Rosacea is a skin condition that causes anything from redness and flushing to raised areas of skin. Though there isn’t a known cure, there are certainly steps you can take to alleviate the appearance of the redness.
Since being diagnosed with two different types of rosacea two years ago, I’ve tried a little bit of everything to get it under control. Ironically, scaling back my elaborate routine in favour of minimal, simple steps was the real turning point. Using as few products as possible, in mild, gentle formulas, creates a surprisingly powerful antidote to your redness.
Here are a few of my favourite tips and techniques with some suggested products to go with them…
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Adapting a fragrance-free routine has been unanimous advice from every dermatologist I have spoken to. Something like this lightweight moisturiser from Kiehl’s will hydrate the skin without aggravating it.
If you find yourself sensitive to even the mildest of skincare, a Face Halo will completely remove all makeup simply with water. It sounds too good to be true but it is. This simple, double-sided cloth will draw even waterproof make-up easily from the skin, and best of all is washable and reusable.
That said, if you can help it, it’s best to avoid using cloths altogether. This soft, creamy cleanser will melt away all makeup when massaged in with the hands. It’s not as quick a process, I’ll admit, but it certainly reaps calmer results.
If you’re using active ingredients in your routine (retinol, for example), save these for the days when your skin is calm and avoid using anything too astringent on irritated skin. Ceramides are an ingredient that work well to repair the skin’s barrier, which in turn reduces the risk of experiencing irritation. Look for these in your skincare; this Kate Somerville serum is full of them and perfect for use twice daily.
When it comes to covering your redness, technique is key. Take a large fluffy foundation brush and sweep your complexion product of choice all over. Then, take a little extra product and press it into the areas where you need more coverage. This helps to cheat the illusion of a fresh finish all over, when in fact you have a little extra support on areas of redness. Wash your foundation brush as often as you can to avoid bacteria build up.
Opting for a CC Cream instead of a foundation can be great because these are designed to colour correct, hence the name. Don’t be fooled by the skincare, make-up and SPF hybrid of this formula, these can offer even better coverage than traditional foundation if you choose the right one. The IT Cosmetics CC Cream was created by a lady who has rosacea herself and wanted to find a long wearing, full coverage remedy. Speaking of long wear – seal your foundation with a setting powder in order to keep it in place.
If you like your makeup and beauty routine as it is and just want to slot in one little game changer, you’ll love Daniel Sandler’s primer. Green is the polar opposite to red on a colour wheel, meaning they will create a neutral middle ground when they meet. A touch of this in just the red areas will blur out the appearance of redness in your everyday makeup.
For more tips and techniques to manage your rosacea, you can find Rose on Instagram @RoseGallagher and listen to her podcast ‘Beauty from the Heart’.