Red-Faced at Rosacea

One of the main annoyances with skin conditions like acne and rosacea is where they live --your face. Rosacea, in particular, causes all-over facial redness that is brought on by an abnormality of the blood vessels, which tend to become overactive and cause attacks of flushing.

British dermatologist Dr. Tony Chu warns that if left untreated, "it can cause permanent skin damage," but says that it can be treated with drugs that calm the blood vessels.

Marie Cunningham, who works for the British charity Acne Support Group, suffers from rosacea herself. "The two most important elements of rosacea skin care are gentle moisturizing and sun protection," she says, and advises patients that they should wear a sunscreen even on cloudy days "because sunlight makes the problem worse." Use products that are formulated for sensitive skin.

What makes rosacea particularly difficult is that every rosacea patient is unique -- treatments that work for one person may aggravate another. The key to treatment lies in finding out what helps you, and discovering what activates an onset.

"You should try to identify what triggers flushing attacks," Cunningham says, and warns that alcohol is a common trigger, as are hot drinks and spicy food.

And while makeup may aggravate some, "I cope by covering my skin with light makeup," she adds, and suggests that an aloe vera gel can help to "cool the skin."