Thank you Galderma Laboratories, L.P. for sponsoring this post. Why is it not okay to talk about bad skin days and rosacea? That’s what I want to know! I’m tired of covering my face with spackle and layering on foundation which just means I’m going to have more bad skin days. I mean, my face always seems like it’s red and broken out!
Rosacea – Why Is My Face Always Red And Broken Out?
When you’re someone like me who lives with multiple skin issues, the majority of your days are going to be bad skin days…or are they? I had a realization this weekend when I went makeup free for a day. I actually got out of the shower, patted my face dry and realized that I haven’t had a breakout or major issue in a few weeks. Other than some persistent redness. Why is that?
I mean, bad skin days are kind of my thing…but then again, it felt really good to have Ish compliment how “fresh” I looked (Yay me!), and to not worry about makeup transfer when I played with the boys [read: rough housed]. I didn’t have to worry about bawling my eyes out when a friend posted a particularly heart-wrenching video on Facebook. I could just cry like a normal person.
That’s when it really hit me-wearing a pound of makeup isn’t normal. It shouldn’t be normal. Makeup has its place, and certainly can enhance natural beauty…but isn’t it about time that I make a choice to breakup with makeup?
Understanding Your Skin
When I was a teenager, I couldn’t wait to be an adult because I thought that my skin would magically clear up. I honestly thought the pimples would stop, the bumps would go away and I’d look like a super pale Cindy Crawford. But you know what? They didn’t go away, and if anything they got worse. So like a good adult, I made an appointment with a dermatologist.
If you’re like me, you may not realize exactly what the problem is…I certainly didn’t. In fact, I remember sitting in the dermatologist’s office, explaining my frustrations about my persistent pimples, bumps, and redness. I was floored when he suggested that I had rosacea. Isn’t that just redness of the skin? Turns out it’s not.
Why My Skin is Red And Broken Out
Turns out I have rosacea, which isn’t just a reddening of the skin. It’s actually a lot more complicated than that, at least according to my dermatologist. I learned that:
- Rosacea is characterized by flare ups and remissions
- It generally begins to present itself in the early 30s
- Rosacea can begin as a simple redness of the nose, chin, forehead and cheeks
- As you age, your rosacea may become ruddier and more pronounced
- Pimples may appear, and may appear without blackheads and may burn or be itchy
And that’s not the worst of it! If you let it go untreated or use the wrong treatment, your skin can actually develop raised patches, edema (swelling) or even thickening skin.
Not what I wanted to hear.
I was told that in order for my skin to improve, I would need to stop picking at my pimples. Then wash with a very gentle soap or cleanser multiple times a day. He actually suggested that I wash after working out or any time I get sweaty. I live in Texas, so that means I basically live over my sink most days.
He said if my issues did not improve with proper care, then he would prescribe Soolantra® (ivermectin) Cream, 1%, which helps with the treatment of inflammatory lesions, or bumps and pimples, of rosacea.
Thankfully, my skin seems to be improving, though I have not had my follow up appointment yet. I’ve actually posted no-makeup selfies recently where I haven’t used a filter or brushed out the redness.
This is big news!
I cannot tell you the last time I felt comfortable in my own skin. And I’m still working on it, but I’m definitely getting there!
I know I’m not alone, so if you think that you may be dealing with rosacea (or any skin condition for that matter), find a good dermatologist and get some answers.
In the meantime, wash your face with a gentle cleanser a few times a day.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Important Safety Information
Indication: SOOLANTRA® (ivermectin) Cream, 1% is indicated for the treatment of inflammatory lesions of rosacea. Not for oral, ophthalmic or intravaginal use. Adverse Events: In clinical trials with SOOLANTRA Cream, the most common adverse reactions (incidence ≤ 1 %) included skin burning sensation and skin irritation.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit WWW.FDA.GOV/MEDWATCH or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
This is just one part of my skin treatment regime. I like to use natural products on my face!
Here’s some other ways to take care of your face:
- Why I Won’t Use Coconut Oil on My Face
- The Best Food for Healthy Skin
- Take 3 Minutes & Wash Your Face
