Protect reactive skin from the harsh effects of the shower. Immediately after cleansing at the sink,smooth a few drops of MV Pure Jojoba over your face and neck. This will instantly relax, soothe and provide a protective barrier to the skin, creating a natural buffer against the water. This simple trick works wonders, and a very well-known beauty editor I shared this tip with (over 10 years ago), told me that she still SWEARS by this method.

Extra shower tip: Tilt your head so that the water does not gush over your face.

Rosacea sufferers should avoid using foaming cleansers, particularly those containing sodium lauryl/laureth sulphate or glycolic acid, by far the most potent and potentially irritating of the family of hydroxyl acids. You should also avoid cleansing with hot water and steer clear of granular scrubs.

Over-exfoliation is one of the most common causes of ‘man-made’ sensitivity. Constantly removing ‘healthy’ as well as ‘dead’ skin cells creates micro-trauma that strips the skin’s delicate acid mantle, compromises natural resilience, often creates sensitivity and contributes to pigmentation issues.

A current buzz word in the beauty industry is ‘skin microbiome’. Ironically, if we did not regularly strip the skin and remove the acid mantle (hydrolipidic film*) through daily use of high pH foaming cleansers and frequent exfoliation, we wouldn’t need to have discussions about restoring the skin’s microbiome.

A controversial topic, I know. The truth is, most sunscreens irritate rosacea. Their active ingredients come in two forms, mineral and chemical filters. Each has a different mechanism for protecting the skin.

All TGA-approved sunscreens are exempt from displaying their full ingredients list on the product, so the consumer is totally unaware the SPF 30 or 50 her dermatologist has recommended contains a cocktail of known skin irritants and oestrogen mimicking ingredients including oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate.

If you do spend much of the day outdoors then buy a dedicated SPF rather than a moisturiser with an SPF, and pay close attention to the actual dosage and reapplication instructions. Invest in a good quality zinc-based sunscreen, as natural light reflectors are a much healthier option. Just remember: always apply physical sunscreens containing either zinc or titanium dioxide after your moisturiser – not before.

We are already exposed to far too many irritants without adding unnecessarily to our daily load. So for those who spend most of their days working indoors, I would recommend giving your skin a break - and instead practice sun safety by staying in shade, wearing a hat, and avoid midday sun exposure when UV is highest.

Adopt a ‘less is more’ approach to your skincare regime - clear out your bathroom cabinet so you are not tempted to use up products that are no longer suitable.

Rosacea management should be holistically approached. Presentations are incredibly varied in each individual, and this just means that to treat rosacea successfully, one needs to look inward. By examining all the variables at play, the factors that have a role in your own 'rosacea story' can be understood - and changed! Start paying attention to which diet and lifestyle triggers are relevant to you.

Once your triggers and early warning signs are established, as soon as you notice the beginnings of a rosacea flare - act quickly. Rosacea is much easier to manage when early interventions are taken. I would also recommend ongoing preventative treatment of weekly MV Signature Mineral Masks, to soften, strengthen, and calm delicate complexions.