My Battle with Rosacea

About six months ago I started noticing major changes to my complexion; nasty breakouts, redness, swelling and a combination of broken blood vessels and scarring in my checks. Thinking it was stress, or that time of the month, or the weather change, I ignored it for months. Until I was beyond frustrated.  How was my skin changing so fast? And why was nothing I was doing helping the situation? I thought I eat enough good-for-you fats, vegetables and anti-inflammatory foods!

Finally I decided to see a dermatologist and they confirmed I have rosacea, and that there wasn't really much to do about it except treat it with topical creams. Oh, and avoid coffee, spicy foods, wine, and exercise. Um... you mean the very things I live for?! Are you effing kidding me?! No thank you.

I requested the "most natural" topical cream from the dermatologist and begrudgingly I decided to fill the prescription. He mentioned not treating the issue would likely worsen the flare ups over time and that was not something I was ready to give in to. Since there are many different types of rosacea, and not everyone develops symptoms in the same way, there isn't a one-stop-shop sort of solution. I don't want my skin to rely on creams filled with toxic ingredients or become so dependant on prescriptions. At the same time I began the hunt for natural products that would help reverse the inflammation and started researching a great deal on the natural ingredients that are great for flare ups, i.e.: chamomile, aloe, cucumber, jojoba, and green tea extract.

After months of denial and ignoring the issue I finally developed a skin care regime that I am very happy with. I've been following it for about a month and have seen so many improvements, and even others are stating to notice! Putting a little time and money into my skincare was the best thing I could have done. I feel so silly for waiting this long to get to the root of the problem. But hey… better late than never! So let's break it down, shall we? Here is my rosacea fighting regime.

Cleanser: FITGLOW Calm Cleaning Milk
This cleanser is so gentle! At the same time it removes make up and impurities and leaves your face feeling so fresh, in the most soothing, calming way. It includes ingredients such as aloe, cucumber and camomile, which are great for rosacea flare ups and to really make you feel clean and bright. I was skeptical as generally "milks" never make me feel cleansed, however this one does the trick in a refreshing way that soothes irritated skin.

Cream: FITGLOW Redness Rescue Cream
Another amazing product from the FITGLOW Calm line, and the standout product of my regime for sure! Immediately upon entering Anise Apothecary in Burlington, the shopowneer showed me this cream. She demonstrated it on my hands and I was blown away. Redness be gone! It repairs skin (and those nasty broken blood vessels), fights inflammation by stimulating cell growth and hydrates without leaving you feel greasy in the slightest. It also is tinted with green minerals to combat redness. This is by far my favourite new product, and if you are looking for just one to invest in to combat redness or rosacea, this is it!

Face Serum: Odacite Apricot Palmarosa Serum Concentrate
When I purchased the other products I was given a sample of this soothing serum which is made to heal broken capillaries and irritated skin. I mix one very small drop into my FITGLOW Redness Rescue Cream and apply over the face. Not only does it make the cream easier to apply as it becomes more spreadable, but it really locks hydration in and leaves you feeling so soft, healthy and glowing.

Spot Treatment: Mario Badescu Drying Lotion 
I obviously still get breakouts and regular pimples that are separate from the rosacea flare ups. I had heard amazing things from this spot treatment and really wanted to try it out. Side note-- do you follow Desi Perkins on Snapchat? She's alllllways putting this on! A few weeks ago I picked it up at ULTA while over the border in Buffalo, NY. It really does dry out pimples over night! I know, I know… it contains alcohol. But for those nasty, little buggers it's become an essential! All you do is stick a Q-Tip straight down into the bottle (do not shake bottle as ingredients must be kept separate) and apply a little dab on the breakout. Serious game changer!

Make up Remover: Coconut Oil
Nothing new here. I've been using coconut oil to rid my eyes of hard to remove mascara and eyeliner. Works like a charm and 100% natural!

There you have it! My current rosacea fighting regime. I still do use the topical cream prescribed by the doc when the situation seems necessary, just not the twice per day as prescribed. I am also still on the hunt for a daily SPF cream that doesn't feel heavy, clogging or greasy, so let me know if you have any recommendations! If you have any questions about rosacea or tips on what you use I'd love to hear!