Rosacea alert! If the skin shows red pustules, veins and blisters, but neither impurities nor an oily sheen, it is usually a question of chronic inflammation. expert dr Jetske Ultee explains how the sun affects the disease, which products and which sun protection factor your skin needs and gives useful tips.
Briefly explained: what is rosacea?
A skin disease with many names and faces: rosacea, rosacea, acne rosacea, couperose or colloquially copper rose occurs primarily on the face, but can spread to the whole body. At first glance, the redness and pustules are reminiscent of acne, but the skin is very dry, irritated and inflamed. The exact causes of rosacea have not yet been clearly defined. However, researchers and experts have already been able to identify several factors that influence the condition of the skin and the clinical picture to a greater or lesser extent. These include, among others:
- genetic factors
- Environmental influences such as heat and cold, wind, sun, humidity, air pollution
- Fragrances and alcohol in cosmetics
- laundry detergent
- Dyes and additives on textiles
- physical stimuli such as pressure and friction
- sun exposure
After chronic damage to the skin from UV radiation, the connective tissue is impaired, the blood vessels are dilated and the skin becomes prone to inflammation. We talked about the role of the sun in rosacea with expert Dr. Spoken to Jetske Ultee.
In the clip: This helps with rosacea
Sun protection for rosacea – all tips from Dr. Jetske Ultee
dr Jetske Ultee has been researching cosmetic dermatology since 2004. The research doctor has been sharing her expertise on her own blog since 2009 and finally published her own book full of expert knowledge about skin care. Her foundation has been in existence since 2014 skinwiser for more safety in cosmetic products and is primarily committed to safe and correct sun protection at any age. We spoke to her about the importance of sun protection for rosacea. What do patients need to know? What can go wrong? What sun protection does rosacea skin need? We have all the questions and answers, with the best tips from the expert.
Why is sun protection so important for rosacea?
“One of the things that has to do with this is free radicals. UVA radiation causes these harmful substances to form in the skin. Free radicals can cause inflammation and damage in the skin. They may even be a contributory factor in the dilated blood vessels that are often seen in rosacea “Unfortunately, these particles are particularly hard on rosacea sufferers. Add to that the fact that sufferers have low levels of antioxidants, and these are the very things that can scavenge those harmful free radicals. But there’s something else. Through UV light a certain antibacterial protein is formed: CAMP or Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Peptide. This protein switches off invaders in the skin and protects them. In rosacea patients, the immune system reacts so sensitively that more CAMP is formed than necessary, which all the more causes inflammation caused in the skin.”
Which sun protection factor do rosacea sufferers need?
“For rosacea, my advice is to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 all year round. A sunscreen product with SPF 50 offers even better protection from the sun. It’s also important that the skin tolerates the sunscreen well.”
What should you consider when choosing sun protection products?
“Sun protection products should contain UVA and UVB filters. For rosacea skin, it is important that the products do not contain any irritating substances or perfume. Since rosacea skin has fewer antioxidants, a cream with antioxidants offers additional protection against free Radicals. In addition, you should use the cream not only in summer but also in winter to be protected all year round.”
Are there useful tips that go beyond sun protection products?
“You can also get antioxidants through food, which offers a little extra protection, but it’s also important to note that certain foods can trigger flushes in rosacea, such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, and chillies. Each case is a little different. Plus sunscreen is not the only way to protect yourself from the sun. Protective clothing such as caps, hats and sunglasses also help and should not be underestimated. Neither does a protective, shady spot.”
Are rosacea patients allowed to sunbathe at all?
“Of course you can sunbathe with rosacea, but then you should protect your face well from the sun with sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. During the hottest hours of the day it would be better to avoid the sun.”
How to care for the skin after exposure to the sun?
“The very best pre- and aftercare in summer? It’s not a special aftersun, but a product, whether it’s a toner, serum or cream, full of antioxidants. My personal tip: keep the toner in the fridge so that the after-sun care still feels good refreshing. And the ingredients of the skin care products stay fresh and effective for a particularly long time.”
How to properly care for the skin after a sunburn?
“If you’ve gotten a sunburn, you can cool the skin with compresses, for example with diluted milk or with cooled fresh green tea. Then creams, a toner or serum with antioxidants like niacinamide, vitamin C and green tea extract help. Other soothing ingredients are aloe vera, beta-glucan and liquorice root. If you have bad sunburn on your body, take an oatmeal bath. Put about 40 grams of finely ground oatmeal in a bathtub with lukewarm water and soak in it for about 15 minutes. This will relieve the discomfort and protect the skin.”
The best rosacea products before and after sun exposure
Solar Skin Shield SPF 30 or Solar Skin Shield SPF 50 from Reviderm protects the skin with UVA and UVB broadband filters, also promises reliable defense against free radicals and is even compatible with hypersensitive skin.
The Vinosun Protect Very High Lightweight Cream SPF 50+ by Caudalie protects against UVA and UVB rays, contains antioxidant active ingredients, is also fragrance-free and has an ultra-light texture.
The mineral one SPF 30 sunscreen high protection by Malin+Goetz contains niacinamide and vitamin E and protects against UVA and UVB radiation.
The toner by dr Jetske Ultee supplies skin with antioxidants before the sun and soothes it after the sun.
Floral Essencea natural toner and liquid serum, by The Glow made from organic rose hydrosol, organic orange blossom hydrosol and aloe vera supplies the skin with mat bean extract to protect it against free radicals.
The F-Balm Electrolytes Waterfacial by Drunk Elephant cools and soothes the skin and supports the regeneration of cells.