Rosacea
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a type of chronic skin inflammation that typically affects the face. It's characterised by enlarged and broken capillaries – resulting in lasting redness. The forehead, cheeks and chin may develop yellow-headed pimples. Although originally named Acne Rosacea, this condition is not a type of acne. It is not driven forward by Propionibacterium so should not be treated with acne medications.
Shop products suitable for Rosacea
Symptoms of Rosacea include:
- Enlarged and broken capillaries
- A permanent flush across the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin
- Yellow-headed pimples on the forehead, cheeks and chin
- Break outs of small lumps under the skin
- Tendency to blush easily
- A sensation of burning or stinging, particularly around the eyes
- Red, bulbous nose
Can Rosacea be cured?
No, but it is very easy to manage so that the condition does not progress. Early diagnosis is crucial. The earlier the diagnosis, the sooner you can begin looking after your skin and avoid the triggers that set off an inflammatory attack and further damage your skin.
Managing Rosacea
First work out your triggers and try to limit or avoid them. Everyone is different so you might like to keep a diary to see if there's a pattern.
Try to control the active symptoms of rosacea by using gentle skincare. MV has developed a gentle approach to help manage rosacea. Click below for our recommended daily routine to help de-sensitise and strengthen the skin.
Talk to your naturopath about addressing your inner health and the health of your skin from within. We all love a ‘quick fix’ but it is important to be patient and allow the necessary time it takes for your body to respond to the changes your naturopath has recommended. If the symptoms worsen and become unmanageable, talk to your GP.
MORNING:
Cleanse
Where the skin is severely reactive, use Pure Jojoba on a slightly damp make-up removal disc to cleanse the face or, for mild skin sensitivity, smooth Gentle Cream Cleanser over face before slowly* removing with a warm damp muslin cleansing cloth or face washer.
*Firm rubbing, friction or the use of hot water is not recommended for sensitive skin conditions.
Moisturise - mild rosacea
Immediately after cleansing spritz with Rose Hydrating Mist then, while skin is still damp, gently massage half a pump of Native Power Serum over the face until completely absorbed. Immediately follow with two drops of Pure Jojoba and/or half a pump of Rose Soothing & Protective Moisturiser.
Moisturise - moderate rosacea
Immediately after cleansing spritz with Rose Hydrating Mist then, while skin is still damp, apply two drops of Pure Jojoba and/or half a pump of Rose Soothing & Protective Moisturiser.
Where the skin is extremely reactive, spritz with spring or filtered water and always apply Pure Jojoba just before the Rose Moisturiser.
EVENING
Repeat the morning cleansing routine then, while the skin is still damp, follow with Native Power Serum and/or Pure Jojoba.
FOR MILD ROSACEA - after 3 weeks / MODERATE ROSCEA - after 6 weeks
Introduce the Rose Plus Booster* as it is strengthening, balancing and nourishing without clogging. This can be applied in one of three ways:
1. Morning – apply two drops before applying Rose Moisturiser
2. Morning – add two drops to your Rose Moisturiser, blend together, then apply
3. Evening – apply directly onto damp skin as your night treatment
*If you are one of the small percentage of Rosacea sufferers who does not tolerate Rose essential oil well, a wonderful alternative is the Daily Soother Booster.
WEEKLY TREATMENT
At this point, you may also introduce the Signature Mineral Mask as a weekly treatment.
View the MV Mask Ritual video for correct application and removal tips.
NB Always patch test a newly introduced product first and, if irritation occurs, discontinue use.
Sharon's Key Tips
MV Skintherapy's key tips for young and mature skins with rosacea.
1. Avoid splashing your face with water either at the sink or in the shower. In particular, avoid using foaming cleansers and exfoliants as they can strip our protective barrier and exacerbate sensitivity.
2. Instead, use a warm (not hot) compress cloth to cleanse.
3. Always protect your skin with a few drops of Pure Jojoba before showering.
4. Watch the MV 3 Minute Skin Ritual to get the very most from your MV products.
5. Watch the MV Mask Ritual to familiarise yourself with correct mask consistency, application and removal.
6. For a minimum of six weeks use the suggested* products for Rosacea to de-sensitise and strengthen the skin.
7. Once improvement is noted, you may then introduce the Signature Mineral Mask* and Rose Plus Booster.
8. NEVER allow a mask to dry completely, this will draw moisture from the surface of the skin resulting in dehydration and irritation.
This is Step 1 of a 2-step process. We recommend using the products from Step 1 for a minimum of 6 weeks before moving to Step 2. Introducing too many products at first may lead to further irritation and breakout, resulting in disappointment and frustration.
Use the Signature Mask once a week to help desensitise and strengthen the skin.
Tips for developing a gentle and simple skin care regime
- 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.
- Avoid overburdening your skin with heavy and occlusive creams.
- Don't irritate your skin with harsh foaming cleansers or exfoliating scrubs.
- Swap your chemical (UV absorbing) sun screen for a natural light reflecting sun screen that contains zinc.
- Try not to over stimulate your skin with fruit acid based products, strong enzyme or chemical peels.
- Maintain a simple and gentle routine; to avoid over-heating the skin use a warm (not hot) compress when cleansing and gently smooth moisturiser over the skin rather than using a rubbing action.
- If at any time you feel the skin begin to over-heat, place a cool compress on the skin.
Causes of Rosacea
The cause of rosacea is unknown. Some researchers believe that people with rosacea are sensitive to the Demodex folliculorum mite, a microscopic insect that can inhabit the pores of the skin — although this has not been proven.
Genetic causes: Rosacea often runs in families and there is a strong tendency for rosacea to affect fair skin people, especially those with blue or blue/green eyes.
Environmental causes: Sun damage often plays a part in the development of rosacea, so anyone who has fair skin and has a history of excessive sun exposure may be more susceptible to developing rosacea.
Risk factors:
- Alcohol
- Hot drinks
- Coffee and tea
- Spicy foods
- Overexposure to sunlight or wind
- Emotional stress or anxiety
- Overheating e.g. aerobic exercise
- Hot baths or showers
- Unsuitable skincare and make-up - including soaps
- Chemical-based sunscreens
- Medications
- Hormone-related conditions