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Many rosacea patients start
out, with exceptionally clear, fair complexions. Patients can regain
a clear complexion through proper medical therapy and lifestyle modifications.
In addition, the, knowledgeable use of cosmetics and skin care products
can help conceal and soothe any remaining redness or irritation.
 A
rosacea facial care routine starts with a gentle and refreshing cleansing
of the face. Patients should use a mild soap or cleanser that is not
grainy or abrasive, and spread it with their fingertips. A soft pad
or washcloth can also be used, but patients should avoid rough washcloths,
loofahs, brushes, or sponges. The face then should be rinsed with lukewarm
water several times and blotted dry with a thick cotton towel. The face
should never be pulled, tugged, scratched, or treated harshly.
Patients should let their
faces air dry for several minutes before applying a topical medication.
Faces must then dry for an additional 5 or 10 minutes before using makeup,
moisturizers, or other skin care products.
Many patients have found
that the creative use of cosmetics can effectively mask the redness,
pimples, and visible blood vessels caused by rosacea. For example, green
makeup can be used to counteract redness. Follow green makeup with a
skin-tone foundation. Select foundations with natural yellow tones and
avoid those with pink or orange hues.
When selecting cosmetic
and skin care products, rosacea patients should be sure to note the
ingredients and avoid those that adversely affect their individual conditions.
A National Rosacea Society survey on skin care products found that a
number of common ingredients can irritate rosacea. More than 1,000 patients
identified the following ingredients as causing a rosacea flare-up:
alcohol (66%), witch hazel (30%), fragrance (30%), menthol (21%), peppermint
(14%), and eucalyptus oil (13%).
In the survey, men, and
women found that they were sensitive to a number of skin care products.
Women identified the following products as their biggest culprits: astringents/toners
(50%), soap (40%), exfoliation agents (34%), makeup (29%), perfume/cologne
(27%), moisturizers (26%), and hairsprays (20%). Men indicated that
the. following products caused flare-ups: shaving lotions (24%), perfume/cologne
(19%), and sunscreens (13%). In general, patients with rosacea should
avoid any skin care product that stings, burns, or causes additional
redness.
Patients should remove their
makeup with a gentle cleanser or soap before applying medication. While
a gentle skin care routine and the artful use of makeup can help hide
rosacea, the most important step toward more natural-looking skin is
compliance with medication and careful attention to avoid factors that
may trigger flare-ups.
CUTIS™ Volume
63, Number 4, April 1999, Page 216D.
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