Rosacea Friendly Holiday Gift Ideas She'll Love

Gift giving can be tricky when it comes to someone with sensitive skin. As someone with Rosacea, I've been given my fair share of lovely gift bags full of smelly lotions, beauty masks and make-up products that would surely set my skin aflame. 

I've been through plenty of awkward moments trying to make sure my face doesn't match my inner turmoil.  Smiling on the outside while thinking to myself, "Ugh, I'll never be able to use this...," hoping I don't seem ungrateful. And nobody wants that.

Gifts you SHOULDN'T give someone with Rosacea or Sensitive Skin

1) Stay away from the smelly lotions and body wash store 

2) Don't bother with new beauty trends like peel off face masks or fancy make-up  

3) Think twice before getting her perfume 

4) Certainly don't go spending a lot of money on girl's-night-out facials because it would probably melt her face off. 

I know, we're complicated.

Rosacea & Sensitive Skin Friendly GIFTS SHE WILL LOVE

We all try to be sensitive (pun intended) to those we buy for, but sometimes we just don't know - but yay, now you know! 

Here are some of my favorite sensitive skin products I use myself and love so you don't have to worry about giving gifts that make her smile and cringe at the same time. She'll actually really love it.
*This post contains affiliate links. See full disclosure below.

1) Fairface Washcloths

These soothing, soft face cloths are a dream for sensitive skin. Calming, soothing and gentle. Made with buttery soft flannel. Your skin will fall in love at the first touch.
Sets of 2+ start at just $16.99 thru FairfaceWashcloths.com or Etsy

2) Vanicream Gentle Face Wash

Gentle is key for sensitive skin. Vanicream's soothing, creamy formulation is made without common irritants to sensitive skin. Gentle cleansing at its best.
Find it for $8.00-$10.00 thru Amazon

3) Vanicream Lite lotion

Another great product from Vanicream to seal in moisture without irritating sensitive skin. Effectively moisturizes without feeling heavy or greasy. You can also opt for their face cream for a little heavier coverage.
Find it for $10.00-$14.00 thru Amazon

4) Eucerin Daily Face SPF 30

This daily facial sunscreen gives perfect full spectrum coverage without feeling thick or leaving a strong white cast to the skin. Goes well under make-up.
Find it for $8.00 -$10.00 thru Amazon

5) Burt's Bees Lip Balm

Their moisturizing natural beeswax lip balm nourishes with vitamin e, and refreshes with a touch of Peppermint oil. The perfect way to soothe your luscious lips.
4 pack sells for about $10 through Amazon

6) Silk Pillow Case by Fisher's Finery

Ever slept on a cloud? This silk pillow case is the next best thing. And not only does it feel great next to your skin all night long, the benefits can't be beat. No more lines on your face to cause morning stress or premature wrinkles, plus it also smooths your hair and prevents breakage during the night. It's a win-win.
Sale price is around $24.99 thru FishersFinery.com or Amazon

7) Simple Sugars Coconut Body Scrub

Wishing for a tropical isle vacation? This is the next best thing. The coconut scent of this all natural sugar body scrub is oh so good. It helps to gently remove dead skin cells and leaves behind a moisturizing oil that leaves your skin feeling so soft. 

Find it for around $16-$26 thru SimpleSugarScrubs.com or Amazon (*check for holiday sales) 



>>Do you have any Rosacea friendly skin care products you use and love? Leave us a comment to let us know!

*Affiliate links disclosure: We are proud to be an Amazon Associate and an affiliate for Fishers Finery. We only promote products we have used ourselves and love, so you can trust our recommendations. We receive a small commission for any items purchased through our affiliate links which helps us continue promoting only the best products for your sensitive skin!

---

This post was written by Shannon Sorensen, sensitive skin type and founder and CEO of Fairface Washcloths, the best washcloths for sensitive skin.

How to dry your face: Rosacea and Acne 101

©Fairface™ Washcloths for Rosacea & sensitive skin

I cringe when I hear of people who reach for the same towel to dry their face, that they use to dry off their body all week. Call me fanatical, but I'm not a fan of bacteria on my face after it has just been washed clean, are you?

Certainly a moist towel that gets used over and over again throughout the week on all your body parts (and heaven forbid dropped on the floor in a lump) is NOT what you want to dry off your clean face with unless you like break-outs (said no one, ever). The number one way to transfer bacteria back to your clean skin is through a dirty (used) towel.

If you're struggling with Rosacea flares or acne break-outs, you might want to review not just your face washing routine, but also how you're drying your face. Clearer skin might just be one clean drying cloth away.

How to dry your face if you have Rosacea or Acne

©Fairface™ Washcloths: wash and dry sensitive skin

1. Before showering, hang a clean, small face drying cloth next to your body towel. It can be a regular terrycloth washcloth that came with the towel set or you can opt for a soft face cloth if you have extra sensitive skin.

2. After getting out of the shower, use one side of the clean drying cloth, to gently blot your face dry (never drag or pull on your facial skin or it can cause irritation, damage and even premature aging).

