When we blush from an overabundance of emotion, it's cute. But when our face turns red not from shame or even from the cold, but constantly and for no apparent reason, it's a cosmetic problem that dermatologists call rosacea.
Why does redness occur?
Rosacea is a circulatory disorder in the skin that requires dermatological and cosmetic treatment. This condition occurs due to increased skin sensitivity.
Sensitive skin reacts to external irritants a hundred times more acutely than normal skin. It responds to external influences with burning, tingling, and itching. Redness associated with rosacea is uniform, has no clear boundaries, and typically appears on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. When rosacea first appears, the redness and burning sensation may be temporary. Subsequently, the blood vessels dilate and lose elasticity: the redness becomes persistent and becomes more intense. This is the stage of rosacea when others notice dilated small blood vessels on the face, which dermatologists call telangiectasias.
Rosacea occurs more often in women than in men, and mostly on fair skin, not darker. The condition (rosacea is a condition, not a minor cosmetic nuisance like a pimple) is accompanied by a burning sensation, which causes discomfort. But we women, of course, are more concerned with the aesthetic aspect of the problem.
Why do blood vessels dilate?
Any factors that cause venous congestion can contribute to the development of rosacea. Redness can be caused by:
• consumption of spicy or too hot food and alcohol;
• smoking;
• sudden changes in temperature.
Vascular problems are aggravated by exposure to ultraviolet radiation or hormonal imbalances. Finally, our main enemy—stress—also contributes to the development of the disease.
How can we stop this?
1. You should limit your consumption as much as possible or completely avoid the following products:
• liver, yogurt, sour cream, cheese;
• chocolate, vanilla, soy sauce, yeast products (except bread);
• marinades, avocado, spinach;
• legumes;
• citrus fruits, tomatoes, bananas, red plums, raisins, figs;
• spicy and very hot dishes;
• alcohol, especially red wine, beer, whiskey, gin, vodka, champagne;
• hot drinks, including hot grog, hot chocolate, coffee and tea.
2. It's also important to reconsider your facial care routine. Cleanse your face morning and evening with gentle products designed for sensitive skin. Forget scrubs, gommages, and exfoliants with granules and abrasives. Before going outside, use a sunscreen to act as a barrier against UV rays and environmental pollutants.
Apply cream and other cosmetic products with your fingertips; give your friend all the massage brushes, sponges, cosmetic mittens, and other “aggressive” tools you have in your arsenal.
Follow a few simple rules:
• wash your face only with warm water;
• do not use cleansing foams;
• a toner for cleansing the skin should not contain alcohol, spirits, acetone or oils – these are strong irritants;
• after washing, let your face dry on its own or pat it dry with a soft paper towel, but do not rub with a terry towel;
• Do not stretch or scratch your facial skin.
3. Before applying moisturizer or foundation, let your face calm down. Wait 5-10 minutes, then proceed with makeup.
4. Use sunscreen every day: day cream or foundation with a UV protection factor of at least SPF 15. Avoid direct sunlight whenever possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the summer.
5. Give preference to cosmetics for sensitive or even baby skin.
6. It's important to keep your skin from overheating. If you can't find a cool, well-ventilated room on hot, humid days, carry cold drinks with you and sip them regularly. If necessary, you can wipe your face with a piece of ice or use thermal water for sensitive skin.
7. To visually camouflage red spots, use green-tinted concealers. Avoid powder, especially loose powder, as it will highlight dry skin and may cause flaking.
8. Take vitamin complexes containing zinc and vitamins P, K, and C. Remember that seaweed, sea extracts, iodides, and sea salts provoke acne and irritate blood vessels – they should not be included in your diet.