April is Rosacea Awareness Month. Rosacea is a common yet poorly understood dermatological disorder of the face, neck, chest, back and arms which causes unflattering and unwelcome redness of the skin, visible blood vessels, and in extreme cases, pimple-like bumps, and redness of the eye’s sclera.
It is a condition that most commonly affects redheads; this is because of the fair and sensitive nature of our skin which leaves us prone to inflammation and unwelcome reactions brought on by “triggers”. Although the true cause of Rosacea is yet to be discovered, numerous scientific papers have been published and a way to prevent it, taken from a holistic approach, has been uncovered and proven to work.
If you have rosacea, you should avoid triggers such as hot foods, red wine and stay out of the hot sun; have a good skin regimen and eat right.
But, what happens when you accidentally eat something hot, or are at the beach with your friends and have a sudden flare-up? How do you conceal the rosacea? More than 76 percent of rosacea sufferers report that their skin condition has lowered their self-confidence and self-esteem, and many of them even avoid public contact or cancel social engagements.
Makeup can be a woman’s best friend, but if you have rosacea, you need to be extra diligent in choosing your products. Most redheads (with rosacea or not) are already accustomed to being super picky about products; making sure they do not have heavy perfumes and that they are designed for sensitive skin.
The right beauty products can not only help reduce the redness and bumps caused by rosacea, they can also minimize irritation and soothe skin.
1. Prime your face and problem area.
Apply a primer with silicone to smooth over wrinkles and pores to create a gentle barrier between your skin and other makeup.
Try: Becca Blacklight Priming Filter
2. Use clean tools.
With rosacea, it is super important to have clean makeup and applicators to keep from further irritation. It is best to use brushes rather than sponges because sponges are more difficult to clean.
Try: Clinique Makeup Brush Cleaner
3. Think dewy.
Use a gel or cream foundation and concealer. These products are so much more moisturizing than powder, which can settle in fine lines and on top of flakiness on the skin, making it seem more pronounced.
Try: IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Compact with SPF 50+
4. Be easy on the eyes.
Many people with rosacea also experience symptoms in their eyes (redness, itchiness, gritty sensation) so it’s best to use very mild products. Avoid liquid eye liner and waterproof mascara. Liquid eyeliner tends to run and waterproof mascara is very difficult to remove without having to use chemical based makeup remover.
Try: Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes™ 4-in-1 Mascara
5. Have confidence.
Taking care of yourself means carrying forward even if you are in the midst of flare-up. Spend extra time on your hair and outfit so that you feel confident about the rest of your look.
Rock it like a Redhead!