3. Flip that used cloth to the other side (which is still clean) and hang it to use for your next shower.

4. Dry off the rest of your body with your body towel and hang it back up to dry. *NEVER use your body towel against your face to dry it off unless it has been freshly washed.

5. Once you've used both sides of your drying cloth, either hang it to use as a body washcloth (not a face cloth) in the shower the next morning or put it in the laundry.

...And the rotation continues.

Does using a face drying cloth really help prevent Rosacea flares and Acne break-outs?

Yes!

A big part of any Rosacea skin care routine and preventing acne break-outs, is making sure you are keeping your skin free from bacteria. Using a clean, soft washcloth to cleanse, and blotting your face dry with a clean cloth is equally as important as choosing the right cleanser and moisturizer for your face. So the next time you reach for your body towel to wash your face? Think again!
Clean cloths = clean skin.

---

This clean skin tip brought to you by Fairface Washcloths, the softest washcloths for Rosacea and sensitive skin. Use a clean, soft cloth to wash and dry your face for clearer, healthier skin!




SHOP 
FAIRFACEWASHCLOTHS.COM
OR
FAIRFACEWASHCLOTHS.ETSY.COM

FOLLOW US!
@FAIRFACEWASHCLOTHS ON Instagram

Feel the softness of Fairface Washcloths for Sensitive Skin

Photo ©Fairface™ Washcloths

We know it's hard to "feel" the softness of Fairface Washcloths for sensitive skin, without visiting them in person so we made this quick video to help you imagine what our washcloths feel like if you were to hold them in your hands.  

How the flannel slides softly and smoothly through your fingers and slowly glides across your face, caressing your cheeks as you cleanse. 

Your skin feels clean and calm. No irritation or redness.
A tranquil cleansing experience for your face.

Soothe and calm your sensitive skin today for a 

luxuriously gentle cleansing experience

---

SHOP: 
FairfaceWashcloths.com
FairfaceWashcloths.etsy.com

The Rosacea Diet: Fact or Fiction

photo: brooke lark on unsplash

If I told you there was an easy solution to reducing your Rosacea flares just by what you ate every day, would you believe me? Is there really such a thing as a Rosacea Diet?

This topic is a personal one for me, since I have had Rosacea for just over 10 years. Can what we eat every day really help reduce our flares and ease and calm Rosacea? I decided to find out.

DOES WHAT WE EAT EFFECT OUR SKIN AND ROSACEA?

We know diet does indeed have an effect on our skin. Not drinking enough water = dehydrated skin; eating foods that trigger our skin to react = acne, hives, redness, rosacea flares. Food and skin are not independent of one another.

THE DIET - ROSACEA CONNECTION

Rosacea Trigger foods 

Foods that cause a reaction or aggravation of Rosacea on the skin, causing it to flare-up, including flushing, itching, redness and acne like bumps called Pistules, are often called trigger foods. (see Rosacea.org for a lists of common food triggers)

What I know personally, is that my Rosacea gets worse when I eat sugar. Without fail, every time I drink a can of soda, or eat sugary treats, I can count on having a Rosacea flare either within a few hours or at least by the next morning. Sometimes I still eat or drink it on purpose and gauge whether it's "worth the risk" while other times I won't touch it. I have a big sweet tooth so avoiding sugar is really hard for me and I'm not always successful, but I do know sugar is one of the things that will bring my Rosacea out of hybernation, even if it has been calm for a while.

Inflammation 

Your body's way of protecting and defending itself against injury, illness or infection, is called inflammation. It can be situational or chronic and while you can't always see inflammation going on inside your body, it can show up on your skin as redness, swelling, heat and irritation.

Eating too much sugar is linked to inflammation in the body.
Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition affecting the face.

According to Rachel Devine, a holistic aesthetician, & creator of a certified organic skin care line, "Every single skin condition is caused internally."
Source: Room to Grow Podcast Episode #15 by Emily Gough

Read that again. It's so powerful and makes so much sense.

She went on to say, "Just because (our skin) is an external organ, a lot of people forget that it's an organ and when there's inflammation on the skin (Rosacea, acne or anything like that) it's really important to think of it at that point as being an organ...because if our liver's inflamed, we're going to do something about it. But a lot of people think, "oh my skin's inflamed I've just got to put some chemicals on there and hopefully it will all go away", but it doesn't work like that."

CHANGING OUR DIET CAN HELP REDUCE ROSACEA FLARES

My Rosacea Diet Test

photo: jason briscoe on unsplash

In a survey by the National Rosacea Society, 73% of Rosacea participants reduced occurrences of rosacea flare-ups by changing their diets (N=516).

So a couple months ago I decided to put this idea to the test: would changing my diet really improve my skin?  To be totally honest, my "new diet" really came from the fact that I was tired of squeezing myself into my tight pants, but clearer skin might be a bonus? Right?

