Tips for Covering Up Rosacea
Many people with rosacea struggle to find suitable products to cover skin redness and does not exacerbate symptoms. Cathy, an active user on a rosacea support forum, expressed her frustrations “I’m beginning to think that there really isn’t any product that covers really well yet doesn’t look like I spackled on a ton, and doesn’t highlight dryness, that is long-wearing, but does come off with normal cleansing.”
Given that many ingredients in makeup may be unsuitable or too harsh for skin with rosacea, the right concealer or foundation is indeed difficult to find. Common cosmetic ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrance, synthetic dyes, petro-chemicals, alcohol, witch hazel, clove oil, eucalyptus oil, glycol acid and salicylic acid, may trigger rosacea or irritate sensitive skin.
Before applying any form of coverage, ensure skin has been prepped with a proper skin care routine of cleansing and moisturising. In general, minimise the number of cosmetics used, because the more products you apply to your skin, the higher the chance that it contains an ingredient that you are sensitive to. It may be helpful to use multi-function products, such as a product that provides coverage like face sunscreen for sensitive skin. Always test a new product in a peripheral area — your neck, your arm — before using it on your face to make sure your skin doesn’t react to it. Avoid any products that burn, sting or irritate your skin.
For those who are unable to tolerate mainstream cosmetics, Lycogel products are worth a try. Originally developed for use following aesthetic procedures such as chemical peels and lasers, Lycogel products are suitable for the most sensitive and irritated skin types, including for rosacea patients.
Lycogel® Breathable Camouflage and Lycogel® Breathable Concealer are colour corrective treatments that not only provides coverage with a natural finish, but also soothes sensitive skin and promotes healing and rejuvenation as well. Lycogel products contain the following active ingredients to improve skin:
- Biodyne TRFTM- peptide ingredient acting as an anti-inflammatory, cell regenerator, and wound healer
- PhytoCellTecTM- anti-aging and protecting the longevity of skin stem cells
- Epicalmin TCM- hydrating and enhances skin’s immune protection system
- Hyaluronic Acid- excellent hydrator and aids in plumping fine lines and wrinkles topically
- Antioxidants- Vitamins A, C, and E to protect against free radical invasion, delivered by phospholipids
- Plant extracts (squalene, olive leaf extract, centella asiatica extract, algae extract artemisia vulgaris extract)
- Zinc PCA- moisturises the skin, regulates the skin’s sebum production and has anti-microbial properties
- SPF 30 for sun protection
Available in various shades to match skin tones, the Breathable Camouflage can be applied in layers to the entire face for custom coverage that looks natural and weightless. The Breathable Concealer is triple pigmented for more concentrated coverage of problem areas; the green-tinted concealer is especially helpful to balance redness, so you can face the world with comfort and confidence.