What is Rosacea

Treating and understanding rosacea can be a challenge. Typically presents on the cheeks and often looks like one is flushed or blushing. It can also appear on the nose, chin and sometimes the eyes. Rosacea and acne are common skin conditions, that can often look similar however there are some distinct differences.  While they are both inflammatory dermatitis issues, the causes and treatments are different. Like acne, there is a wide-ranging scale from minor to severe.

When one is afflicted with this it can indeed be a double whammy. Rosacea can cause very sensitive skin and can be both physically and emotionally painful, so relief is paramount to those that suffer. 

Physical Symptoms

• Quickly becoming flushed after consuming alcohol, caffeine or spicy foods
• Skin that feels sensitive to the touch, quick to react to certain products
• Painful - including burning, itching & stinging
• Broken capillaries
• White bumps and pustules 
• Thickening or hardening of the skin

 What Are The Best Products For Treating Rosacea

Just reading the list above and looking at the photo, your intuition screams; calming, soothing, healing.  Yes, we want products that do all of those things. At Calli, we of course believe natural, clean and green products are the best. 

Using natural skin care products is part of treating and understanding rosacea.  Ones that combine multiple ingredients to synergistically super boost healing are ideal.  While isolated components are great, we believe using the whole is superior to achieving maximum results. 

Rosacea Skin Care Routine

Using ingredients that are gentle on the skin is of utmost importance.  Natural ingredients are fantastic, but even here the right ones matter.  It is often said to avoid fragrance in products if you suffer from this condition. We agree.  However, remember that fragrance and scent are two different things.  Certain essential oils, especially chamomile with its high concentrations of bisabolol are highly effective at reducing inflammation and redness.

• Gentle Cleanser - Non-foaming cleansers that are SLS free and that contain anti-inflammatory and skin soothing ingredients such as niacinamide (b3), calendula and chamomile. 
• Hydrating Facial Mists & Toners - Often you will see articles telling you to avoid toners completely if you suffer from rosacea. This is because toners often contain harsh ingredients like alcohol, glycol-based ingredients, and Alpha or Beta acids.  However applying skin-regenerating and healing ingredients that also protect, hydrate and maintain the skin's acid mantle is so important. Ingredients like Niacinamide (b3), Panthenol (B5), ginger root, and white tea extract, to name a few.  And synergistically blended, hydrosols moisten and protect throughout the day and also serve to boost collagen and renew cells. 
• Soothing Moisturizers  -  Colloidal oatmeal is perhaps one of the best ingredients for calming and healing rosacea, along with niacinamide, Roman chamomile and calendula. Colloidal oatmeal is a powerful anti-inflammatory that reduces redness and itching while providing a barrier of protection to the dermal layer.  
• Face Serums & Oils - Keeping things simple here is best.  Some amazing single oils are rich in vitamins, nutrients and skin-soothing constituents that can substantially help with healing and renewing the skin. Organic cold-pressed oils like rosehip, prickly pear and cucumber are excellent choices. 

How Diet and State of Mind Affect Rosacea 

As with most conditions that afflict the skin, there is often a direct correlation with diet.  Part of treating and understanding rosacea is taking a holistic approach. Of course, every individual is different however some common food triggers exist. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods are often suggested.  Of course, consulting with a nutritional professional is always a good idea.

Because aromatherapy is at the core of everything we do, we believe in the mind, and body connection of most everything.  When one gets stressed or worried sometimes people will break out in hives, a rash, eczema or psoriasis.  Rosacea is no different.  There is a term called psychodermatology and many medical doctors are now incorporating this therapy.  If you think there is a correlation for you, you may want to explore this.  Look for dermatologists or naturopathic doctors in your area that specialize in this area. 

Using clean natural skin care products that are rich in nutrients can assist you with keeping your rosacea at bay. Relief does exist, however, a holistic approach to treatment is always the best. Trying to understand what is at the root of the problem, including the emotional and spiritual connection is the best approach.