What I did every day:

• Ate tons of veggies like a crazy person. And I do mean crazy. Like brussels sprouts and broccoli for breakfast kind of crazy. And an overabundance of veggies at every meal - sometimes they were even the main course (gasp!) 
• Eliminated high inflammation foods like bread, crackers, gluten, processed sugars, ice cream, soda pop, most dairy
• Ate a variety of fruits and added them to smoothies along with spinach, carrots, kale, & almond milk
• Ate lots of salmon
• Ate less lean meats
• Ate nuts for snacks
• Exercised at least 30 minutes a day (walked on a treadmill & biked outside)
• Drank a lot more water

RESULTS

What happened?
My skin looked really good.
And I'm not just saying that.
For real, I would look in the mirror and think, wow, I can really see a difference.

I think my skin had been dehydrated but also malnourished. While I did all the right things on the outside of my skin everyday, I hadn't been doing all the right things on the inside. And it really did make a difference.

THE ROSACEA DIET: HEALING FROM THE INSIDE-OUT

While there's no clear-cut "Rosacea Diet" with exact recipes and food plans to follow (because our bodies are all different), it's all about adapting our every day diet by adding and subtracting so we get less of the wrong things and more of the right ones.

Part of this equation is figuring out what your body likes and doesn't like. The National Rosacea Society suggests keeping a food diary to more easily track how your skin reacts to certain foods. For me, I know that eating mainly vegetables and fruits, fish and lean meats, while eliminating processed sugars, and certain carbs, and drinking more water helped my skin look clearer. For someone else, maybe a food allergy test would help to specifically identify foods that cause an inflammatory reaction in their body.

Here are some tips to start your own version of a Rosacea diet to help keep your skin clear and healthy

Step 1: SUBTRACT

1) Stop eating foods you know are bad for you and your skin (ie processed sugars and other foods that increase inflammation in the body).
2) Keep a food journal to track what you eat every day, how you feel and how your skin reacts to it.
3) Identify any new dietary triggers and inflammatory foods and eliminate them from your diet.

Step 2: ADD

1) Make eating clean, anti-inflammtory foods your goal
2) Turn yourself into a nutritional powerhouse by loading up your cells with vegetables, fruits, healthy fats (olives, avocados), salmon and foods with Omega 3s.
3) Create a notebook or Pinterest board and add your favorite healthy recipes to keep you motivated and inspired (check out Arthritis.org for lists of anti-inflammatory foods and recipes)


Be patient with yourself! This process does take discipline and time, but it will be worth it in the long run (and even short-term!) The benefits don't just stay with your skin, you may also lose some unwanted weight and be healthier.


Have you tried altering your diet to help combat your Rosacea? We'd love to learn about your experience. Leave us a comment below!

---

This article was written by Shannon Sorensen, M.A. Human Development, sensitive skin care advocate and founder of Fairface Washcloths for sensitive skin.

Fairface Washcloths are an important addition to your skin care routine if you have Rosacea or sensitive skin. Gentle cleansing is vital to breaking the cycle of redness and irritation. Try Fairface Washcloths today! Your skin will thank you.

Rosacea friendly make-up and skin care

Do you have Rosacea and still wear make-up?

It can be tricky for some with Rosacea to find make-up that doesn't irritate their skin plus also provide adequate coverage for the redness.

Ocular Rosacea can also make wearing eye make-up difficult as it can irritate the eyes, and with excess tearing, wash the eye liner or mascara back into the eye. Sting! 

I feel pretty lucky that my Rosacea-prone skin and eyes tolerate most make-up. I try to keep my make-up routine (and skin care routine) very simple, and although I wonder if there's something even better out there for me, I'm happy with my current Rosacea "friendly" products.

*I have included product links for your convenience. Full disclosure below.

My Simple Rosacea Make-up Routine

Foundation: 

I've been using Mary Kay Medium Coverage Foundation for almost 15 years. It covers my redness pretty well and doesn't irritate my skin. I still can get itchy sometimes but I'm not sure if it's directly associated with the foundation or my skin just being my skin. I recommend finding a Mary Kay consultant in your area and not buying it through a marketplace like Amazon. I made that mistake once and could tell the product I received was not at the quality standard it should have been.

Foundation applicators:

I use these Up & Up brand Latex Free Foam Cosmetic Wedges from Target. My skin does well with these. I just blot the foundation on with the sponges, no dragging. I have tried other makeup sponges but they seem to "drink" the foundation and don't blot as well on my face, so I still with these.

  

Eye liner:

Maybelline New York Unstoppable Mechanical Liner has been my go-to for a while and it doesn't irritate my eyes.  I like to buy the double-pack at Walmart but you can find them on Amazon as well. They last me a long time.

Mascara:

My daily for lashes at the moment is Loreal's Voluminous mascara with the straight brush head. I like it because it goes on pretty smoothly and washes off easily. The hard thing about wearing mascara in general is when tears form and they wash mascara back into my eye. Don't get me started on the sting. Combine that with cutting an onion and you're one hot mess! BTW I never use waterproof mascara as it is really hard to get off my lashes.

As you can see, my Rosacea friendly make-up routine really is quite simple. I don't bother with blush (hello, already have it naturally) and keep my eyes simple without a bunch of eye shadow. So the next question is, how do I get all that make-up off without irritating my Rosacea-prone skin?

