What I did learn from my flourishing skin bible was to avoid alcohol, coffee and chocolate (not fun). Further trips to the GP taught me that rosacea can be controlled, to some degree, with long-term treatment such as antibiotics and steroids.
Personally, I took the decision not to take prescribed medication and instead use a self-help, trial and error method. Assessing diet, stress levels and the environmental factors in your life are all good places to start. It turns out treating your exceptionally sensitive skin like a temple takes some serious dedication and patience. A stripped back routine using predominantly natural, organic skincare and make-up has been my go-to ever since.
What works for me
I have struggled to find products that don’t negatively affect my skin and cause a severe reaction or painful burning sensation, even when they are marketed at rosacea sufferers, so when something works, I buy a shelf-load. Stress, unfavourable food and drink choices or a change in weather usually marks a relapse so I’ve even turned to products for baby sensitive skin for solace because if it’s good enough for a newborn, it’s good enough for me.
The fridge is also your friend when it comes to cooling your tropical T-Zone, so putting your micellar water alongside your milk, helps to fight the burn.
In terms of diet, I’ve cut down on dairy and avoid drinking dark drinks such as red wine. I no longer delve head first into a Rogan Josh on a Friday and have sadly lowered my chocolate intake (I’ll give in when I’m raging and premenstrual).
Rosacea responds best with a holistic approach since stress and diet are huge factors in both causing or eliminating outbreaks. For me, slowly accepting it and teaching myself to understand what triggers my flare-ups, has helped to address it at the root instead of just suppressing it through conventional medical treatments.
I take monthly trips to Hertfordshire based laser specialist, Rachel Braithwaite, who has now become a great friend. Since I have telangiectasia, Rachel targets areas of my face to break down the almighty red web. The treatment has given me great results as the redness is continuing to gradually fade, creating areas of regenerated clear skin – a miracle.
I’ve also added an ice roller into my beauty regime. Why? Because, it drastically reduces the inflammation and redness I experience and leaves me feeling like I’ve had a luxury treatment in a skin clinic. I use the brand ESARORA, a mid-range price option on Amazon and it has honestly amazed me. I put it in an airtight storage bag, freeze for a few hours and then roller over each irritated area, before wiping clean and popping back in the freezer for the next day.
What I've learnt
I’m now 25 and the last five years have been an uphill struggle to find what works for me, and what doesn’t (sunshine is still a trigger). It has absolutely affected me psychologically. Being a lifelong product lover, I have struggled with the simple fact that I can’t dabble with most of the products and treatments on offer, even when billed for sensitive skin.
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