Rosacea

Blushing, My Precursor for Future Rosacea

I have mild rosacea. I’ve always had a red tone to my skin and dark circles under my eyes. Blushing and feeling my face warm up was a common occurrence in my youth. Even cartoons would embarrass me. I had a love-hate relationship with the Flinstones. How could Fred be so mistake prone! He was cringey and made me blush! I blushed a deep shade of red especially when a teacher called on me, or when a boy talked to me, and during exercise. I didn’t know that these were precursor signs for future rosacea.

Ancestry and Midlife Skin

I’m 75% Italian and have German and Irish ancestry as well. Those Irish genes must be super strong. When I entered my forties the blush never went away. I thought it was my skin tone, not really remembering a time when it was any different. One day my parents told me that it looked like I had Rosacea.

Rosacea Triggers and Sensitivities

Rosacea has triggers. In my forties, a glass of wine would bring out small bumps on my skin. Triggers are even associated with allergens. I’m allergic to chocolate (GASP) and although I can eat small amounts, it also causes changes to my skin. My dermatologist gave me a cream that didn’t work. I went and purchased an Everlywell food sensitivity test and could not believe what I discovered! My highest sensitivity markers were dairy and eggs. Those numbers were off the charts. Today I understand that they were causing many rosacea flare ups.

Here’s a link to the Everlywell food sensitivity test that you can do at home. This is the one I used and as a disclaimer, if you use this link, I benefit as an Amazon Associate on qualifying purchases. Check it out!

The Gross Part: Demodex Mites

Here’s the fun part of my story. Enter Demodex mites. In my attempt to truly understand my rosacea, I started to do a deep dive on the internet and found the National Rosacea Society. Demodex Mites are on everyone’s skin. You can find a picture on their site, just click here. In midlife, it’s common to develop a rash and reaction to them. Wash your face people! Many Rosacea sufferers are given medicine and others use horse paste. Yes….horse paste, for horses. The horse paste kills the little buggers. My insurance wouldn’t cover the prescribed medicine, but because my rosacea was mild, I was able to avoid the horse paste.

What Worked for Me?

Understanding my food sensitivities worked for me. I reduced egg intake and used a substitute. I no longer drink milk or creamers and have found that my rosacea almost disappears!

What Works Against the Redness?

I’ve tried two types of green makeup. One worked and one did not. The tint in the makeup cancels out the redness. Although it won’t heal your rosacea, I use a product that completely covers it! I swear by this stuff. I’ll wake up in the morning with a blotchy face and start to gently rub this cream on my face and I barely even need foundation. If you haven’t tried this and are tired of the redness in your skin, I highly recommend. Again, I benefit as an Amazon Associate on qualifying purchases but the product link is DR.JART+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment 

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Rosacea is Progressive

Do you have a little redness? Rosacea is progressive and early treatment is critical for containing it. Your skin can thicken, your capillaries visibly surface and without treatment, you may develop a severe case. Don’t just dismiss your midlife skin as having adult acne. Look into your triggers and food sensitivities and consider seeing a dermatologist.

Midlife Rosacea can be added to the list of aging wonders and delights. Perhaps this is nature’s way of making us let go of our youth as we put on a purple hat with matching purple pants and live our best lives! Oh, the joys! Now, excuse me while I go wax my mustache.