We all get a little red in the face from time to time, whether it be from exercise, feeling embarrassed, or having a little too much to drink. It’s natural to get a little flush in the face during certain activities but for those with rosacea, that red flush doesn’t go away.
Rosacea is a skin condition that affects more than 16 million Americans. It’s characterized by a flushing of the cheeks, visible blood vessels in the face, and even sometimes pus-filled bumps that resemble acne. In fact, rosacea is commonly mistaken for acne as they can appear very similar.
Rosacea can flare up for weeks or months before going away and returning later. While rosacea in men is not as common as it is in women, its effect on men can sometimes be worse.
Below, we will cover some tips for men who are dealing with rosacea, including symptoms to look out for, usual causes, treatment options, and whether supplements can help.
Rosacea is chronic inflammation of the skin that can manifest in different ways. Besides a constant red flush in the cheeks and face, rosacea can cause:
Visible veins caused by blood vessels on your nose and cheeks that break and cause the appearance of spider veins.
Pus-filled bumps on the face that resemble acne
Burning sensation in the skin that may feel hot or tender
Eye problems such as dry, irritated, or swollen eyes and eyelids
Enlarged nose, also called rhinophyma, is due to the thickening of the skin on the nose making it appear more bulbous. Men often experience this symptom more than women.
While all these symptoms are commonly experienced by both men and women, men may have a harder time dealing with them than women. Sixty percent of patients with rosacea say that it negatively affects their interactions with other people due to embarrassment and lower self-esteem.
Both genders report negative social consequences associated with rosacea but unlike in women, rosacea in men is harder to conceal. Women have the option to conceal their symptoms with makeup, which many men are not comfortable with as a solution.
Men also face a unique challenge with rosacea that women typically do not: shaving. Shaving with a razor blade can worsen symptoms of rosacea by causing more skin irritation.
Unfortunately, the cause of rosacea is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by an autoimmune condition, genetics, environmental factors, or a combination of all of these.
Rosacea is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene. Risk factors for rosacea include being a woman, being over 30, fair skin that burns easily, smoking, and hereditary factors.
Additionally, there are certain things that may trigger flare-ups of rosacea in men and women such as hot drinks, spicy foods, extreme temperatures, sun and wind exposure, alcohol consumption, exercise, and some cosmetics and hair care products.
Rosacea can’t be cured, but there are treatment options available to manage the condition. The first step in managing rosacea symptoms is to figure out which factors trigger your flare-ups and do your best to avoid them.
Additionally, those suffering from rosacea should protect their skin from the sun by wearing sunblock and avoiding harsh or fragrant cosmetics used on the skin. Men who shave should switch to an electric razor blade and avoid shaving with dull razor blades that can irritate skin.
For mild cases of rosacea, topical creams that help reduce flushing can be prescribed by your doctor. Other medications include oral antibiotics and oral acne drugs to treat severe cases of rosacea with bumps and pimples.
Sometimes laser therapy may be suggested to reduce visible blood vessels in the face. Laser therapy is most effective in people with lighter skin tones.
Diet may play a role in reducing the inflammation caused by rosacea. One study suggests that microbes in the gut may be responsible for controlling the skin through the immune system.
A healthy gut detoxifies skin and has an anti-inflammatory effect that can reduce skin inflammation caused by rosacea. Maintaining a healthy gut starts by ensuring you are getting the right vitamins and minerals through diets and supplementation.* Below are the top vitamins and minerals for maintaining gut health*:
Vitamin A has anti-inflammatory properties that regulate sebum production therefore reducing bumps and pimples on the skin, and the redness associated with them.
Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant that kills inflammation causing free radicals. It’s also an antifungal and antimicrobial that removes potential rosacea inducing agents.*
Vitamin B3 acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that increases collagen production and encourages the proliferation of new skin cells.
Zinc is known for its benefits in improving immune system function, which helps treat rosacea caused by overactive immune systems. It also promotes skin repair functions.
Copper helps to develop collagen and elastin that make our skin stronger. It also promotes hyaluronic acid production, a key element to keep skin hydrated. Like vitamin C, copper has antifungal as well as antibacterial properties that help heal rosacea flare-ups faster.
Vitamin K helps to reduce inflammation, heal damaged skin faster, and improve the natural skin barrier. It also acts as a protectant against harmful UV rays from the sun that can trigger rosacea.
Probiotics help to maintain gut health and improve the normal microbial flora in the intestines. A healthy gut is essential for maintaining healthy skin.
A diet full of the appropriate vitamins and minerals will help to reduce your symptoms of rosacea flare-ups. However, it is not always easy to obtain these vitamins and minerals through our daily food choices. Fortunately, supplements provide the same advantages of a healthy diet for rosacea symptoms.
SkinVite is an all-natural supplement formulated specifically for rosacea and acne sufferers.* This supplement contains 19 pharmaceutical-grade vitamins, minerals, herbs, and supplements that help support skin health.* SkinVite supports a healthy gut that in turn supports strong skin detoxification.*
Supplements along with proper skin care and avoidance of triggering factors can help to treat your rosacea and allow you to lead a more normal life.* While SkinVite is not a magic pill for curing your rosacea, it can make your life that much easier.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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