The colder winter months can facilitate dry skin, even for those who live here in Los Angeles. But this experience is more severe for those with Rosacea. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition marked by flare ups of skin flushing. It affects 14 million people in the United States. The tiny blood vessels close to the skin’s surface become enlarged due to inflammation. This is why skin turns red in those with Rosacea. Environmental triggers often precede these episodes. And one of the most common of these is cold wind which is reported in nine out of ten individuals with Rosacea. Besides the redness and breakouts of pustules and papules, the skin can feel intensely dry.
How Common Is It For Rosacea Sufferers To Have Dry Skin
According to a study on Rosacea.org, 58% of a group of 128 Rosacea patients reported to have dry skin. Treatment in these individuals is more difficult due to issues of sensitivity and irritation. Researchers believe this may be correlated with age.
The onset of Rosacea is most common in adults (particularly women) over the age of thirty. At this point, the skin is more prone to dryness and irritation.
The National Rosacea Society noted a study where greater numbers of Rosacea patients reported having dry skin with advanced age. This includes:
– 6% of subjects in their thirties
– 15% of subjects in their forties
– 22% of subjects in their fifties
– 23% of subjects in their sixties
– 34% of subjects aged seventy and older
This is not universal among everyone with Rosacea. Many patients are categorized as having normal to oily skin.
What Cleansers to Use
Roscea patients must choose gentle cleansers to avoid dryness and irritation*
Skin that is prone to dryness and flakiness is sensitive. Therefore using mild cleansers is important for avoiding irritation.
The products used should generate low amounts of foam. And they should be free of fragrances. Both these factors are otherwise indicative of harsh chemicals.
Three common products recommended by dermatologists are:
(1) Eucerin
(2) Cetaphil
(3) Aquanil
Application of such products should be done gently with the finger tips. After rinsing, gently pat the skin dry with a towel. And allow the rest of the moisture to air dry naturally.
What Moisturizers To Use If You Have Rosacea
(photo: Flickr) gentle ingredients should be the focus when choosing the right skin moisturizer for Rosacea*
Regular over the counter moisturizing products are generally not advised for individuals with Rosacea. It will be important to choose products with the right ingredients. Examples to look for include:
– glycerin
– mineral oil
– shea butter
Natural ingredients that are suitable choices include:
– licorice and related derivatives which help soothe the skin
– vegetable ceramides
– chamomile
Besides addressing dryness of the skin, patients with Rosacea may also want to choose products that help reduce skin redness. Such items would contain vasoconstrictors which cause the blood vessels t o become narrow. Eucerin manufactures both a cleanser and a moisturizer for this purpose.
How to Deal With the Winter Cold
It may be tempting to gravitate towards the heat to warm up during the cold weather. But temperature extremes can worsen Rosacea flare ups. Therefore, choose moderate warmth for baths, showers and even turning on the heater. And sitting too close to the fireplace for long periods of time is not advised either.
When going outside on a cold windy day, wear a scarf to cover your face as much as possible.
If you are interested in learning about laser treatment for Rosacea, click here to watch this video.