My Simple Rosacea Skin Care Routine

The key to Rosacea skin care is to keep it GENTLE.

Gentle cleansers, gentle face cloths, gentle motion, gentle blotting, gentle moisturizers, you get the picture.

My favorite gentle cleanser:

Vanicream gentle facial cleanser is by far my favorite face wash. I prefer the liquid face wash over the bar. It has been gentle for my Rosacea and doesn't irritate my skin. I love it because it's free from common irritants, and my face feels clean but not tight when I'm done washing. 

My favorite gentle washcloths for washing my face and make-up removal:

I apply the Vanicream gentle face wash with a soft washcloth. The best and only cloths you should be using for washing your face if you have Rosacea, are Fairface Washcloths.

They are soft and gentle so they don't cause redness or irritation to your skin. The smooth, thick double-layers of soft flannel will help keep your skin calm as you wash it.

They really are the best washcloths for sensitive skin and, naturally, they are all I use.

If you're the type who hates to dirty up a perfectly lovely white washcloth, you may want to opt for the new line of soft black washcloths- Fairface Darks: Double layers of thick, soft black flannel with the same gentle qualities of the white cloths, but without the worries of make-up stains left behind.

Gentle eye make-up remover:

In addition to washing my face with Vanicream gentle cleanser, I use Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover to get the last remnants of mascara and eye liner off. It's gentle and it doesn't irritate my eyes. 

Gentle moisturizer:

Back to Vanicream people! I love the Vanicream Lite Lotion and slather it all over my face, use it on my neck, chest and even on my arms. I also use the Vanicream Skin Cream in the winter when I need a little heavier coverage. *Because I use a topical medication for Rosacea (which I apply after washing my face) I apply my moisturizer after the topical medication.

Itch relief moisturizer:

Sarna Sensitive lotion is a medicated moisturizer that relieves the itch of eczema and sensitive dry skin. It is heaven-sent on days where my skin feels a little more dry or sensitive. It's cooling, and soothing to the skin and since it's fragrance and steroid-free you can use it every day.

For daytime SPF:

I just wanted to throw this in because, although SPF is not needed at night, this is a vital part of my skin care routine every day. In addition to the products above, in the day time I use Eucerin Daily Face Lotion - Broad Spectrum SPF 30. I love this and have been using it for years. It's light weight and still protects well. I use it under my make-up and it goes on smoothly. I highly recommend it.

---

Disclosures:
*For products linked through Amazon, as an Amazon Associate I earn a small percentage for each item purchased through my links.

Photo credit girl: valerie elash onunsplash
Photo credit washcloths: ©Fairface™ Washcloths

---

Have you found a good brand of make-up or skin care products that your skin tolerates well and doesn't aggravate your Rosacea? Leave us a comment and let us know!

+

Fairface Washcloths, the best soft washcloths for washing your face if you have Rosacea or sensitive skin, can be found through FairfaceWashcloths.com OR FairfaceWashcloths.etsy.com

5 Fall Skin Care Rules to Reduce Rosacea Flares

Did anyone else wake up at 4am, Sept 23rd, to ring in the fall equinox? No? Just me?

When I read the night before that the official fall equinox was beginning at 3:50am in the morning, I think it seeped too far into my brain, thus triggering a 4am wake-up call to nothing but the official arrival of fall whilst laying awake in complete darkness.

While this change of season means less daylight per day (thru December 21, 2019, the official time of winter solstice), what does it mean for your skin? Do you need to do anything differently for your Rosacea-prone skin in the fall?

I wanted to share these 5 Rosacea skin care rules I personally live by as the seasons change, to help my skin adapt to the weather and conditions without skipping a beat.

5 Tips to Reduce Rosacea Flares this Fall 

1.  Stay hydrated

Drinking more water hydrates and plumps your skin cells, flushes out toxins and improves circulation and blood flow. It is listed on Rosacea.org as a top tip for healthy skin, since dehydrated skin is more prone to flare-ups, irritation and sensitivity.

2.  Keep your skin moisturized

A common problem associated with Rosacea is the facial skin barrier dysfunction which makes facial skin unable to retain water. Moisturizers are an important part of a Rosacea skin care routine to lock in as much moisture as possible, so make sure to apply moisturizer every day while your skin is still moist. If you use a topical medication for your Rosacea, like I do, my dermatologist told me medication first, moisturizer second.

3. Keep wearing sunscreen

You know how I feel about sunscreen. Sunscreen 365. I wear it every day without fail, rain or shine  and in Seattle, where I live, it's often cloudy and even rainy. Do I still wear sunscreen in the fall? Heck yes! It is a physical layer of protection from the elements and UVB & UVA rays that are still there, even in cloud cover or rain. Wear it religiously. It's most often the number 1 skin care recommendation that skin care professionals make. If you do nothing else, wear sunscreen (but ps, please also wash your face).

