May 30, 2019
updated
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I remember looking at my face in the mirror one day and thinking to myself, how could I be getting acne breakouts at 32? My teenage years were way behind me and now that I had two kids under five, my skin was acting up.
I spent years trying all sorts of over-the-counter products for what I thought were dry patches of skin and acne, which I ended up throwing away because they just didn’t help relieve my symptoms. I kept blaming the ingredients and my sensitive skin, when I should’ve gone to talk to my dermatologist.
The truth is that I was embarrassed. I’m what you call a no-make-up junkie. I love to wash my face, moisturize with SPF in the morning, and apply a thick night cream in the evening. Putting on make-up was one more thing to add to my daily routine, which I didn’t have time for with two kids under five.
Now, years later, I know that I was experiencing the classic symptoms of rosacea: blushing, acne-like breakouts, visible blood vessels, and sensitive skin with itching and stinging.[1] What I didn’t have was prominent facial redness, so rosacea never entered my mind.[2]
Instead, I just blamed it on hormones from having babies. But when I checked my hormones, I was fine. Go figure.
Finally, I decided to visit my dermatologist and in that very first visit, she confirmed that I had the same condition that more than 16 million Americans have, rosacea, and that the symptoms were a sign of the chronic inflammatory skin condition.[1],[2]
It all made sense. I already had chronic inflammation issues elsewhere, so the fact that it manifested on my skin during the winter months really explained things. Note: rosacea manifests differently for people.[2] It tends to appear after the age of 30 and it can be one symptom or a combination with flare-ups either regularly or occasionally.[2]
Because we’re all so different, it’s always best to let a dermatologist check out your skin if you’re concerned.[2]I know that I was embarrassed for quite a while about my skin and within a couple of weeks of treatment, my symptoms began to get better.
While my primary triggers tend to occur in the cold winter months, a lot of people suffer more during the hot months.[3],[4] Certain weather conditions, spicy foods, and/or alcohol can cause flare-ups (for instance, I flare with red wine that contains sulfates).[4]
What has helped the most when it comes to keeping my flare-ups at bay? Consistency of treatment, establishing a facial care routine, and doing my best to avoid my triggers.
If you guys follow me on Instagram, you know that I take a lot of selfies – most without make-up. I’m generally a very happy person and for me, having clearer skin is everything!
This is me, a couple of weeks ago after yoga walking back to my car in 17F weather! Clearer, happy, refreshed… I can’t ask for more.
In my stories, you also see me work out with my friend Christel. She also happens to be my dermatologist. Now, I bring up any skin concern because nothing is too insignificant to talk to her about! Helping me have bright and clearer skin is what she’s passionate about.
Interestingly enough, my skin is something people comment about a lot, usually when I’m not wearing any make-up. Healthy skin that’s treated from within withnourishing foods and on the outside with products that work is important.
If you’re struggling with keeping your skin clear and think you might have rosacea, it’s a good idea to talk to your dermatologist and see if Soolantra® (ivermectin) Cream, 1% is right for you.[2],[5] It is proven to effectively treat bumps and blemishes of rosacea in as little as two weeks.[5], [6]
For more information about rosacea triggers and causes, skincare tips, treatment options and how to find a dermatologist near you, visit Soolantra.com.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Indication: SOOLANTRA® (ivermectin) Cream, 1% is indicated for the treatment of inflammatory lesions of rosacea. Not for oral, ophthalmic or intravaginal use. Adverse Events: In clinical trials with SOOLANTRA Cream, the most common adverse reactions (incidence ≤1%) included skin burning sensation and skin irritation.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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[1] National Rosacea Society. What Is Rosacea? https://www.rosacea.org/. Accessed on April 17, 2019.
[2] National Rosacea Society. All About Rosacea. https://www.rosacea.org/patients/allaboutrosacea.php. Accessed on April 17, 2019.
[3] National Rosacea Society. Rosacea Sufferers Can Enjoy Summer Without Rise in Flare-ups. https://www.rosacea.org/rosacea-review/2001/summer/rosacea-sufferers-can-enjoy-summer-without-rise-in-flare-ups. Access on April 17, 2019.
[4] National Rosacea Society. Rosacea Triggers Survey. https://www.rosacea.org/patients/materials/triggersgraph.php. Accessed on April 17, 2019.
[5] Soolantra® (ivermectin) cream, 1%, for topical use, Prescribing Information. 2014.
[6] Stein, L., et.al., Efficacy and safety of ivermectin 1% cream in treatment of papulopustular rosacea: results of two randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled pivotal studies. Journal of drugs in dermatology: JDD, 2014. 13(3), pp.316-323.
