It’s one thing to suffer from everyday issues like dehydration, clarity and lines, but what if your skin is higher-maintenance and your problems need more specific solutions? MELANIE MORRIS and specialist dermatology nurse Selene Daly examine the most common Irish skin complaints and address how to handle them.

READ MORE: Skin Wars: Eczema

Rosacea

WHAT’S GOING ON HERE?

Rosacea is a common rash that predominantly affects fair-skinned people from their thirties onward. It is a chronic condition and severity tends to come and go. Rosacea tends to affect the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose, and is characterised by redness, dilated blood vessels, small red bumps and pus-filled spots, often with a tendency to flush easily. There may also be uncomfortable inflammation of the eyes and eyelids.

WHAT’S THE SOLUTION?

Wear a good sunscreen every day – UV light is one of the greatest triggers of redness and flushing. Use cleansers and moisturisers that are for sensitive skin and non-comedogenic. Talk to your doctor if you have rosacea and begin to develop eye issues. Drinking alcohol, certain foods and sun exposure can cause rosacea to flare. Keep a diary of flare-ups so that certain choices can be identified and curbed. Don’t use scrubs, peels or toners. Dermatologists usually treat rosacea with topical preparations and/or antibiotics. IPL/laser treatments can also reduce redness and telangiectasia.

READ MORE: Skin Wars: Contact Dermatitis

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PRODUCTS TO TRY

Murad Correcting Moisturizer SPF 15, €49.50, neutralises and protects inflamed, irritated skin by minimising redness with a colour-correcting tint while shielding against sun irritation. Vitamin K reduces surface redness, while goji berry extract reduces inflamed skin and free radical damage. If acne is present with rosacea, Elave has a Skin Balancing Cleansing Gel, €14.95, and Moisturiser, €19.95, which treat acne effectively while being suitable for sensitive skin. Elave Daily Skin Defence SPF 45 is also an essential part of a rosacea regime.

This article originally appeared in the May issue of IMAGE, on shelves now.