4. Dress in layers 

One of my big pet peeves as the weather starts to get cooler, is places that crank up their heaters like it's below zero outside. Since flushing often leads to Rosacea flares, it's really important to maintain a comfortable body temperature. Since you can't control someone's thermostat, dressing in layers will allow you to still wear the stylish outfit, but take a layer off if needed, so if rooms starts to heat up, you can layer down before you face gets flushed. I personally like to wear a cute graphic tee and a colorful cardigan. Peeling off the outer layer can give you instant relief.

5. Choose a cooler version of your favorite cold weather drinks

One of my favorite things to do with my mom in the fall and winter, is grab a Starbucks hot chocolate, with a shot of caramel. Mmmmm. Just writing this makes my mouth water. The downside to drinking something hot like hot chocolate or coffee is the heat that it brings to our face and body. If you were lost in a snowstorm and someone handed you a thermos of hot chocolate, you'd be all in, but if you have Rosacea, you need to watch your heat intake.

One trick I've found that works well for me at Starbucks is to ask them to make my drink lower temperature, or even "kid temperature". Not only does this make it more comfortable to sip down, it helps eliminate flushing brought on from drinking something hot.

---

Do you have any fall skin care secrets or products to share that help keep your Rosacea at bay in cold temperatures? We'd love to hear from you!


I also included links to some of my favorite products to help with the 5 Rosacea fall skin care rules I discussed. If the links are thru Amazon, please note that I may make a small commission on purchases through these links.

Thanks for reading! xo

Shannon
Founder, Fairface Washcloths for sensitive skin





RELATED PRODUCTS WE RECOMMEND:

STAY HYDRATED




STAY MOISTURIZED




WEAR SUNSCREEN 365






CARDIGANS & TEES TO LAYER

• I've found good deals on cardigan sweaters at Target and Macys
• Favorite place for cheap graphic tees - Old Navy

photo credit: Timothy L Brock on unsplash

OUR FAVORITE STARBUCKS REFILLABLE TRAVEL CUP & HOT CHOCOLATE



*or make it yourself and choose your own water temperature!




**If you're making your own, don't forget a splash of Caramel syrup in your hot chocolate...mmmmm

What to bring to the beach if you have Rosacea or Sensitive Skin: Beach Day Essentials Check-list

Just because you have Rosacea or Sensitive Skin doesn't mean you can't enjoy a day at the beach! As hot weather approaches, those of us with Rosacea get a little nervous, since heat is a top trigger for a flare.

Follow this helpful check-list with all of the beach day necessities, so you can safely enjoy a hot day out at the beach, without worrying about your Rosacea-prone skin heating up.

Beach Day Packing-list for Rosacea & Sensitive Skin

*contains affiliate links

¨ Hat (wide-brimmed hat like this cute one , a fun wide-brimmed straw sun visor or baseball hat)

¨ Shade Screen or Beach Umbrella (shade is your friend!) We like this easy clamp Adjustable Umbrella  you can attach to any beach/camp chair.

¨ Bathing Suit (you may want to try a bathing suit like this, with UV blocking fabric)

¨ Cover-up (try an spf cover-up for more skin protection)

¨ Sunglasses (go for function over fashion - polarized anti-glare are best)

¨ Sandals (We love Rainbow sandals and flip flops)

¨ Sunscreen (we love Vanicream products SPF 50 & SPF 35)

¨ Extra Sunscreen (Bring spray-on sunscreen for extra coverage during the day)

¨ Lip Sunscreen (like Burt's Bees or Vanicream)

¨ Cold Water (Bring a few refillable water-bottles. Tip: 1) Freeze 1 full water bottle the night before - leaving space at the top for water to expand. This slow-melt will allow you to drink cold water in the heat. 2) Freeze a water bottle half full the night before & just add water to it the next day so you have some to drink right away that is still cold, as the "iceberg" melts)

¨ Small flexible ice packs or frozen gel packs (if you're getting too warm, place ice packs or frozen gel packs under a towel and put on the underside of your wrists, back of your neck, bends of your elbows, or backs of your knees to cool down quickly. Not recommended to put on your face.)

¨ Snacks (be sure to include some watery snacks like grapes, apples & watermelon)

¨ Hand Wipes (I like the individually wrapped ones)

¨ Beach Towel (I like big thick ones)

¨ Beach Chair (get yourself up off the hot sand with a comfy beach chair like this one)

Post-Beach Skin Care

Remember after spending an afternoon at the beach it's important to gently cleanse away all the sunscreen, sand, salt, oils and debris from the day.

¨ Use a gentle washcloth on your sensitive face (we recommend Fairface Delicates with a gentle cleanser (we love Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin 8 oz pump).

¨ You may even need to *gently* wash your face and body twice, depending on how thick and hardy your sunscreen is.

¨ Remember not to scrub. You can still wash to clean gently without irritating your sensitive skin, which is especially important after spending the day out in the sun.

¨ Moisturize right after cleansing to seal in the extra moisture your skin will need after being out in the sun. We love CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. It's creamy and very moisturizing all year round.

---

These are a few of our MUST-HAVE'S for a beach day if you have Rosacea or Sensitive Skin.

Did we forget something? Tell us what your beach day essentials are so we can add it to our list!

