Sometimes red is wrong – especially when it’s on your face

(BPT) - For many women over the age of 30, fine lines and wrinkles are the top beauty concern, as they use creams and other cosmetics to counter aging, sun exposure and previous excesses. However, many women over 30 don’t know they are also the prime candidates to be affected by the common, yet often unknown, skin condition rosacea. This condition can be aggravated by some ingredients frequently found in anti-aging products.

Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory and vascular disorder affecting the face, which can cause redness, visible blood vessels, bumps and blemishes that typically appear in the middle of the face. Triggers for the condition can be as varied as spicy foods, alcohol, emotional stress, sun exposure and hot baths.

A unique digital perception survey, developed in partnership between the National Rosacea Society (NRS) and Galderma Laboratories, L.P., revealed that based on first impressions of images, Americans are less likely to perceive sufferers as being social, healthy and likely in a relationship, compared to their clear-skinned counterparts.

According to survey results, those with facial redness are more likely than those with clear skin to be seen as shy and quiet (22 percent vs. 17 percent) or nervous (18 percent vs. 11 percent). Survey respondents also thought that rosacea sufferers were less likely to be outgoing (38 percent vs. 27 percent) and less likely to be in a relationship (26 percent vs. 17 percent) than their counterparts. Many people who don’t have rosacea think that redness is a sign of poor health. Those with clear skin are more likely to be seen as healthy (65 percent vs. 37 percent)or in shape (49 percent vs. 33 percent) than rosacea sufferers, according to the research.

“Juggling a career on one side and family and friends on the other, people in their 30s, particularly women, often put taking care of themselves on hold and put the well-being of others before their own,” says Dr. Richard Fried, a dermatologist and clinical psychologist in Yardley, Pa. “This can cause them to ignore common rosacea symptoms such as facial redness, which, along with the use of unsuitable skincare products, can worsen the condition over time.”

Dr. Fried suggests taking these three simple steps to start managing rosacea symptoms:

* Read the label and be gentle: Many ingredients commonly found in skincare products can irritate sensitive skin and even act as triggers for rosacea. Alcohol, witch hazel, fragrance and menthol are common irritants; anti-aging creams containing alpha hydroxyl acids as well as harsh cleansers such as scrubs and astringents should be avoided.

* Know your triggers: Rosacea flare-ups can be affected by a variety of environmental and nutritional factors. However, triggers vary from patient to patient, so it can be helpful to keep a rosacea diary, noting when flare-ups occur and what might have caused them. Some of the most common triggers include sun exposure, emotional stress, alcohol and spicy foods.

* Visit your doctor: People discount facial redness as a cosmetic concern and don’t realize that it may be a symptom of rosacea. People who experience persistent facial redness, should visit their doctor for a proper diagnosis and to learn about prescription treatment options available to them.

If you suspect that you might suffer from rosacea, visit www.RedIsWrong.com to find out more about this often misunderstood skin condition and see your doctor to discuss a skincare routine and learn about effective prescription treatments.