Beauty, Skincare, Treatments
Rosacea is a long term chronic inflammatory skin condition which is characterised by facial reddening, or flushing from enlarged blood vessels close to the skin surface. This redness appears particularly around the nose, forehead and cheeks; the colouring can also be accompanied by spots, pustules and skin lesions.
It’s thought that between 5-20% of the world population suffer from rosacea, and 1 in 10 people in the UK. Rosacea affects more women than men, especially fair skinned females between the ages of 30-60, and middle aged women are more at risk due to the hot flushes caused by the menopause.
* Hot flushed burning skin with stinging sensations,
* Permanent redness
* Spots, papules – small red bumps on the skin and pustules – pus filled swellings
* Small blood vessels which are visible under the skin surface
* Thickened rough skin, and excess tissue especially around the nose
* Eye irritation dryness, cysts, styes and eyelid inflammation
It’s hard to pinpoint the exact cause of rosacea, as it is thought to be hereditary but these triggers have been noted.
* Stress
* Exposure to sunlight
* Exercise
* Cold weather especially wind
* Heat
* The menopause
* Medication, such as vasodilator drugs
* Hot drinks
* Alcohol and caffeine
* Food such as spicy food
A recent study by scientists at the National University of Ireland have identified a tiny mite, demodex folliculorum, which lives on the surface of the skin, and in normal circumstances causes no harm. However rosacea sufferers were found to have 10 times as many, and the suggestion is that stress causes flares-ups which changes the chemicals in the sebum which these mite live off, this produces more food for the mite to feed. So although the indication is that this mite could be the cause of rosacea, factors such as stress, heat, diet and medications can also be responsible.
As well as all the above symptoms, rosacea has a devastating effect on a person’s confidence and self-esteem, it can lead to embarrassment, anxiety and depression and a disrupted social life.
Lesley Robinson Herbalist and founder of Little Herbal Company gives this advice:
Firstly look at the known triggers that make the condition worse, they will be unique to the sufferer. Avoid exposure to the sun and try to keep a food diary as certain foods can trigger an outbreak of rosacea. Outbreaks can occur for hours or as long as a day after the offending food has been eaten. Anti-inflammatory herbs such turmeric may be effective at soothing symptoms of rosacea, to help reduce irritation and puffiness, and improve circulation round the affected areas. Stick to the recommended daily dose, unless you are taking medication for high blood pressure in which case you should avoid taking turmeric.
Remember that your skin is an organ which breathes and soaks everything in, so be kind to it. Apply only gentle non-abrasive products to your face. Don’t use soaps containing sodium laurel sulphate and other harsh chemicals on your face. Instead use organic soap or cleanser followed by a gentle toner, rosewater or witch hazel.
Kuswera Zuro is a botanical remedy which people have had amazing results with treating rosacea. Kuswera Zuro which translates as ‘the day before yesterday’ is rich in anti-oxidants and is based on the African potato tuber, which is naturally anti-inflammatory. To this we blend jojoba, evening primrose and aloe vera, this makes a terrific combination to help rosacea. Kuswera Zuro also contains linolenic acid, an unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid, which can improve the health of the skin, reduce wrinkles and ageing and renews sun-damaged skin.
Kuswera Zuro is available from Little Herbal Company 60g £24
Good sources of linolenic acid include evening primrose oil, and I would suggest you take this as a supplement at a dose of 500mg twice a day.
Sue Tucker has experience of the devastating effects of Rosacea, here she shares her success using Kuswera Zuro.
It all started up in the Pacific Island whilst cruising on our yacht for 7 months. My partner noticed red marks on my skin and insisted I keep the sunblock on regularly, being fair skinned with blue eyes the sun doesn’t look upon me too kindly. Unfortunately, this was not sunburn. It was the beginning of Rosacea brought on by sun exposure. In recent years I have suffered from Lupus and knew I would have to be careful with sun exposure. I applied sunblock almost constantly fearful of further damage and knew I would have to see a skin specialist when I returned to New Zealand.
By the time I got home, my skin was in a mess. I didn’t want to go out as the areas affected by Rosacea were now raw and bleeding. The Rosacea was spreading so I decided to see a skin specialist urgently. Unfortunately the Skin Specialist was overseas and couldn’t see me for three weeks.
By chance I was reading the Northern Advocate, a local New Zealand paper where Lesley Robinson from The Little Herbal Company writes a column in the health section. What I read, was the beginning to my recovery.
I started applying Little Herbal’s Kuswera Zuro herbal skin cream twice daily. Kuswera Zuro is a natural everyday moisturiser containing aloe, jojoba, evening primrose oil and, most importantly, the African Potato Tuber, which is rich in anti-inflammatory plant phytosterols. Instantly my skin stopped burning and the healing started overnight. I couldn’t believe how quickly the healing process took place. I also changed my cleansing regime to a simple soap wash (ph balanced, non -perfumed) and toned with witch hazel lotion, before applying the Kuswera Zuro cream. Within a week all the broken skin had healed and the redness was disappearing. My skin has not looked or felt so good for a long time. I will continue to use Kuswsera Zuro as a daily moisturiser to maintain my skin’s balance. Since using the Kuswera Zuro cream I have started to take Little Herbal’s supplement Simba – immune support to balance and regulate my immune system as lupus (an auto-immune condition) has recurred over the years during stressful periods.
As for my appointment with the skin specialist, I cancelled that as he would have wondered what I was concerned about.
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Read more about Lesley Robinson here.
With all cosmetic products patch test behind the ear for 24 hours before use.