*This post contains affiliate links for your convenience in finding our recommended products quickly and easily. If linked through Amazon, as an associate we earn from qualifying purchases. 

How to Soothe Dry Eyes and Irritation from Ocular Rosacea

Do your eyes sting or feel irritated?

I used to chalk up my eye irritation to dry air in the winter, too much a/c in the car during the summer, spring allergies, bad mascara, or simply being tired. But when I looked more into it, it all pointed to the same thing: Ocular Rosacea. It's an associated part of facial Rosacea many people don't even know about, or realize they have.

More Than Just Seasonal Eye Irritation

The first clue that my eye irritation was more than just seasonal or environmental troubles, came at my last ophthalmology visit for a routine eye exam. Per usual, the assistant had me lean back in the chair as she dropped 2 quick eye numbing drops in each eye. They stung so badly I could hardly stand it. She was surprised. They weren't supposed to sting like that. She said I must have really dry eyes. Hmmm. Dry eyes? I hadn't really considered it, but maybe that's why my contact lenses felt so irritating and stuck to my eyes like an angry suction cup.

Symptoms of Ocular Rosacea

It turns out, around 60% of people surveyed with Rosacea, also have Ocular Rosacea.
Symptoms of Ocular Rosacea may include:
• Redness
• Feeling like there's something in your eye (gritty sensation)
• Stinging
• Watery
• Recurrent sty's, cysts or swelling of the eyelid

For people like me, who wear contacts, it can be extra irritating because the natural moisture that keeps the contacts "floating" on your eyes is diminished. It is as uncomfortable as it sounds, but it doesn't mean you still can't wear contacts.

Easing eye Irritation Associated with Rosacea

I discussed my dry eyes and discomfort with my ophthalmologist who told me that plugged meibomian glands are most likely to blame. Have you ever noticed little bumps that sometimes form around the base of your eye lid? Maybe you're prone to sty's or eye swelling? Maybe your eyes are a little goopy in the morning? These meibomian glands are what secretes a fatty substance that keeps our eyes moist, so when they are plugged, it results in dry eyes and can lead to further irritation.

5 Ophthalmologist Tips to Soothe Eye Irritation from DrynessOcular Rosacea:

1. Remove eye make-up every night 

Recommended products:
My celebrity make-up artist friend, who also has Rosacea, recommends using eye wash pads to keep her eyes happy;
OR I use a gentle eye-make-up remover Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover, which is usually around $6 +  Fairface Darks (the best soft, black washcloths - no stains!)

2. Wash your eyes gently with baby shampoo 

Recommended products:
I like this 3 pack travel size Johnson and Johnson Baby Shampoo so you can easily take it with you

3. Use a soft, warm compress on your eyes. This helps to steam/unplug the plugged ducts. 

Recommended products:
Fairface Delicate Washcloths are a perfect, soft compress. Just dip in warm to hot water (but not too hot), ring it out and lay it across your eyes to melt away the oils plugging your ducts. Repeat re-warming the cloth for up to 10 minutes.

4. Use lubricating eye drops (especially important for contact lens wearers)

Recommended products:
For every day dryness prevention my Ophthalmologist recommended: Systane Eye Drops (*according to directions, if wearing contact lenses, remove them before using these drops and wait at least 10 minutes before re-inserting them; and repeat throughout the day) 

For contact lens wearers: Refresh Plus Lubricant Eye Drops before you put in your contacts AND Blink for contacts (I LOVE these. I put a drop in my eyes first and then on the contact when I put it in. It helps to repeat this during the day before my eyes get too dry)

5. Clean soft contact lenses with hydrogen peroxide systems to remove contact lens debris and wear eye glasses when possible to give your eyes a rest from contacts.

Recommended products: 
I use Clear Care Plus HydraGlyde Cleaning and Disinfecting Solution
NEVER put the cleaner directly in your eye. Just use it with the cleaning system. It works wonders on removing protein build-up and makes contact lens wearing, even with Rosacea, that much better.



Sources:
National Rosacea Society
Licensed Dermatologist
Review of Opthamology

---

If you have Ocular Rosacea (or think you might) and have any tips you'd like to share, we'd love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments below.


Disclosure: We included affiliate links to products we think you might like and benefit from. We will never suggest something we haven't tried ourselves or know from a trusted source that it is a good product. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases through Amazon.com.

Favorite Rosacea-friendly skin care products from a celebrity make-up artist

We all know that the best recommendations for Rosacea skin care products (beyond aestheticians & dermatologists) come from those of us who actually have Rosacea and use the products ourselves.

A recent interview with celebrity make-up artist Christina Grant, who also happens to have Rosacea herself, revealed some of her favorite Rosacea-friendly skin care and make-up products. Since her life revolves around not only glamming up stars on broadway, tv, and movie sets with make-up and healthy skin care methods, she also has to be vigilant about keeping up her own skin's health and appearance.
*Please note, we have included helpful links to recommended products and as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Rosacea Triggers

Christina shared that, common to many, her Rosacea affects both her skin and eyes. Some of her triggers are food related (i.e. too much gluten and wine) and working outdoors in weather conditions of all types. Wind, in particular, plays havoc with her skin and eyes.

