in the US alone, approximately 14 million members of the population will suffer with rosacea, although many of them may not even realise it...

rosacea affects men and women and symptoms can appear in adults during their thirties, forties and fifties and vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. In most cases, the angry red tone it gives to the complexion can have a devastating effect on the emotions, and on the social and work life of sufferers.

In surveys conducted by the National Rosacea Society (US), nearly 70% of patients said the condition had lowered their self-confidence and self-esteem, and 41% reported it had caused them to avoid public contact or cancel social engagements. Nearly 70% of those with severe rosacea said that the disorder had adversely affected their professional interactions, and nearly 30% said they had even missed work because of their condition (www.rosacea.org).

Understanding Rosacea

There are four main types of rosacea:

1. Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea - Facial redness (erythema) is constantly visible, especially on the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. Small blood vessels may appear.
2. Papulopustular rosacea - Lumps and pimples often follow on from persistent facial redness.
3. Phymatous rosacea - Skin thickening and enlargement occurs, usually around the nose.
4. Ocular rosacea - In this case, the problem affects the eyes, which can become sore-looking, watery or irritated.

The cause of rosacea remains unknown but most sufferers have specific 'triggers' which may come from their diet or lifestyle and make the condition worse, especially during times of increased stress.

Trying to identify individual triggers can be a challenge. A helpful way to determine potential triggers is to keep a daily diary. This should include everything. For example: cosmetics used, food and drink consumed, and daily movements (such as, time spent out in the sun or at the gym).

The diary helps you to keep track of your lifestyle and eating habits and becomes a good reference when looking for possible triggers. Once personal triggers have been identified, they can gradually be eliminated as a means of controlling the condition. It takes time and patience but it is worth trying to live without one thing at a time and monitoring the results over the following days. This can save permanently cutting things out unnecessarily.

Typical triggers

Stress: As with many skin conditions, skin can reflect feelings and emotions. Try to identify the areas of your life that are causing you to feel stressed and, where possible, take positive action to eliminate them. Adding regular relaxation techniques (e.g., meditation or yoga) can help to manage stress levels.  

Food and drink: - First, try to avoid certain foods that you know are not good for you. For example, if you avoid junk food you will reduce the amount of toxins in your diet. Try to avoid spicy, 'hot' foods such as chilli and curry (replacing them with milder and more aromatic spices), and alcohol and caffeine, where possible. However, many other food groups have been reported to trigger rosacea. These can be as varied as dairy products or citrus fruits! This is why keeping a diary is so helpful, it can help you identify the areas of your diet that are causing problems. It is also worth considering food intolerance testing to track down possible triggers, and try taking a good glutamine supplement to improve your digestion and reduce allergic reactions that may affect the skin (www.highernature.com).   

Weather: Keeping cool and protected from the sun will help to minimise redness in the face. If out and about in the summer, use a good SPF 15 or above. Where possible, do not sit out in the sun for long periods, it is best to stay in a cool shady spot or indoors and stay well hydrated by drinking water. It may help to spray the face with cool water, alcohol-free toners or hydrolats such as Rose Floral Water. In colder weather, the skin may not be affected by the heat but it can still become red and sore, so it is best to keep it covered up when going out. Also choose a good moisturiser to stay well hydrated.  

Skincare and cleansing: Skin needs to be treated with gentle products, with as low an alcohol phase as possible. Skin should be cleansed gently, day and night, and hot water and steam should be avoided in favour of tepid water to keep the skin cool and calm. Flannels and exfoliants can be swapped for gentle cleansing cloths or cotton wool. When using cloths, try to have one for each day of the week and pop them in the wash at the end of each day to reduce the build-up of bacteria coming into contact with the face.

These are just a few areas that may be considered. Others include medical conditions that can affect the appearance of the skin, and medication that may have side-effects resulting in flushing and reddening of the complexion.

Natural Skincare

Many medicated skincare preparations are too strong to use on delicate or sensitive skin so it can really make a difference to choose a gentle natural alternative. Knowing which skincare products to use can be difficult. Energys® offers a range of natural products formulated with pure essential oils and botanical extracts to balance and care for all skins types.

Caring for rosacea takes time and patience but a good cleansing routine can make a real difference and should be followed twice daily. Energys® Skin Purity Perfect Cleanser is a mild cream cleanser, which contains no detergent or alcohol and effectively removes make-up and impurities without irritating delicate or sensitive skin. Formulated with mild Lemon-Scented Tea Tree and organic Edelweiss, it gently cleanses and clarifies the skin without irritating or inflaming.

Toners, by their action, often contain high levels of alcohol to firm and tighten the pores. Energising Body Splash is a purifying body toner made with botanical extracts and fruit juices and can be added to facial cleansing water for a gentle toning action. It contains immune-boosting echinacea and colloidal silver to improve the body's own system of defence, and fragrant sweet violet essential oil to treat enlarged pores and inflammation.

Ultra Regeneration Hydrating Cream is a rich, yet easily absorbed, moisturiser formulated without the use of mineral oils to protect and calm the skin. It combines soothing extracts of white lily and chamomile with calming oils of mandarin and benzoin.

Although Rosacea may not currently be curable, it is a condition that can be managed. Using good, natural skincare and keeping a daily diary can help to identify and eliminate triggers from lifestyle and diet to reduce the possible causes and effects of this frustrating and often upsetting condition.

Energys brand manager

Products can be purchased from www.highernature.com or by telephone: 0800 2218931.

Next Energys Therapist Training course will be held 24-25th March ( London). Call Steve on 01435 884504 for more details.

MarApr07