Ways to Control Rosacea

   Rosacea is a problem I've had to live with since I was very young. Every time I went outside and there was wind blowing, my face would turn -red- and become blotchy, not to mention itchy and puffy. It scared the neighborhood kids; hell it scared me half to death.

   My parents are practical people and external afflictions were not a concern to them. After much begging and pleading from me (a seven year old me), they sought alternative Eastern medicine which did nothing to ease my condition. What it did was traumatize me because the treatments were brutal.

   Once they forced me to take large circular pills made out of snakes (skin or meat I don't ever want to know) which I couldn't even swallow because they were the size of marbles. Marbles! It stopped when my parents declared they had no more money to help me. How could you tell a 10 year old you don't want to help with a skin condition because you would rather buy a house with your money?

   Ever since then, I've been on a quest to find treatments for my rosacea on my own. There is no cure, and the research is not as extensive as what has been presented for acne. Often those suffering from rosacea and even dermatologists will mistake rosacea for acne since rosacea can present bumps and breakouts along with redness. Always get a 2nd opinion on your skin and don't trust 1 person's judgment.

   Dermatologists in the past diagnosed and treated me for acne. Now my skin is discolored from the Retinol products AND red. I probably added 10 years of damage to my liver by taking the cycline medications (tetracycline, and some others).

Since I can't cure it, I try to ease it with certain products.

Eucerin Redness Relief Soothing Night Crème, 1.7 Ounce combines a redness easing ingredient with a green tint in the lotion which helps to cover up the redness. This lotion is non-comedogenic, has SPF 15, and is oil-free.
This is a great choice for anyone who doesn't wear makeup or foundation. It does make my skin a bit pale, but I use loose powder over it and it works.



There is also a Eucerin Redness Relief Soothing Night Crème, 1.7 Ounce . I prefer the day lotion when my rosacea is at its worst, but use this once in awhile. The reason why I like Eucerin's products are because they're affordable (not as expensive as other rosacea targeting products) and they're great for sensitive skin.

Another redness relief product is Eucerin Soothing Cleanser, Redness Relief, 6.8 oz. This cleanser is very mild. I use it during winter months when my skin is very dry. It doesn't dry out skin or gives you a tight skin feeling.

Always apply SPF before going out in the sun. The exposure to sunlight can make rosacea worse.

Vitamin D can ease rosacea so be sure to include this in your daily diet.

It is difficult to pinpoint why rosacea develops, but anything can be contributing factors. Weather, diet and exercise, stress, and skin care products can play a major role in controlling your skin.

What is your experience with rosacea or skin redness? Do you often feel judged or embarrassed by this condition?