Before and after using Cover FX. Photograph courtesy of www.facesbyfarah.com

We always associate apple-red, rosy cheeks with good health.  Red cheeks on a toddler look absolutely adorable!  But, if your cheeks look a little TOO rosy or you’re seeing pimples and acne -like bumps scattered around the redness, it may be time to ask your Dermatologist if you have Rosacea.

Even though Rosacea affects over 15 million people in the North America, the cause is unknown and there is no known cure. However,  there is medical help that can control the signs/sumptoms of this condition that affects the face, often in a butterfly pattern involving cheeks, nose, chin and area between the eyebrows.

Rosacea can start innocently with just a flush on your cheeks that seems to last a little too long.  You may notice it after exercising, eating spicy foods or even sipping a glass of red wine.  Cold weather, wind or sunny temperatures  can also bring on a dose of redness that lingers too long.  And, what about those pimples and red bumps that appear on skin suddenly and can be painful?  Can you really be going through puberty again?   The answer is “no” but the pimples of Rosacea look virtually identical to those of adult acne and it takes a Dermatologist to distinguish between the two.  Rosacea can also affect the eye and eyelids resulting in a gritty, itchy feeling with crusting and redness.

Rosacea does not just go away on its own and can get much worse when left untreated.  Unchecked, Rosacea can make skin thicker and unsightly looking.  Your doctor may try topcial creams or gels such as MetroGel to help calm down the skin.  Antibiotics,  such as doxycycline,  reduce the inflammation thereby diminishing the red bumps and pimples making the skin look clearer and healthier.  Laser can be effective for minimizing the red veins and broken capillaries  especially around the nose and cheek area.

According to the National Rosacea Society, people living with Rosacea can feel emotionally overwhelmed by this  inflammatory skin disease.  According to NRS surveys, more than 76% of Rosacea patients say this condition has lowered their self confidence and self-esteem and 41% report that it causes them to avoid public contact or cancel social engagements   Among rosacea patients with severe symptoms, nearly 70% say the disorder has adversely affected their professional interactions and nearly 30% say they have even missed work.  I quote from  the lastest Rosacea Review Newletter,  “Although medical lthreapy and proper care help to control the signs and symptoms of this disorder, the steady growth and aging of the population have raised the incidence of this chronic condition over the past decade.”  Rosacea may occur at any age, it tends to first appear during middle age and is thus now affecting the massive Baby Boom generation.

People living with Rosacea have clear goals: get rid of symptoms & redness and know that they will get better over time, not worse.  To achieve this, more than prescription medications are needed.  Tools such as Cover FX and laser therapy are key additions.  Cover FX products are economical and provide instant normality.  This helps with someone’s optimism and compliance with other therapies.

During the development of Cover FX products, in the Dermatology Dept of Sunnybrook Hospital, people with Rosacea were test subjects because their skin is so sensitive, it is truly considered intolerant skin. Wanting to address these concerns,  products were created that are paraben, oil and fragrance free, contain highly refined ingredients and UVA & UVB broad spectrum sun protection.  The wide colour range accommodates a global shade palette and is very natural looking when blended into one’s skin.

March is Rosacea Awareness month in Canada and April in the U.S. Consulting with a Dermatologist along with discovering the importance of recognizing and avoiding lifestyle and environmental triggers are highly recommended.  Cover FX  provides the means to keep your Rosacea under wraps and your secret!