The occasional flushing of the cheeks is normal when embarrassed, hot or post a big workout, but when the flushing won’t go away or your blood vessels become enlarged you could be dealing with Rosacea. Like our complicated and unwelcome friend Eczema, the root cause of Rosacea is unknown, however experts believe it could be due to genetics or an overactive immune system.
Sometimes mistaken for acne or dermatitis, Rosacea causes flushing or long-term redness on the face and can escalate to enlarged blood vessels and in extreme cases - pus-filled bumps.
The bad news? Rosacea has no cure. The good news? You can successfully manage it by avoiding flare-up triggers and sticking to a gentle, organic skincare routine.
Rosacea Triggers
Research has identified various triggers that can exacerbate Rosacea symptoms. Understanding these triggers is crucial for preventing flare ups and managing this frustrating skin condition. The common theme with Rosacea triggers seems to be heat, so protecting your skin from the sun, heat and avoiding stress can help to keep your skin calm and reduce symptoms.
Sun Exposure:
Excessive exposure to the sun is a common trigger for rosacea flare-ups. UV rays can dilate blood vessels in the skin, leading to increased redness and inflammation. Everyone should make sun protection a priority every day, but this is particularly important for those with Rosacea. Using a daily SPF that is suited to sensitive skin along with wearing long sleeves, lightweight clothing will help to protect your skin from flare ups and sun damage that can lead to premature ageing. Win - win!
Hot Weather:
Speaking of the sun, high temperatures and humidity can also provoke rosacea symptoms. Excessive sweating and a hot climate can cause blood vessels to expand, leading to flushing and redness. Seek shade, wear lightweight, breathable clothing and stay cool where possible.
Stress:
Nothing heats your body faster and causes inflammation than stress. Not ideal when you’re trying to keep your body cool and reduce redness. While it’s not always possible to entirely eliminate stress from our lives, taking some time to practice mindfulness and leading a healthy, balanced lifestyle will help you manage stress and the flare ups that result from it.
Alcohol:
Excessive alcohol consumption isn’t great for anyone, but is especially triggering for those with rosacea. In particular, red wine is a well-known trigger for rosacea symptoms so it’s best to stay away from this choice of drink all-together. Limiting alcohol consumption and choosing your drink of choice carefully may help to minimise flare-ups.
Spicy Foods:
Just as external heat can manifest a rosacea flare up, so too can heat that is ingested. Spicy or hot food and drink can trigger rosacea flare-ups in some individuals. It’s important to take note of your diet to easily identify possible food and beverage triggers as they arise.
Exercise Exertion:
Whilst regular exercise is important for everyone’s overall health and wellbeing, intense workouts can lead to increased blood flow, overheating and flushing in individuals with rosacea. If you have rosacea it may be beneficial to choose low-impact physical activities and avoid exercising in hot environments to reduce the risk of triggering symptoms.
Harsh Skincare Products:
Skincare products containing harsh ingredients or fragrances can irritate sensitive skin and trigger flare-ups. If you suffer from Rosacea it’s advisable to choose gentle, non-comedogenic products formulated for sensitive skin. Patch testing new products and gradually introducing them into your skincare routine one at a time can also help to identify products that may be aggravating your rosacea symptoms.
A GENTLE SKINCARE ROUTINE TO SUPPORT ROSACEA PRONE SKIN
If you have rosacea it’s important to find natural products that are gentle on the skin and fragrance free to avoid irritation. We’ve curated a nourishing and natural skincare routine for all of our rosacea prone friends to nourish and support your sensitive skin.
CLEANSE
AM: LAMAV’s Bamboo Cleansing Facial Cloth with lukewarm water
If you have sensitive, rosacea prone skin it’s important not to strip your skin as it may lead to a dry, irritated complexion. If you’ve completed a double cleanse at night, it’s not always necessary to use a cleanser in the morning. LAMAV’s super-soft and sustainable Cleansing Facial Cloth is made from 100% natural bamboo fibres, and when used with lukewarm water, provides a gentle cleanse and exfoliation to remove excess sebum and product residue that has built up overnight. The result is a complexion that feels refreshed—rather than tight or dehydrated. These Facial Cloths are kind to your skin as well as the planet.