Favorite Rosacea Skin care Products for Protection and Gentle Cleansing

Her recommendation for protecting her skin while working outdoors, is applying a thermal skin protectant, before heading out, to shield her skin from the elements. To calm her skin after being out in harsh conditions, she likes products from the Dermalogica Ultra Calming line. Her favorite essentials are the Dermalogica UltraCalming cleanser and Dermalogica Barrier Repair.

She also loves Fairface Washcloths for gentle sensitive skin cleansing and make-up removal.  Pro-tip: After wetting our soft washcloths, she warms them up in a towel warmer or microwave to help soothe actors' tired faces and "it melts the make-up off like a dream".

Favorite Sunscreen for Rosacea & Sensitive Skin

For herself, Christina chooses Dermalogica Super Sensitive Shield SPF 30 to protect her Rosacea prone-skin. She also mentioned, that while working on the popular TBS show, Search Party, the lead actress liked Suntegrity Tinted sunscreen which provided a bit of color and light coverage (it also contains the rosacea-friendly ingredient Zinc-oxide, known for it's anti-inflammatory properties).

Rosacea Eye Care tips and Make-up Favorites

Ocular rosacea can be really irritating to the eyes, causing redness, burning and itchiness. To keep her eyes happy, Christina recommends using lubricating drops (these are my favorite) and eye wipes called Eye Scrub.

While this natural beauty admits she only wears make-up when she has to (how ironic, coming from a professional make-up artist) her favorite go-to make-up products are Dr. Hauschka’s Translucent Bronze Concentrate (mixed into a moisturizer) or Koh Gen Doh Aqua foundation when she wants a little fuller coverage.

For sensitive eyes like hers, she recommends Weekend Lash Stain, by Milk makeup. I looked for that specific product but could only find Milk's Ubame Mascara, which is listed as "74% natural formula incorporates innovative ingredients like ubame oak charcoal".  Christina also recommended Lavera's mascara which her eyes can tolerate well for long periods of time.

Final pro-tips for Rosacea skin care

Just as Cleansing Gently is our Fairface motto, Christina agrees that gentle daily cleansing is important and warns to be careful not to strip your skin with harsh cleansers, scrubs and masks.  A microfolient product she does recommend is Dermalogica's Daily Microfolient.

And of course, in addition to moisturizing and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, is her MAKE-UP ARTIST MUST: clean you brushes after applying make-up - every time!

******************************************

Christina Grant is New York based make-up artist who's far reaching talents have graced Broadway, Film and Television. She shares tips and tricks on make-up and skin care in the entertainment industry, shares several of her favorite products and even scoops on her favorite celebs. 
>Read the whole interview with Christina Grant

---

Do you have any Rosacea-friendly skin care or make-up products you can recommend? Please share yours favorites, to help us all navigate through the maze of sensitive skin care!

6 Winter Skin Care Tips for Rosacea & Sensitive Skin

How to keep Rosacea prone skin healthy during winter

Did you know winter can be just as hard on Rosacea prone skin as it is in the summer?

As I write this, (2/11/2019) we are currently under a rare winter storm advisory in Seattle. We have almost a foot of snow outside, with more coming down, and the school closures just keep coming.

Even spending 20 minutes outside can make or break my face if I'm not taking precautions. Don't let winter unleash havoc on your Rosacea.
*Please note, we have included helpful links to recommended products and if linked as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

6 Winter Skin Care Tips to protect your rosacea-prone sensitive skin from flushing, burning, and stinging:

1. Cover Up

Windburn is a real thing, have you had it? I used to get it after a day of skiing. After 8 hours or more, of cold wind hitting my cheeks, I was left with redness, burning and dryness.

Whether it's windy or not, just being outside in cold temperatures can chap your skin. Shield exposed areas with a light-weight scarf or other cover-up to protect your skin from windburn and chapping.

2. Wear Sunscreen

No matter what your skin type, "Sunscreen 365" should be your motto. Sun still shines its rays through clouds and loves to bounce off of snow and water. Whether it's cold and cloudy or hot and balmy, sunscreen will protect your skin from the elements and keep it healthier. I love the lightweight Eucerin Daily Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen and wear it every day of the year.

3. Dress in layers

I run hot by nature, so the minute I'm in a hot room, I get nervous that my face will start to flush and result in a Rosacea flare.

The best solution for keeping your temperature at bay in the winter, is to dress in layers. If you're in a cool room, you'll stay comfortable, if you're in a cozy room with the fireplace blazing, you can shed a few layers before you start to over heat. Try to keep your body temperature as even as possible so you don't get flushed. Your face will thank you.

PS Wearing these soft merino wool socks that I love from Costco on my feet, help to keep my temperature more even too! You can buy them through the link or pick some up at Costco.

4. Temperature Matters

It's normal to climb out of a warm bed and want to jump into a hot shower to combat the shock of a cold house. Hot temperatures, however, especially hot water running over your face, can result in flushing and can cause sensitive skin to react. Keep the shower water temperature comfortable, but don't go overly hot.

