Frequently Asked Rosacea Questions
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What is Rosacea?
What are the different types of Rosacea?
How does the Sample Kit work?
I have been diagnosed with Rosacea and have been told to wear SPF. What SPF product do you recommend?
Should I avoid certain foods if I have Rosacea?
Are there certain general skin care tips you recommend?
Riversol FAQs
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition which principally affects the face. Rosacea causes facial redness and produces small, red, pus-filled pustules (bumps). Rosacea worsens over time if left untreated. It is often mistaken for acne or eczema, or some other skin allergy.
Common signs: redness on cheeks/nose/chin/forehead; small visible blood vessels on the face; bumps or pimples on the face; watery or irritated eyes.
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What are the different types of Rosacea?
There are generally four main kinds of rosacea:
- Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea.
This type causes people to look as if they are blushing. It can happen easily and very often. It looks like the face is flushed with color or blood. Small blood vessels can also be seen below the skin surface. A person may also have burning or uncomfortable itching feelings in the area, usually the face. - Papulopustular Rosacea
Most commonly confused with acne. This type of condition develops red bumps, sometimes called papules on the skin. Sometimes these contain pus and are called pustules. This type of rosacea occurs when the condition is in a severe affliction stage. This may occur at the same time as any other stage mentioned above but it usually depicts a more advanced stage of rosacea. The way it can be distinguished from acne is if it is a chronic condition, building from the blushing and flushing stage to the point where burning and tingling sensations are happening in the face and other symptoms are present. - Phymatous Rosacea
Causes the nose to become larger through the skin becoming thicker and redder. This can also happen to the chin. - Ocular Rosacea
Affects the eyes and eyelids. The eyes may become gritty and red.
How does the Sample Kit work?
We developed our Riversol for Rosacea Sample Kit as a way for you to test risk-free if Riversol is right for you. The Sample Kit should last 3-4 weeks, which is typically enough time to see noticeably visible results. If you like how your skin responds and want to continue to see improvement, then we will be pleased to offer you 50% off your first order as a way to say thank you for trying our product.
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I have been diagnosed with Rosacea and have been told to wear SPF. What SPF product do you recommend?
As sun exposure is a major trigger of rosacea flare-up, people with rosacea should wear sunscreen with broad-spectrum photo-stable UV protection of at least SPF 30. Many sunscreens contain chemicals which will cause problems for people with rosacea.
Avoid sunscreens that have octyl methoxycinnamate, octyl salicylate and PABA.
However, it is important to note that not all sunscreens are equal. Particularly in popular moisturizers or “day creams”. In a recent article in Archives of Dermatology , only 6 of 29 creams analyzed had long-range UV-A protection. And these 29 facial day creams were selected because they are the most popular (based on sales volume at amazon.com) and claim of broad-spectrum UV protection.
UV-A is the wavelength responsible for wrinkles and cancer but is often neglected as it does not case sun burn. As its physical impact is not immediate, sunscreen manufacturers have traditionally neglected to provide protection from these harmful rays. Furthermore, many consumers remain unaware that the SPF value does not reflect the degree of UV-A protection. And UV-A penetrates window glass, while UV-B is blocked.
Until sunscreen labeling clearly defines the degree of UV-A protection, the public needs to be educated to select products with photo-stable and adequate UV-A protection.
According to the article, adequate UV-A protection is provided using either:
- avobenzone stabilized by octocrylene greater than 3.6% concentration. Without adequate stabilization (octocrylene >3.6%), avobenzone degrades in about an hour.
- zinc oxide greater than 5% concentration.
Should I avoid certain foods if I have Rosacea?
Foods to Eat for Rosacea: fruits and vegetables; lean white meats; whole grain foods including whole grain bread and rice; foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, these include oily fish such as tuna, salmon and mackerel.
Foods to AVOID for Rosacea: caffeine based drinks and foods including coffee, tea and chocolate; red meats (eg. Beef and lamb); products with refined flour including pasta and white bread; dairy products (eg. Milk, cheese); alcohol; spicy foods; acidic foods like tomatoes, strawberries, and citrus (? need to fact check here)
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Are there certain general skin care tips you recommend?
Practicing good skin care is critically important to your overall health and well being. Even more so if you suffer from Rosacea. Below are a few of our recommendations.
Avoid sun exposure.
A multitude of skin woes are caused directly by the sun, and can make skin appear uneven and prematurely aged. If you do plan to enjoy the outdoors, wear a high-SPF sun block, protective clothing, and try to avoid direct exposure between 10am and 2pm, when the sun’s rays are strongest.
Quit smoking.
Smoking compromises circulation, and as the body’s largest organ, the skin needs all the oxygen-rich blood it can get. Consult your Doctor for information about how to quit.
Take care of your body.
Getting plenty of sleep, good nutrition, and reducing stress are important to your overall health, and your skin will benefit, too. Try incorporating yoga to relieve stress, or a power-nap to energize your afternoon.
Know your skin.
Understanding your unique skin type is important to finding the right products and meeting your skin’s needs. Not sure if you’re dry, oily, or combination? Ask a skin care professional.
Cleanse regularly.
Most people should wash their face and moisturize twice daily to maintain clean, balanced skin. Be sure to choose a gentle cleanser and moisturizer appropriate for your skin type and save the soap for below the neck, otherwise you’ll get too dried out.
Hands off your face.
As tempting as it may be to pick and pop your way to clear skin, this method doesn’t work. Unless you want scars and infections, apply quality products to acne and other blemishes, and let them do the work for you.
Treat your skin.
Consider adding regular facials, masks, or massages to your skin care routine. You’ll reduce stress and improve your skin’s condition at the same time.
Keep cosmetics clean.
Be sure to throw out old makeup after six to eight months, and consider investing in an antibacterial spritzer to keep makeup brushes fresh.
Shave carefully.
Both men and women should be sure to use a balanced shaving cream or gel, and a clean, sharp razor, every time they shave. Shaving in the direction of hair growth is the best way to avoid skin irritation.
Practice comprehensive skin care.
Make sure to cleanse, moisturize, and care for the skin on your knees, hands, and elbows. Regularly examining your body for unusual pigmentation or moles is important to your skin’s health. Having beautiful, healthy skin doesn’t have to be hard. For more skin care secrets and tips, contact a specialist in your area.
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For more information about how Riversol works with Rosacea, check out our Frequently Asked Riversol Questions
