Sensitive Issue...

Just over three years ago, my skin changed dramatically. Almost overnight in fact. It started out with a small irritation around my nose and within three days it had spread to my cheeks and around my mouth. I was devastated – I didn’t know what to do. I had always looked after my skin and had received many compliments. I loved facials, I used great products and I NEVER went to bed with my make up on.

I went to see a homeopath and a doctor – I thought something had to work. The homeopath gave me cream and herbs to drink – they tasted disgusting but did seem to help a little. After I had finished the herbs and the cream, it wasn’t 100% better. The skin on my body was also red and patchy, I couldn’t wear make up and all I wanted to do was to cover my head with a bag. I decided to see a doctor and as I couldn’t get an appointment with my GP for two weeks I went to one of the walk in surgeries, which you pay for.

The doctor was lovely and rather than prescribe pills and potions she explained to me that she thought I had rosacea. I had heard of this before but wasn’t really sure of the symptoms. She suggested ways to treat it - to find out what my triggers were and to avoid them. For me it can be spicy food or too much heat. I’m not big on sunbathing so that was OK – now I wear a hat and factor 50 in the sun. Steroid cream is normally prescribed – but I wasn’t keen on that. She advised me to use Aveeno cream on my face and to use Sanex in my bath and shower. Both are quite brilliant. I started off using Aveeno cream on my face and Sanex Hypo Allergenic in my bath and shower and three years later I’m still using them.

It’s been trial and error. My first goal was to be able to wear make up again, which didn’t take long. Then I changed my cleanser, toner, serums and moisturiser and through a process of elimination I have found what suits me – and I do think it’s very individual. What works for me might not work for other rosacea sufferers. I can instantly feel when I’m about to get a break out and treat it accordingly. Elemis Daily Redness Cream is fantastic and so is StriVectin Overnight Facial Resurfacing Serum.

Flossy xx