Rosacea - very red cheeks permanently

[Fibonacci13]

The last 6-12 months I have developed terrible rosacea. I don't get the pustules but my cheeks are permanently red. It's made worse by wine/exercise but the permanent red and hot feeling is awful.

I have been prescribed all sorts of creams. So far nothing is working.

Just wondering if anyone else has had rosacea like this and what helped. My skin is definitely getting worse by the day.

(I'm 50 and still have regular periods if that's any help!)

I'm also getting burst blood vessels around my nose now :(

Hopeful bump

I have the same - but don't have anything useful to offer I'm afraid. Have been suffering from it for around 12 years.

I stopped using anything but CeraVe Wash and moisturiser. Also had to top using anything with an SPF as this really aggravates it. Cool water in the shower and Double Wear foundation to disguise it.

Thanks both - yes this is my fear that I am now stuck with it. I'm v fair too so it looks awful and I used to love wearing pink but now that just makes it look even worse!

@MrsPelligrinoPetrichor interesting about the spf. I am trying a few as the sun makes it worse but hard to find anything that doesn't aggravate it.

Just stop completely at the moment, I can't wear it at all. I have to wear a hat in the summer and stay in the shade. You might find something later but hey it under control first . Take antihistamines to see if that helps,it might be an allergy. Absolutely no foaming face washes or anything like that.

I've had it for over 10 years. I use metro gel prescribed by the doctor and it helps with the spots and I think reduces the redness.

I try to avoid spicy foods, alcohol and the sun.

I'm now on medication for migraines and this has also reduced the flare ups.

Still looking for a good coverup.

I took an antibiotic for this many years ago - can’t remember what it’s called but worth asking GP? 3 months and it went completely.

I got a rosacea prescription from skin and me, I wasn’t sure if it was allergies/damaged skin barrier/rosacea but it has definitely taken the edge off

I have a referral code if you want one, but basically you submit photos and a dermatologist prescribes you a prescription only treatment.

You can also try your GP as there’s stuff they can provide too, just depends how easy it is for you to get appointments

I'm had this really badly and I think my skin barrier was the problem.

I still get a flare up every now and then often when I've had sone wine like you but can mitigate it by making sure my skin is adequate moisturised. I cool it down with spray of toner and glycerine then put a thick moisturiser on.

Azelaic acid helps massively too as it's anti inflammatory. I also really recommend Dr Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Colour Correctibg treatment. It improves the look of the redness while sealing in moisture and treating, that was a total game-changer for me.

Thanks I'll look for that colour correcting cream.

I've tried all the prescription creams and unfortunately none of them have worked at all. Only thing I haven't tried is an oral course of antibiotics.

Good idea re the hat. I've just been through my stuff and found an old UV blocking hat I had for running that I will wear. I think my skin has had enough at the moment so will just give it a break for a few months and then see where to go next.

Interestingly I also get migraines (they are hormonal ones though) so I wonder whether there is a link.

Worth getting a sample as that really flared mine up although I know people love it from the reviews.

@Fibonacci13 yes this was an oral AB. I never take ABs so was really reluctant but also utterly desperate 😢. I’m so glad I did it. It’s never come back either and that was 15 years ago.

Op rushed for time but look up malar rash just to rule out. And lupus (but rare).

I am also slowly but steadily winning the battle against my rosacea with the help of Skin + Me!

I use Cetaphil day time moisturizer with SPF 50 and it doesn't aggravate skin, it feels like there is a barrier which helps actually

I haven't seen a Dr about it. I WFH so rarely wear make up. When I do, I use this mint, green coloured cream. It really does neutralise/hide the reddness!
L'Oreal Paris Magique CC cream | Boots

I get flare-ups of Rosacea from time to time. I have a repeat prescription of the antibiotic Lymecycline from my GP. I don't take it all the time, just when it reappears. It seems to work well for me.

Best wishes to you - I hope you can find something that helps. x

I was prescribed Rosex but once I was over the menopause (by 45!) the rosacea cleared up and has never come back.

How does skin and me work exactly?

I use Rosalique which covers up red cheeks and Rudolph nose. I saw a dermatologist recently and she said laser treatment might help. However despite having bupa rosacea is not covered so suspect it won’t happen.