Heat  

• changes in temperature, both internal and external are a major cause of rosacea attacks and hot flushes are no exception and when severe can provoke outbreaks

Hormonal changes

• Hormonal imbalances especially in perimenopause are often responsible for acne-like outbreaks with decreased levels of oestrogen and increased levels of androgens such as testosterone being the man culprits.

Stress  

• As we all know menopause at whatever stage is stressful especially with the physical changes to our bodies and also to our mental health and feeling that we are no longer able to do what we used to do!

Worth knowing –

that alcohol, spicy foods and hot beverages can also contribute to an outbreak/attack of rosacea.

Acne definition

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples. Acne is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages.

Rosacea definition

Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes redness and visible blood vessels in your face. It may also produce small, red, pus-filled bumps. These signs and symptoms may flare up for weeks to months and then go away for a while. Rosacea can be mistaken for acne, other skin problems or natural ruddiness.

Acne and Rosacea combined

A chronic skin disease that causes persistent redness over the areas of the face and nose that normally blush, mainly the forehead, the chin, and the lower half of the nose.  The tiny blood vessels in these areas enlarge (dilate) and become more visible through the skin, appearing like tiny red lines. Pimples that look like teenage acne can occur.

Treatments

How do you know what’s right for you or will suit?

Antibiotic medications from your doctor such as metronidazole, tetracycline and erythromycin amongst many others are often prescribed as well as androgen blockers but there are other alternatives available including natural remedies and over the counter products containing retinol, azelaic acid to name but a few.

Surprisingly the most effective treatment can come in the form of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). HRT very often would not be prescribed for skin problems alone but if you are suffering from a host of menopause-related symptoms this would be an option. 

Please note Some HRT’s use an influx of the hormone progestin to replace the oestrogen and progesterone your body loses. In some women introducing this hormone to your body can actually cause your skin to break out.

The following may help in very mild cases: 

• Wash the face daily with mild soap and moisturise with facial cream or lotion
• Don’t scrub the face too hard when exfoliating
• Wash acne-prone skin with a cleanser that contains salicylic acid. This aids the unclogging of pores
• No picking or squeezing of spots. This can cause scarring
• Avoid tanning and apply sunscreen to the face when outdoors for periods of time
• Replace old cosmetics and avoid oil-based cosmetics, instead of choosing mineral or water-based products.

Natural treatments 

Natural treatments are another route and are generally free of side effects often caused by the prescribed option but are not always as effective. 

Here are a few to think about;

Aloe Vera

The gel from the inner leaf of the aloe vera plant is emollient and moisturising and can be successful as a remedy for rosacea.

Burdock

Burdock is available as a supplement, extract or food. As an edible remedy, it can purify your liver and help to clear up skin conditions such as acne. Also, the burdock plant extract can be an effective treatment for rosacea.

Chamomile

Very much like aloe, chamomile is common in moisturisers. It is used topically in herbal treatment for red and inflamed skin. Chamomile essential oil can be diluted and applied too.

Coconut Oil

Moisturisers like coconut oil are very popular for all sorts of skin conditions including rosacea. It is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and moisturising purposes.

Green Tea

Green tea is rich in antioxidants and is available both as a tea and herbal supplement. Research has shown it can be effective in the treatment of rosacea. Antioxidants are helpful for inflammation including skin conditions.  Therefore, green tea may be a popular ingredient in skin products and cream for the treatment of rosacea. 

Rosalie –

3 in 1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula £29.99

The targeted formula for skin prone to Rosacea

• Instantly conceal redness
• Gently reduce symptoms
• Protect skin from UVA & UVB rays

Face theory Azeclear Azelaic Acid Serum £24.99

A plant-based serum with 15% azelaic acid to target acne, blemishes, dark spots and rosacea

• Minimise the appearance of swelling and visible blood vessels
• Free of parabens, silicones. Vegan and cruelty-free
• Use on its own or underneath a moisturiser

Finca Acne Rosacea Serum £24.95

All-Natural Organic Ingredients

• Effective anti-inflammatory
• Moisturiser
• Visible reduction in pustules and bumps
• Reduced facial redness
• Reduced swelling

Gladskin Gel for acne and rosacea from £16.50

• Reduces facial redness and postulates
• Contains active enzyme Staphekt ™
• Hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested
• Microbiome friendly

Like everything there is so much out there to look at and sometimes before adopting the prescription route of antibiotics or strong gels/liquids, take time to compare the different products. What’s important to you and more importantly what will give you the best results!

For more information on natural products please click on the link below;

https://www.healthline.com/health/rosacea-natural-treatments

https://www.naturalelementsskincare.com/collections/rosacea

https://balmonds.co.uk/collections/rosacea

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