Also watch out for hot tubs, saunas and hot drinks. Anything that causes your body temperature to rise and your face to flush can be problematic for sensitive skin and rosacea. Be aware that for some, alcoholic drinks like red wine, and foods like hot salsas can also have the same affect on your face.

5. Wash gently

Another one of those mottos you should adopt, especially if you have Rosacea or sensitive skin, is "Wash gently 365". Especially during the winter months when your skin is prone to irritation, always treat it gently. If you do slip-up and get windburn, (or even sunburn during a day out in the snow), it's important to pamper your damaged skin to get it healthy again. 

Always wash with a gentle cleanser for sensitive skin and always opt for a soft face cloth to protect your skin from harsh textures that can damage your skin barrier. I LOVE Vanicream Gentle Cleanser  and will forever only use Fairface soft flannel face cloths on my face! Protect that sweet skin barrier of yours!

6. Don't get too dry

We all know that indoor heaters and outdoor cold temperatures can cause extra dryness (and even micro-cracking) to our skin during the winter. According to the National Rosacea Society, using a moisturizer every day is key for building a strong moisture barrier and preventing burning, stinging, itching and irritation.  I, personally, opt for a bit heavier moisturizer during the cold months. I LOVE Cerave Moisturizing Cream, tho truth be told, I love it so much I use it all year round!

And always remember to stay hydrated! This is something I need to work on. Drink more water even when you don't feel like it to keep your body and skin hydrated. You will feel it in your skin if you don't.

*This post contains product links, added for your convenience. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases through Amazon.com.

---

Do you have any skin care advice to keep Rosacea skin calm during the cold winter months? We'd love to know!

---

Shannon Sorensen is the Founder and CEO of Fairface Washcloths. All expressed opinions are personal and are not meant to substitute a physicians care. Please seek the help of a dermatologist to get the help you need.

Do you have Rosacea and not know it?

Tell tale signs of Rosacea
Do you have it?

Before I was diagnosed with Rosacea, I was really confused about what my skin was doing.

The heat

My face would get hot and flushed, but strangely, it was most often only on one side of my face. I couldn't stop myself from touching one cheek, and then the other, to verify the temperature difference. 

In an attempt to make the heat go away, I would get cold drinks from the water fountain or take ibuprofen to see if that would help, but the strange half-faced heat wave remained. 

I was totally self-conscious. I had to keep dashing to the bathroom mirror or hiding in a stall to sneak a peek at my face. Was it as obvious as I thought it was? It wasn't normal to have half of your face red, or was it turning slightly purple?

And then there was the inevitable itch that followed.

The Itch

It was like a tickling under my skin that made me want to lose my mind. I would hold out for as long as I could, but once I scratched, ahhhhh total pleasure zone. The problem was, once I scratched that itch, there were many more to follow because not only had I made my initial spot worse, I spread it.

The welts and pistules

I knew within minutes of hot spots and itching, it was only a matter of time before welts and pistules would form on the top of my skin like an erupting volcano. My skin, being very fair, looked like I had rolled in a bush full of poison ivy. It was so humiliating.

Relief from my Rosacea symptoms

Topical medication

Washing harder to "get rid of the bacteria" didn't work. Don't do it. It made my face much worse and spread the redness like wildfire. The cycle I started was hard to stop. The itching and redness just got worse with every wash, and it wasn't just something I could "wash away".

What did work, was going to a dermatologist, who diagnosed me with Rosacea. I had already googled the heck out of my symptoms and assumed that's what it was, but it wasn't until the doctor gave me his diagnosis that I felt I had really found an answer. I finally had an end to this war with my skin.

He prescribed me Metrogel, a topical antibiotic that was supposed to decrease redness and swelling and help to get rid of the pistules. For me, it helped.
But then there was washing my face.

Soft washcloths for Rosacea

I knew I had to treat my face differently. I had been causing more damage to my sensitive skin by washing harshly. Each time I scrubbed, I caused micro-tears in my skin that created a vicious cycle of redness and irritation that had to be stopped.

Even washing gently with regular washcloths was like sandpaper to my face. I began looking for soft cloths to use that wouldn't irritate my skin, but there weren't any to be found. So I sourced materials I could use instead of a standard washcloth and that's how the first Fairface Washcloths were made. They saved my skin and once I started making and using them I've never looked back.

These soft washcloths are what helped to heal my Rosacea plagued skin. Do I still have Rosacea? Yes, but you wouldn't know it now. My skin is clear. I still have my moments, like when I break from my regular routine, but I make it a priority to take good care of my skin, and it shows.

---

If you struggle with sensitive skin issues like Rosacea, Eczema, Dermatitis, or Psoriasis, our washcloths are made just for you. The gentle properties of Fairface Washcloths can soothe sensitive skin and help break the cycle of redness and inflammation. Please visit us to learn more.

---

Written by Shannon Sorensen, Founder and CEO of Fairface Washcloths. The experiences and opinions expressed here are not meant to substitute a physicians care. Please seek the help of a dermatologist to get the help you need.