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Original poster

Rosacea flare up- need help and perfect skin by Saturday !

53 replies

DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 21/04/2015 18:23

I have really sensitive skin and the flushing type of rosacea, when it's not flushed it's actually really clear skin, no spots or anything, dry though.

I decided this was the year I would use sun cream every day - HUGE MISTAKEHmm

Really angry skin, flushed and hot to the touch, calamine helps a bit as does aloe juice from my plant but what else can I try to calm it down?

Anyone used Cetaphil? Or what about Skin Food by Weileda ( sp?)

I have until Saturday to get myself sorted as I have a fancy lunch to go to bloody typical

Any suggestions gratefully acceptedThanks

OP posts:
PisforPeter · 21/04/2015 18:27

F

browneyesblue · 21/04/2015 18:35

You could try treating it like an allergic reaction - chemical sunscreens are not great for sensitive skin, and it sounds like an allergic reaction. Have you tried taking anti-histamines? I take a couple of over the counter ones when I have a reaction to something.

When my rosacea flares up badly (I recently had a bad reaction to Eurax), I find the less I put on my skin, the better. When I react to a product, it seems to make my skin more sensitive to everything. Perhaps just stick to one product, like your aloe juice - it sounds perfect.

Drinking lots of water won't hurt either. I'm sure it will have calmed down by Saturday.

Original poster
DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 21/04/2015 18:37

Yes, a friend suggested Anti histamine , I will take some later before bed as I have to drive this evening. Urghhh, it's horrible!

OP posts:
browneyesblue · 21/04/2015 18:38

Sorry - meant to add, if it were me I would be reluctant to try anything new before an important event.

Also, if you haven't already, I would recommend trying mineral sunblocks.

Original poster
DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 21/04/2015 18:39

Mineral sun blocks? I haven't heard of them before. I usually stay out of the sun and wear a hat, God knows why I decided to try using sun cream, I was fine as I was!

OP posts:
gonegrey56 · 21/04/2015 18:41

Be very gentle with your skin. Wash with Cetaphil, tiny amount of moisturiser if you need it ( I use Ren Ultra Moisture Day Cream), keep out of the sun or wear a hat/stay in shade. Don't be tempted to use other products until it calms down. Tepid water to wash with ! I have a rosacea break out from the sun this week too. Maddening but after using everything available, both prescription and non, I find this simple regime works for me.
Agree lots of water plus fish oil capsules help too .

FrugalFashionista · 21/04/2015 18:42

I feel for you. Are you able to see your GP? I'd try this drug - sorry about the DM link, the stuff is legit!

browneyesblue · 21/04/2015 18:43

My GP said to me that if the one a day antihistamines weren't helping enough (I use Cetirizine from the supermarket), then it was okay to take 2.

I've been there, and it's awful, but it will go quickly once you've stopped using the offending product.

In my case, I was using Eurax to treat my itchy skin. I itched more, so I used more, not realising that I was making it worse! I looked like this Angry

Original poster
DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 21/04/2015 18:44

I keep meaning to take fish oil capsules, do you mean cod liver oil ones?

I won't try anything new and will keep on with the aloe.

OP posts:
FrugalFashionista · 21/04/2015 18:45

Here is a more legitimate link. Ask your doctor!

Original poster
DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 21/04/2015 18:48

I saw the article in the DM when it came out but the side effects are itching and redness so I think I'd better steer clearGrin

Thank you though.

OP posts:
gonegrey56 · 21/04/2015 18:52

I am taking Krill fish oil capsules at the moment but I just buy whatever is on a good offer at Boots ( usually 3 for 2). I truly think they have helped my skin, reducing the inflammation . And good for your heart!
I am sure all will be fine by Saturday . Sunscreens make my skin awful so I use a mineral make up powder ( Lily Lo or Clinique) and just keep a big hat on . Less is more with my skin, and gentle washing with Cetaphil (after using a cream cleanser like Liz Earle or Clarins) has really helped .

browneyesblue · 21/04/2015 18:56

Chemical sunscreens have UV filters that are absorbed into the skin, which some people can be sensitive or allergic to.

Mineral sunscreens create a physical barrier which sits on top of the skin. As they aren't absorbed, they don't irritate. They can look a bit white though, so you may have to test a few to find one that suits.

There is an old article about them here, but I'm sure there are plenty more on the market by now.

Original poster
DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 21/04/2015 18:56

I can't even use Liz Earle as it triggers it, used to be fantastic before the formula changedSad I usually use camomile cleanser from the body shop , Clarins is fantastic but again, too strong for me, although the Aldi version is ok when I don't have a flare up.

Will get fish oils tomorrow, and cetaphil,and keeps slapping the aloe onGrin

OP posts:
Original poster
DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 21/04/2015 18:57

Will look into mineral sunscreens, are they not just like bare minerals?

OP posts:
gonegrey56 · 21/04/2015 19:01

The Ren cream cleanser is very gentle, my dd has inherited my super sensitive skin and she uses this as she can't tolerate Liz Earle now the formula has changed . Do you use a foundation ? I think it helps protect my skin and keep it calm , provided you use one that won't trigger a reaction.

Original poster
DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 21/04/2015 19:02

Yes, always wear colourstay, I feel a bit naked without foundationGrin

OP posts:
herbaceous · 21/04/2015 19:06

This may not help by the weekend, or indeed at all, but I found that when I stopped eating wheat (for digestive reasons) my rosacea got loads better too. Wheat is apparently inflammatory, so it makes sense.

gonegrey56 · 21/04/2015 19:06

DD has just reminded me that the Simple cream cleanser works for her ( for make up removal), then she too loves Cetaphil .

gonegrey56 · 21/04/2015 19:08

I too have found avoiding wheat helps my skin (just not disciplined enough to keep off the biscuits ....oh dear )

Original poster
DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 21/04/2015 19:16

Sugar is a big trigger for me, not too bad with whole grains and whole meal. I'm trying to cut out sugar..it's a work in progressHmm Grin

OP posts:
Allie82 · 21/04/2015 21:14

I swear by cetaphil it's amazing but whenever I used to get irritations like yours I found the best solution was to wash my face in plain soap and putting NOTHING on it for a few days. Once it dries out you can introduce a gentle cleanser. It feels horrible and dry but it works!

Original poster
DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 21/04/2015 23:59

I think my face would fall off if I used soap on itGrin

OP posts:
Shonajay · 22/04/2015 00:17

Go to the nearest Kevin aucoin counter and ask for a sample of their sensual skin enhancer, and if using it will make things worse. You need a tiny amount im buying it soon, my gp friend uses it, she Has bad acne and I swear you wouldn't know!

coffeenut · 22/04/2015 02:06

My skin flared up like you are describing after using a particular very expensive sunscreen. It was mineral but had some sort of niacinamide stuff in it.

Anyway, stopped using and it was back to normal in a few days. I wouldn't worry too much!! I defo wouldn't try omething else new on though before saturday!!!!