Depending on its severity, rosacea can have a more or less significant impact on the daily lives of patients and can impair their quality of life. In this interview, Dr. AMODE, a Dermatologist and Venereologist in Paris, shares his advice on managing symptoms, controlling the onset of redness, and living better with rosacea on a daily basis.
Interview with Dr. AMODE: "Living with Rosacea on a Daily Basis."
Summary
Published on April 23, 2024, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 4 min of reading
Themes:
Question No.1: "What advice do you most often give to your patients?"
"Rosacea is characterised by skin reactivity. Therefore, it is important to avoid any micro-trauma, such as scrubs and aggressive chemical peels. We also recommend patients to carry out a gentle cleansing of their skin, avoiding rubbing it. Finally, it is also necessary to avoid exposing the skin to any situation that promotes significant vasodilation and therefore the occurrence of redness, such as high temperature variations, intense heat, spicy food, and of course, exposure to the sun, with UV being a factor that exacerbates the condition."
Question No. 2: "What recommendations can be given regarding skincare products and makeup?"
"For rosacea-prone skin , which is reactive, it is recommended that patients opt for products that are not harsh on the skin and contain a minimum of surfactants and a minimum of preservatives. Similarly, it is preferable to lean towards minimalist formulas that do not contain a large number of compounds. This helps to avoid stimulating the skin's reactivity and, consequently, vasodilation phenomena.
Thus, a simple cleanse with water and a gentle soap-free cleanser is advised, using a syndet or a micellar water that should be rinsed off. It is also recommended to apply a moisturising cream twice a day. It is important to ensure that your cream is non-occlusive, as people with rosacea often have combination to oily skin. Finally, it is important to not forget about photoprotection when leading a lifestyle that exposes you to light and UV rays.
Regarding the makeup, it is not strictly contraindicated in cases of rosacea, as long as it is non-comedogenic and non-occlusive. Opt for light and non-compact textures, similar to a tinted serum. Moreover, tinted products can help to enhance photoprotection."
Question No. 3: "Can certain diets help to alleviate symptoms?"
"In acne, it is known that a diet with a low glycemic index improves symptoms. However, this has not been proven in the case of the rosacea. Thus, apart from a low-sugar diet and combating sedentary lifestyle, which is advised for everyone, we do not make any specific recommendations regarding the diet for individuals suffering from rosacea."
Question No. 4: "What is the psychological impact of rosacea?"
"Rosacea is a visible disease that can have a strong psycho-social impact and can affect the mood of patients. Some may become withdrawn or exhibit depressive syndromes, but this is not the majority of patients.
The psychological impact of rosacea can significantly depend on the life stage at which the disease manifests. It is not the same in one's second or third decade of life, a time when one is building their identity and image is important, as it is in one's sixties or seventies.
There is no established rule, mild rosacea can have significant psycho-social consequences in some patients, while others suffering from rhinophyma do not seek treatment."
