How to Control Acne and Rosacea

I write about skin concerns because so many of us are afflicted with various issues. Yet when we bring them to our dermatologists' attention, they are often viewed as aesthetic concerns. What many don't realize is how these skin conditions affect our confidence, mental and physical well-being, and feelings of inadequacy or embarrassment. How did you feel when you had a a major event and your rosacea decided to flare up, or you had an important interview and your skin wasn't in the best shape?

Although there is no cure for acne, rosacea, or many other conditions considered "superficial" in nature, there are ways to treat and control these types of issues. I'll start with my experience for acne and rosacea.

Treating Acne

If you have large pores like me that are clogged by moisturizers, sunscreen, and foundation, try the following:

- Use a mask or skin product each night, 7 days a week
My current masks include Clinique acne and oil-control cleansing mask, Shiseido purifying mask, Biore charcoal mask, Boscia black illuminizing mask, Boscia bright white mask, Burt's Bees hydration mask, and Ren's glycolic acid treatment

Yes, this is a whole host of products! The benefits I've seen over the last three months have been nothing but pure joy. Not only am I unclogging my pores at night, I'm also making sure my skin is hydrated. This is why I have the combination above - for drying the sebum, and for maintaining moisture with other masks to prevent breakouts.

- Microdermabrasion and glycolic peels
My esthetician helps exfoliate my skin with microdermabrasion, and then follows through with a glycolic peel afterwards. The result is a new layer of skin that is dewy and bright. This works wonders on my pores and although it is a hefty investment, it is well worth the cost.

If you don't have access to an esthetician, there are glycolic peels you can buy online. Don't use anything with more than 30% in concentration, and follow directions exactly as they are stated. Do not leave this product on your skin longer than what the directions tell you.


Rosacea

I've struggled with this one for quite some time. The redness does not go away, no matter how many "brightening" products I try. I've also used products specifically designed to treat rosacea with no luck.

-Coffee Mask
The caffeine in coffee has been praised for combating anti-aging and skin redness for many women. There are many DIY coffee mask recipes available online. There are even skin care products that use caffeine to that effect.

- Washing with Cold Water
Washing your face with cold water will help reduce swelling and redness. A professional makeup artist once mentioned that bottled water, when used for washing the face, makes the skin look and feel dewy, especially for photos and makeup shoots.

- Use a shower filter
This helps to filter out the chlorine that makes your skin and face feel dry after a shower. It also removes impurities and is great for skincare overall. Filters need to be replaced after a certain amount of time, but it is well worth it to invest your money in a shower filter.


I hope these tips help you on your journey to treating your skin issues!