Is There Relief for Rosacea?

Rosacea is an exasperating skin condition that results in mild to severe redness on the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. It affects millions of people all over the world and can actually lead to secondary symptoms such as low self esteem and avoidance of social situations making it a difficult condition to live with. Although there is no cure and the cause is unknown, there are things you can do that will offer some relief. First and foremost you need to understand what things set off or worsen your rosacea flare-ups. There are known triggers that you should avoid including alcohol, hot drinks, spicy foods, cigarettes, intense exercising, stress, sun exposure, or extreme heat and cold. Take note of the specific things that activate your rosacea symptoms so that you can reduce or eliminate your exposure to them and encourage healthy skin. There are many rosacea sufferers who find some relief with facial exercises. Exercising your facial muscles helps with lymphatic drainage which aids in reducing redness. Facial workouts also help promote healthy blood flow to the skin while boosting the oxygenation process. Although strenuous exercising can actually prompt rosacea symptoms, exercising your facial muscles is not strenuous like a full body workout and won’t cause your skin to flush. LED light therapy is another great option for those who suffer with this skin condition. Research has shown that LED lights in certain wavelength ranges have dramatic healing and anti-inflammatory affects on the skin. Red light therapy is extremely gentle and effective at improving the skin and reducing redness and inflammation. Because the skin is high in blood and water LED wavelengths are readily absorbed and help to soothe, heal, and rejuvenate the skin. Feed your skin from the inside with omega 3 fatty acids. Adding a fish oil, krill oil, or flaxseed oil supplement to your diet will help reduce inflammation in your skin as well as throughout your entire body. Omega 3 fatty acids also assist in maintaining healthy skin cell membranes which keeps your skin looking healthy. Use safe and natural skincare products that are designed for more sensitive skin. There are certain ingredients that have been shown to aggravate rosacea symptoms. The National Rosacea Society has reported that witch hazel, alcohol, fragrance, menthol, peppermint, and eucalyptus oil can all worsen skin conditions such as rosacea. Use gentle products that don’t contain these ingredients to help soothe your skin. Although rosacea has no cure there are things you can do to minimize flare-ups and help your skin look and act healthy. Taking steps to avoid your skin’s triggers will help keep your symptoms at bay as will adding things that are safe for rosacea and sensitive skin. Give yourself and your skin some extra TLC so that it can look fresh and healthy and above all else so you can feel empowered and confident.