Rosacea During Midlife: Skin Care Tips
I’ve always had very fair skin that flushes easily, and occasional acne issues-usually related to hormones. But a few years ago, I started having lots of issues with my skin with increasing redness, lots of little visible blood vessels on my cheeks, nose and chin, and worsening acne. I just couldn’t figure out what was going wrong and had chalked it up to perimenopause and hormone imbalance.
Eventually I saw a skin specialist who diagnosed me with Rosacea. I started oral and topical treatments and since then my skin has been so much better. I’ve done so much research and trialing products for Rosacea during midlife in the last few years I thought I could share what I’ve learned in hopes that it could help some of you with the same issues.
What Is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic and inflammatory skin condition of the face that causes redness, visible blood vessels and small red, pus-filled bumps resembling acne (1). It also can affect the eyes, causing dry, red, irritated, and swollen eyelids which is referred to as ocular rosacea.
Rosacea of the face occurs on the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. It is more often diagnosed in women than in men, beginning around 30-50 years of age (2). It is a common skin condition that has been reported to be in approximately 22% of the population, and more frequently in those with fair skin (2).
Rosacea occurs in irregular cycles of flare-ups and improvements. Over time, Rosacea can thicken the connective tissue under the skin causing a bulbous appearance to the nose, and firmness to the skin on the cheeks.
What Is The Cause Of Rosacea During Midlife?
The cause of Rosacea is unknown, but genetics can be an increased risk factor. If a close family member has it, you have a higher risk of it as well. Also, individuals with Celtic or Northern European descent have a greater incidence of developing Rosacea (3).
You should see a dermatologist to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Once diagnosed, you can monitor what triggers the Rosacea flare-ups or worsening of the symptoms. A great way to do this is by keeping a journal to monitor flare-ups and potential triggers. I’ve created a printable that you can use to journal your flare-ups and possible triggers. You will find this tracker in my free resource library of many different printables that help keep you healthy. If you monitor yourself over time, you should be able to identify some triggers to your Rosacea flare-ups.
Some common triggers for Rosacea are:
- Exercise
- Cosmetics and skin care products
- Medications
- Food
- Alcohol
- Stress
- Sun
- Wind
- Cold weather
- Hot beverages (2,3)
My triggers include most on this list, especially the sun and skin care products! Seeking diagnosis and treatment from a dermatologist can improve your symptoms greatly, and knowing what your triggers are can decrease and even prevent recurrence of the symptoms.
Rosacea Skin Care And Treatment
Rosacea during midlife can have many different courses of treatment. However, in my research, studies have noted that Metronidazole 0.75% and 1% cream or gel and/or Azelaic Acid is often a first line treatment for mild to moderate Rosacea. Sometimes Doxycycline or Accutane is added to assist with moderate to severe lesions. And Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy can aso be added to help the small blood vessels disappear as well (3). Your dermatologist will help you decide what is best for your skin condition.
When I first began my treatment of Rosacea, I was prescribed the Metronidazole and Doxycyline as well as the IPL therapy. It led to an incredible improvement in my skin on my face and I was able to feel comfortable going out in public again without makeup. Once or twice a year I continue with the IPL treatments as it keeps the small blood vessels from returning or getting worse.
I had used a skin care line from my skin specialist’s office at the beginning, but soon after I started using Eminence Organics Skin Care. I absolutely love their products (and no, I’m not being paid to say that!). I’ve never reacted to their products like I have with other companies, and I can’t recommend them enough.
Rosacea During Midlife Skin Care Tips
The American Academy of Dermatology Association (4) has the following recommendations for skin care:
- Cleanse your skin gently without scrubbing or exfoliating. Use soft washcloths such as baby washcloths, or just use your fingers to apply cleanser and rinse with water. I use a soothing cleanser or cleansing wipes depending on if I’m at home or away.
- Moisturize your skin according to your skin type. Be careful of what types of skin care products you use as some can make Rosacea worse. I previously used a popular skin care line when I was struggling with my Rosacea and was prone to the acne as well as more redness. My skin is much better since switching to the Eminence Skin Care line. I would suggest testing a product on your skin in a small area on your face, and then waiting 48-72hrs to see if there is a flare-up.
- Wear sunscreen always.
- Choose skin care products and cosmetics that don’t have:
- Alcohol
- Camphor or Menthol
- Fragrances
- Glycolic or Lactic Acid
- Sodium Laurel Sulfate
- Urea
- Heavy oils
- Exfoliation products
- Strong cleansers and astringents (2,4)
- Wear a hat or stay in the shade if able. Protect your face from sun/heat/wind/cold.
- Along with skin care, be careful with the cosmetics you use on your face as well as they can also influence a Rosacea flare-up.
To Avoid Rosacea Flare-ups
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that you cannot cure, only treat and try to prevent recurrence. Avoiding Rosacea flare-ups depends on your own specific triggers that you need to identify. Consider:
- Skin care as above.
- Reducing the stress in your life. See my post on Mindfulness for help with this.
- Avoid overheating and drinking hot beverages.
- Decrease spicy food intake or other foods that are triggers. You may need to omit certain foods/food groups and then add back in gradually to see if they trigger a flare-up.
- Decrease alcohol intake.
- Have your healthcare practitioner or dermatologist review your medications to see if any of them could potentially be a trigger.
- Protect your face from the sun, heat, cold and wind.
- IPL treatments as needed.
Although I am a Registered Nurse, I am not your nurse and my opinions in this article do not replace medical advice that is specific to your healthcare condition. Please see your healthcare professional for diagnosis and individualized treatment according to your needs. Please see my disclaimer for more information.
If you have any tips that you use for managing your Rosacea during Midlife, I would love to hear them in the comments below.
Also please consider signing up for my newsletter for access to my free resource library which includes the printable for tracking your Rosacea flare-ups and triggers. My newsletter is delivered every month with information on health and wellness as it relates to midlife.
Take care,
Resources:
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