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. 

[*Disclosure: This post contains Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I 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!

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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

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

How to wash your face if you have Rosacea

Photo by: Daniela Avila @ unsplash

"How do I wash my face without it getting red and irritated if I have Rosacea?"

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Message from the founder of Fairface Washcloths, Shannon Sorensen

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One of the first questions I found myself asking 7 years ago, as I was battling red, itchy, irritated Rosacea skin, was, how in the world am I supposed to wash my face if it gets re-irritated & red every time I wash it?

Battling my rosacea flare-ups, while still going out in public, felt nearly impossible. I would wear make-up to hide the redness and through tortured will-power, didn't scratch my face. When it came time to wash all my make-up off, my face would become irritated and red all over again, and the vicious cycle continued.

Washing Rosacea-prone skin gently

I tried washing my face with just my fingertips, which was gentle, but it didn't get all my make-up off or really get my face clean. I tried washing gently with regular washcloths and baby washcloths (eek!), yet every time I washed, my Rosacea redness flared.

That's why I created a line of soft washcloths so I could use them on my Rosacea-prone skin and they wouldn't irritate my skin as I washed. It is a cloth that is gentle and more effective than using my fingers, and would get my face clean without irritating it in the process.

No more redness and irritation to Rosacea-prone skin

It was an instantaneous love affair between my sensitive skin and these lovely soft washcloths. My face had never felt so calm. It wasn't a red, irritated mess after I washed it. I had peaceful skin for the first time in a long time.

Through my extensive research and testing out a variety of materials, I had found the miracle fabric my rosacea-prone skin loved. Soft, soothing, imported 100% cotton flannel. As one customer put it, "It feels like I'm washing my face with a cloud." It soothed as it cleaned. I was hooked for life and so was my face.

Fairface™ Washcloths for Rosacea and Sensitive Skin

I share these miracle cloths as a labor of love with those with sensitive skin issues because I care about helping people feel good in their own skin. I know Rosacea can be a hard battle if it's not under control and even when it seems to be, there are still those days when the redness pops back up.

Fairface™ Washcloths have helped me so much that I have made it my mission to share them with the world. Using our soft cloths can break the vicious cycle of redness and inflammation by cleansing gently and effectively without the harsh textures that can cause irritation to sensitive skin.

It is often said that only those who share the same experiences can really understand each other.
We're in this together!
xo
Shannon

Sensitive Skin Tips

If you enjoy learning about gentle skincare for rosacea and sensitive skin, you might like Fairface Insider — a quiet monthly note with sensitive skin tips, early access to new launches, and occasional private offers.

Join here:
insider.fairfacewashcloths.com

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Fairface™ Washcloths are an exclusive product through FairfaceWashcloths.com & FairfaceWashcloths.etsy.com. Made in a suburb of Seattle, WA, USA.

Fairface™ Washcloths have been featured in a variety of beauty, skin care & lifestyle publications as a must-have cleansing cloth including The National Psoriasis Foundation, Into the Gloss, Details Magazine (now GQ), Gal Meets Glam, Holl & Lane Magazine, and a variety of other blogs and publications.

Win a free set of Fairface Washcloths! Holiday Giveaway!

Don't miss out on our Fairface Washcloths Holiday Giveaway!

Just in time for the holidays, we are giving away a Fairface Washcloths Bundle of 4 (including 2 Original and 2 Delicate cloths), a $35.00 value!

See how easy it is to enter our Instagram Contest 

and win a holiday gift for yourself or someone you love!

Rules for our Fairface Washcloths Holiday Giveaway:
HOW TO ENTER: 
1) Like our contest photo & Follow us @FairfaceWashcloths on Instagram
2) Take a selfie & tag it #Fairfaceselfie
3) Post it on Instagram.
1 entry per person.
All entries will be verified and winner will be announced 12/12/15.
Winner receives a Bundle of 4 Fairface Washcloths including 2 Originals and 2 Delicates - a $35.00 value! Per Instagram rules, we mention this is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated with Instagram, Inc. By entering, entrants confirm they are 13+ years of age, release Instagram of responsibility, and agree to Instagram's term of use.

The truth about facials and other expert skin care advice revealed

photo by Ambro @ freedigitalphotos.net

FREE PROFESSIONAL SKIN CARE ADVICE!

Exclusive interview with 

Patti Robinson, owner/operator of 

Sapphire Skin Care & Healing in Portland, Oregon. 

LEARN:

• The Most Important things you should know about Skin Care
• Common Skin Care Myths Revealed
• Must-Have Products for all Ages
• How Fairface Washcloths Helped Improve Her Skin
• and More!

>>>READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE<<<

 

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Sensitive Skin Tips

If you enjoy learning about gentle skincare for rosacea and sensitive skin, you might like Fairface Insider — a quiet monthly note with sensitive skin tips, early access to new launches, and occasional private offers.

Join here:
insider.fairfacewashcloths.com

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Shop Fairface Washcloths and help improve your sensitive skin!

1 Easy Way to Prevent Break-outs: Clear Skin Tip from Fairface Washcloths™

If clear skin is a priority, you'll want to be sure to read this 1 QUICK TIP to keeping your skin free and clear!

Anyone suffering from acne, Rosacea, or other sensitive skin issues, knows the vital role make-up can play in covering unwanted facial redness. Nothing to see here people!

Once you have chosen a foundation that doesn't irritate your skin, and has just the right tint to hide the red, it's important to make sure the way you are applying it doesn't sabotage your clear skin efforts.

*Disclosure: This post contains Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

THE KEY TO CLEARER SKIN

If you're applying foundation with your fingers, just STOP already. Believe it or not, there are oils on your hands and fingers (not to mention bacteria under your fingernails - eeew) that you could be rubbing into your face. Nice.

Whether applying your foundation with a make-up brush (a communal cringe for those of us with sensitive skin), or a squishy make-up sponge, just make sure it's CLEAN. Psssst - that was the key word - CLEAN.

Have you ever been witness to a cakey sponge (not to be confused with a sponge cake, which is actually quite good)? There are those who like to re-use and re-use and re-use their make-up sponge, until they've successfully morphed it into a bronze triangular cesspool of bacteria, dirt and oil.
Paints a nice picture, doesn't it?

It's like putting a clean just-out-of-the-bathtub-baby into a dirty, stinky pair of pj's. A travesty!

Using a clean make-up sponge on your freshly washed and moisturized face just makes sense. 

You will see a huge improvement in your skin by using a fresh, clean make-up sponge every time you apply your foundation. No more cakey sponges, but sponge cake is still okay. Yes, let's definitely keep the sponge cake.

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1 Easy Way to Prevent Break-outs: A Clear Skin Tip
from Fairface Washcloths™, the softest washcloths for sensitive skin including Rosacea, Eczema, Dermatitis, Psoriasis and other sensitive skin conditions.

Made with soothing, gentle, imported 100% cotton flannel for a smooth wash, without harsh textures that can cause irritation to Rosacea and sensitive skin.

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