Rosacea: Why is my face broken out? I am 54!
Today’s conversation about “I have Rosacea, what can I do?” is a post sponsored by Galderma Laboratories, L.P., the maker of Soolantra® Cream, on a rosacea treatment. I have rosacea and I know that many of my readers do as well and will find this information useful.
I have rosacea. It’s a condition that makes my peaches and cream complexion appear to have bumps, pimples and redness. While for me it comes and goes, rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that doesn’t go away without treatment. It’s really annoying as I have spent my entire life protecting my skin from the sun to keep it nice and reduce wrinkling…and now I have this skin condition that looks like acne (it’s not)!
Rosacea Stats*
- 1 in 20 Americans (16 million) are affected by rosacea (wow, that’s 5%!)
- Many rosacea suffers feel low self-esteem (75%) and embarrassment (70%)
- Nearly half (49%) of rosacea sufferers think they have acne (get diagnosed!)
- Even professional interactions can be affected, 60% of those surveyed agreed
* Stats gathered from the National Rosacea Society (NRS) and Galderma Laboratories, L.P.
Rosacea Triggers
- Sun Exposure: Make sure to wear your sunscreen (at least 30 SPF). I found that long rides in a car, with the sun beating on one side of my face, really leads to rosacea flare-ups.
- Certain Foods: Common ones include red wine, spicy food, hot liquids, cheese, and chocolate. (I haven’t found that food triggers my rosacea necessarily but on the other hand maybe I just don’t want to give up red wine, cheese or chocolate! Keep a food journal to figure out what food triggers you may have.)
- Skin Care Products: (I found this one to be a big one for me.) Avoid scrubs and products with too many ingredients (this was a surprise!). Products with alcohol, witch hazel, fragrances, and mint oils are irritants for many people with rosacea. Wash your face with an alcohol- and fragrance-free cleanser, rinse with lukewarm water, and blot dry with a soft cotton towel
- Family History: If you have rosacea, it is a high likelihood that other members of your family do as well. While anyone can get rosacea, those with fair, peaches and cream skin and from Eastern or Northern European descent tend to be more likely to have rosacea (I am all of these)
- Weather and Temperature: Both hot and cold, can be a rosacea trigger when it comes to weather, fire, and water temperatures (Yes, I notice this especially with cold!)
- Exercise
- Stress
- Demodex: Everyone has Demodex mites on their face (EWWWW!) Researchers believe that Demodex appear in greater numbers on the faces of people with rosacea.
I have rosacea, what can I do?
One thing I am doing is considering my rosacea triggers and work to control the triggers that I can.
Another thing that I am going to start doing is stop just CONCEALING my rosacea with makeup and start trying to HEAL my rosacea. I am excited about asking my dermatologist about trying a FDA-approved topical treatment that I can use once daily called Soolantra® (ivermectin) Cream, 1%. It is formulated to provide treatment of the bumps and pimples of rosacea, and for many is a powerful tool to fight this annoying condition.
These before and after photos from the were motivating for me and got me excited to ask my dermatologist if I could give Soolantra Cream a try:
While the mechanism of action of Soolantra Cream is unknown, ivermectin, the active ingredient in , has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-parasitic properties. With Soolantra Cream’s unique approach, the anti-parasitic qualities of ivermectin may be linked to the death of Demodex mites, which are thought to play a role in rosacea-related skin inflammation.
Do you suffer from rosacea too?
Download the Soolantra Cream Savings Card and get instant savings on your prescription and refills. And while you’re there, also grab the Patient Toolkit: printable rosacea trigger info and a discussion guide to take with you to your appointment.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Galderma Laboratories, L.P., the maker of Soolantra® Cream.
Important Safety Information
Indication: SOOLANTRA® (ivermectin) Cream, 1% is indicated for the treatment of inflammatory lesions of rosacea. Adverse Events: In clinical trials with SOOLANTRA Cream, the most common adverse reactions (incidence ≤ 1 %) included skin burning sensation and skin irritation. Warnings/Precautions: Not for oral, ophthalmic or intravaginal use.
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.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
This is great information, thank you for sharing about the topic
I’m glad there are ways to minimize rosacea. I used to have it but no longer do.
good luck
Glad you found something that works for you. Glad I don’t have that problem.
So many things that can trigger this. I would have never guessed you have it by your photos.
It’s amazing the foods that can set it off along with sunshine. I have Dermatitis on my right lower leg. I could not tell from your pictures, you look good in all your pictures.
I did not know that foods could trigger this condition . Thanks for all of this useful information
I’m lucky that mine just disappeared after many years.
Thank you for sharing. I have never had this before. And never do want it.
Thanks for all the info about Rosacea. I am now wondering if that is what my daughter’s former mother-in-law has. She seems to have red spots a lot at our granddaughters softball games. Now how to approach the subject with her without upsetting her. Any suggestions?
You know, it might not bother her. And it is hard to broach such a subject…Great question though. The Chief Blonde
I have rosacea too, although not too bad. (I get red as a tomato when I exercise, though, no matter how in shape I am, which generates some comments….) I’m going to ask my doctor about this medication; thanks for the info!
My dad suffers from rosacea. I will tell him about the information in this post.
I use this cream on my rosacea, especially in the winter. It works miracles! I wish it was easier to find locally.
every time I try full rx they need to order it.
I hope that your post will help inform patients so that they can better communicate with their doctors to prevent mis-diagnosis.
I didn’t know that rosacea also manifests as bumps. I thought it was only redness. I’m happy that this medication provides relief.
The Soolantra cream produces amazing results, judging from the photos. I’m sure this would be a relief for rosacea sufferers.
Thank you for the useful information very interesting post.
Were you able get Soolantra and test it out ?
If so how has trial been going I’m on 5th week so far…
Vivian, I do use it. It helps with the bumps for sure. For you? The Chief Blonde
i did not know all these facts about this skin disorder…Yhank you for informing me.