PM: Double Cleanse with LAMAV’s Marula Oil Cleanser & Hydra Calm Cream Cleanser
Double cleansing can seem like just another time-consuming step in your skincare routine, but it’s actually very important. The first cleanse will remove makeup, dirt and excess oil. The second cleanse will “clean” the skin, allowing the active ingredients in your cleanser to do their job.
Comfort rosacea prone skin using a nourishing Oil Cleanser. Oil cleansers are great for this skin type as they effectively melt away your SPF, makeup and dirt without damaging or irritating dry, sensitive skin.
LAMAV’s Marula Oil Cleanser is a lightweight, antioxidant-rich formula that will effortlessly clean the skin and replenish cellular lipids to prevent moisture loss. This cleanser will diminish any feelings of tightness or discomfort, leaving you with plump, dewy skin.
A purifying blend of natural oils that cleanses the skin and gently dissolves makeup and impurities to reveal clear, radiant complexion. The nourishing, antioxidant-rich formula enhances skin’s natural repair and keeps the lipid barrier intact, restoring moisture balance and healthy glow.
For a second cleanse, we recommend following up with LAMAV’s Hydra Calm Cream Cleanser. This nourishing, rich cleanser is great for sensitive and mature skin types as it effectively cleanses the skin without irritation whilst hydrating and delivering age-defying results. Your skin will enjoy the soothing benefits of Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Avocado and Camellia Oil, while essential fatty acids from Acai Oil repair stressed skin and deliver immediate comfort for dry, irritated skin. The addition of Mountain Pepper Leaf Extract provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits to calm and protect stressed skin.
TREAT (AM &/Or PM)
If you’re looking for a serum that does it all, LAMAV’s Hyaluronic Hydra-Max Serum is a must have treatment in your daily skincare ritual. Containing the well-known hydration hero - Hyaluronic Acid to increase moisture levels and boost hydration to support overall skin health for all complexion types. Antioxidant rich CoEnzyme Q10 and Quandong Extract contain anti-inflammatory and skin healing benefits, while protecting the skin and preventing damage from oxidative stress.
NOURISH (PM)
Nighttime calls for nourishment, and LAMAV’s Omega 3, 6 ,7 & 9 Antioxidant Oil delivers on that and more! Containing 100% pure actives, your skin will thank you for the concentrated burst of moisture and essential fatty acids to strengthen and smooth the skin. Red, sensitive skin will also enjoy the addition of Bisabolol (derived from chamomile) as it soothes and calms the skin.
PROTECT (AM & PM)
Containing all of our rosacea friendly ingredients, LAMAV’s Hyaluronic Moisture Cream will lock in hydration to maintain hydration and moisture levels. The soothing powers of Aloe-Vera, Amla and Sandalwood Seed Oil will help to calm, nourish and protect the skin.
RESTORE (PM)
If you really want to treat your skin to a burst of calming hydration and rejuvenation, you need LAMAV’s Beauty Sleep Mask in your PM routine. Like a pillow for your skin, this luxurious leave-on mask was specifically formulated to support your skin’s natural ability to repair and rejuvenate overnight. Containing Hyaluronic Acid and Bisabolol to instantly hydrate and boost skin’s hydration levels, you’ll notice an instant improvement in the appearance and feel of dull and dry skin. Hit the pillow and allow the nourishing benefits of Raspberry and Sandalwood Seed Oils to soak in. You’ll wake up with calmer, smoother and plump skin.
While rosacea can be a challenging condition to manage, understanding and avoiding triggers can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups. Implementing healthy lifestyle choices and avoiding known triggers can allow you to take some control of Rosacea and achieve clearer, calmer skin. If you’re finding it challenging to manage your skin condition we recommend consulting with a dermatologist who can deliver guidance and treatment options tailored to your individual skin and potential triggers.