Rosacea journey

[LexCake]

I’ve had sensitive skin all my life (now 48) and I’ve only just worked out that it might be rosacea. Skin has been up and down for the last three decades and after having been quite good for a few years has taken a downward turn recently. When I was much younger, my skin was prone to break out in extremely dry patches. The latest phase seems to be even redder with lots of sort of under the skin spots. Unfortunately I think my skin has turned against my lovely KIEHL’S moisturiser and NARS foundation, but I’m not sure what else is going on. I’m generally reasonably stressed (full on job, young family) and I guess this could be perimenopause but I’ve had no other symptoms. Just ordered some soolantra from Boots online, dropped the KIEHL’S and bought some La Roche Posay. I’ve read lots of previous rosacea posts on MN and it all seems so confusing. Under the banner of rosacea there seems to be so many symptoms, solutions and experiences. Also contradictions - some saying that sticking with a routine is good, others saying that they need to change skin care every so often ( I think I might be in that camp). Also, not sure if it is in my head but am sure I’m getting the facial skin crawly feeling of those pesky mites!

Anyway, not sure what I’m asking but would love to know how others have picked through the confusion to find some kind of system for living with it. Only after ordering the soolantra did it occur to me that I could probably get a private dermatologist referral via work health insurance. Has anyone else done that?

My work benefits wouldn't cover rosacea as a 'chronic condition'

I think it's confusing as there are different types of rosacea so different treatments. I don't have the pustule one, so not sure what would help that.

I just had a lot of flushing and dryness, mine calmed down quite a bit when I got the thread veins removed. It was like a laser treatment and cost me £150

Also the la Roche posay you've got, is it the cicaplast baume? If you've not got that one then I'd recommend it for your skin barrier

Thanks @Nocturna that’s helpful. Maybe I am being optimistic with the work thing! I’d pay for a treatment if I thought it would work. Did someone advise you to get that done? Not sure about the LRP cream - will check.

I deal with it by ignoring it. Had someone very rudely ask me at work the other day what was wrong with my fave and didn't want a recommendation for a cream.

She was terribly disbelieving when I said I didn't really think about it because I don't remember ever not having it so it's just how it is.

It's a bit annoying when it gets sore or itchy but I really don't think it looks that bad. I don't think anyone's skin or face in general looks anywhere near as bad or as in need of assistance as people seem to think

No I had it done as the thread veins looked quite bad in itself, the rosacea improvement was a happy side effect

On a whim, I started washing my face with my hair conditioner ( not a very fancy one but has a lot of natural oils etc.)a bit like hot cloth cleanser but runnier and easier to wash off ( I only use tepid water though). My skin is the best it's been for years, some stubborn dry patches gone and it's feels very comfortable and moisturised. It's working better than any of the expensive things I've tried.
I am being more regular using SPF, Boot protect and perfect serum foundation is factor 50 and it's doing a good job.
I still have soolantra for when I have an outbreak of papules and or pustules ( usually on nose) but a tube lasts me ages.
I think UV and v cold or hot temps are my worst triggers.

my rosacea staples are;
sulphur soap
Eucerin sun fluid mattifying SPF50
La Roche Posay Toleraine range

avoid the sun on your face - I wear a wide brimmed hat on sunny days.
also alcohol is a terrible trigger for me - I don’t drink red wine at all anymore 😒

even doing all this I still have redness on my
cheeks and nose. I use Mac concealer and powder foundation which covers it up well.

I’ve recently realised that my middle aged spots are rosacea - the odd spot and a bit of redness deteriorated to my skin being redder and sore. My GP prescribed metronidazole and it has worked brilliantly.

I also use cetaphil hydrating cleanser and tropic moisturisers

I have been treated for acne for 30 years and it's only the last 2 with an actual rosacea treatment that I have got it under control. I used to have type 2 the pustule rosacea.
I did have Rozex cream from the doctor but like the treatment from Dermatica that has made all the difference.

I am prescribed Lymecycline (antibiotic) by my doctor when I have a rosacea breakout. One capsule a day. I stay on it for months at a time it works so well.

Three things used together have made a complete change to me:
Dermatica prescription (combined soolantra, azelaic acid and niacinamide) which I use at night
Calendula oil as a moisturiser day and night
Azelaic cream or serum used during the day (Dermatica or Dose)

Thanks everyone. Lots of things to try here.

Hello, I started getting a lot of spots when I hit 40 ish. Went to GP, they gave me a couple of different creams. Via private health I went to the dermatologist who said it was rosacea. I can’t remember whether it was the dermatologist or back to the GP who prescribed me some antibiotics which cleared up the rosacea. As soon as I stopped them though the spots came back. I then got prescribed soolantra and have been using that for 3-4 years, no complaints.