Ready to rub out rosacea

April is Rosacea Awareness Month and each April I do a summary of some of the best loved and the latest products that are available in pharmacies and salons all over Ireland.

Rosacea is so common among Irish people as we typically have Celtic skin and are prone to redness. It is most apparent in those with fair skin, and like many skin conditions, isn’t consistent in its appearance or the frequency of outbreaks.

The areas of the face affected tend to be the chin, cheeks and nose. It presents more frequently in women but is more severe when it occurs in men. Affected areas are reddened with dilated blood vessels, red bumps and pus-filled spots. Inflammation of the eyes or eyelids may be present. For cleansing, it is best to use unperfumed gentle cleansers that have neutral PH. Avoid using flannels as these can be quite rough to remove makeup, use damp cotton wool and avoid hot water, even in the shower.

Avoiding toners completely is the key as these often contain excessive amounts of alcohol. Also dodge physical grainy exfoliators or face masques. These can cause rosacea-like symptoms and strip the skin's natural barrier.

The more severe cases can contain acne and the precise cause of it is yet unknown. To help control it, doctors recommend avoiding foods that cause flushing such as spicy or rich foods and to avoid severe temperature changes. Caffeine and sun exposure are also known to affect it.

Severe cases require medical intervention in the form of topical creams and in some cases, antibiotics, but what are the best over the counter products to help with this condition?

Sunscreen is essential! La Roche Posay Antheilios Shaka is a handy one for this as it recently launched small flat bottles. The ultra-resistant formula is specifically developed for sensitive skin. It's a very high protection, broad spectrum comfortable fluid formula that is ultra-water, sweat and sand resistant. This non-greasy cream does not leave white marks and does not migrate. Most importantly, it is non eye-stinging.

One product that is new to the market is Dermalogica Redness Relief Essence. Lightweight like a toner but concentrated like a serum, the refreshing formula visibly reduces redness and helps reduce sensitivity by strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier. Redness Relief Essence is part of the Ultra Calming line and works to relieve, restore and hydrate sensitive skin against redness, discomfort and dehydration. To use you apply with the palm of your hands all over the face, neck and chest area. It comes in two sizes, a travel size 50ml (€23) and 150ml for €46.

Alumier MD Calm-R is a hydrating serum that targets the redness and blemishes seen in rosacea and redness-prone skin, while maintaining skin’s delicate moisture balance. Hinokitiol has natural anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Sea whip and glucosides are powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients, and marine glycosaminoglycans relieve redness by promoting a healthy collagen balance.

Aloe and honey soothe, niacinamide (vitamin B3) moisturises and tea extracts provide additional antioxidant protection. The Alumier brand is only available through clinics and salons.

Very often concealing can be enough if you are suffering an outbreak and Vichy Dermablend Foundation, although full coverage, is light to the touch and contains an SPF of 35 which is vital for rosacea sufferers. The multi-dimensional powders in the foundation provide coverage without the cakey texture that many high coverage brands have.

It comes in a liquid or a powder compact depending on the type of coverage you have and the skin type. It is also available in a concealer in various colours but the green one is best for under makeup.

The Dermablend concealer is quite popular with male sufferers as a little goes a long way and is virtually invisible once blended.