Living With Acne Rosacea

April 11, 2015

By Tricia Cusden

I reluctantly took the selfie above left as I hate people seeing the natural state of my skin. To have reached my age (67) and still be cursed with acne seems like the cruellest joke - surely being afflicted like some teenager with raging hormones should not be happening to a very post menopausal grandmother! However, whilst it seems very unfair, I still have to deal with the reality.

I have had difficult skin since I was that teenager. Sometimes the acne has affected more than my face, with breakouts on my chest and back area, but now it confines itself to the T zone of forehead, central panel of my face and my chin. It is also accompanied by red patches (rosacea) which flare up from time to time, usually when I am stressed. However overtime I have learned to deal with my breakouts and very few people believe me when I say that I have dreadful skin! As you can see from the picture above, once I have applied my beautiful LFF makeup, my skin looks even and blemish free.

How I Cope:

Scrupulous cleansing is essential with skin like mine, but is actually essential for every woman who regularly wears makeup. You are not only removing the makeup but all the polluted grime which builds up during a normal day (especially in a city) I am currently finding a new 3 step regime using Clinique products is working well for me. Having used an eye makeup remover, I use their Redness Solutions Soothing Cleanser which I wash off with a clean flannel (washed and changed daily - I have loads of flannels). This is followed with Mild Clarifying Lotion which is also a gentle exfoliator, and then I put small amounts of Clinique Clearing Gel onto my skin to dry out the spots. Sometimes, if I have a really bad break out, I use something stronger prescribed by my doctor.

Every morning I gently wash my face with water using another clean flannel. Then I apply Boots No. 7 Protect and Perfect serum followed by their moisturiser. I really hate spending lots of money on expensive skin creams. I want something that my unruly skin will accept and which works to keep it looking great - both smooth and nourished. I am fortunate to have few wrinkles despite never having had Botox, a face lift or any other so called 'anti-wrinkle treatments', and whether this is down to 8 years of daily use of these products or not I have no idea. However I love the feel on my skin and if you believe the scientifically proven data then maybe using these products has had a beneficial effect. The important point with serums and moisturisers is that they will protect against sun damage and they will add much needed moisture.

I know some people say its a myth but I know from long experience that over-indulgence in chocolate is lethal to my skin. I LOVE chocolate but I now find it fairly easy to resist. The old adage a moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips translates for me into a moment on the lips, horrible painful red lumps for days afterwards. I do eat fresh fruit and vegetables daily and I also believe that older faces need a certain level of fat in the diet. I get mine from Greek yoghurt (full fat), olive oil in salad dressings and semi-skimmed milk in tea.

Because of my experience I was very picky when it came to a foundation and a concealer for LFF. Ageing brings lots of problems to facial skin. It becomes blotchier and patchier. Some older women have prominent age spots and as skin thins, tiny broken veins may become visible. Then there are people like me who still have blemishes and red patches. Our Continuous Cover Foundation feels wonderful on the skin - its as though you are wearing something gossamer thin. However it covers all the problems and unifies the skin tone without looking heavy. Our Cover To Cover Conceal has Tea Tree oil in it which helps to calm the inflamed patches that it may be covering. So I love both products and I know that there are now many women out there who find our face products the best they have ever used. (See the reviews on the various product pages.)

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17 Comment(s)

Karen Collins

Apr 30, 2020 10:27

Thank you for this Julie. You clearly know all that there is to know about rosacea. I have just had a video consultation with my doctor as I have got a rash on my face. She thinks that it may be rosacea and is prescribing some topical cream. Is there any way I could send you a photo to se if it looks familiar to you? Like you, my rosacea photo looks nothing like the real me!
Best Wishes,
Karen.

Sandra Bovee

May 18, 2019 05:52

THANK YOU, Tricia, for being brave enough to post your rosacea picture! Yes, chocolate (along with alcoholic beverages and caffeine) are major culprits. I acquired the condition in my forties ... I am now 75 and still suffering rosacea breakouts. It is great to see there are products that can mask that awful condition.

Phyllis

Nov 26, 2018 09:50

I think if most “good for older women” cosmetics were not so expensive, we would be more open to trying these products that would make us look 100%better. Most of us are limited financially and aren’t able to continually purchase cosmetics that may not be suitable. I know I have and find it difficult getting the right.

Christine Dimmer

Jul 26, 2018 08:04

<p>Hi I have just stumbled across you on Instagram and what a joy! Someone who understands what it’s like to be older with acne! I will be following you ! There are more articles for me to read</p>

Mary

Jan 30, 2018 04:35

Tricia,
I had to write to thank you for your honesty in this message! I, too, have been struggling with acne rosacea since my early 60s (I'm now 67) and it has been quite the challenge. I enjoyed reading what skin care regimen has worked for you. I haven't tried your foundation yet - my skin is very sensitive and the smallest thing can cause it to break out - but the photo you posted is quite a testimonial to its effectiveness. It might well be my next purchase!

It is quite something to have to deal with rosacea and breakouts at this stage of life, especially since I never had to cope with skin problems as a teenager. It is easy to get discouraged about it at times, but as you said, it is truly a small problem in the great scheme of things.

I love your company, your products, and your positive messages about us older women. Keep up the fantastic work! I'm looking forward to your book!

isabel meléndez

Oct 21, 2017 06:03

Hello everybody! I want to share my experience, two years ago I was diagnosed with rosacea and It was really hard to accept at first, I was devastated. I went through several treatments, and the one that has helped me to control the redness is Dermalmd treatment for rosacea. I hope this helps you as well!

Donna Timm

Jan 06, 2016 17:23

I also dealt with the symptoms of rosacea and was treated by a dermatologist for four years to no avail. Finally, I joined an online rosacea support group, and a dermatologist who contributed comments suggested a face cream that had worked for some people, so I decided to give it a try. After a few weeks, the symptoms of rosacea subsided, and I continued to use the cream for about a year. I now have no rosacea symptoms. The cream may be worth a try if you are dealing with rosacea. It is "Redness and Blemish Control," which can be found at http://www.purpleemu.com.

Lyn Rozier

May 17, 2015 10:17

Thank you Tricia, apologies for late reply.
As I've been off work for a few months due to foot surgery I'm a little behind in getting the products I need from you....getting back to normal now financially so I'm definitely going to invest.
I would definitely love a sample pot....a good base is something I desperately need, think the face primer and base have to be next on my list!

Marilyn

May 12, 2015 15:15

Tricia - you are beautiful and I have a message of hope for you! I, too, have suffered with acne rosacea as an adult. But what used to be a major source of frustration has become a minor annoyance and I even feel comfortable going without makeup at times! I used many medications - both topical and systemic to try to control my rosacea but it never seemed to resolve. Only when I stopped eating gluten (found in wheat, barley, and rye) did my skin begin to improve. It has taken a while and it is an inconvenience, but I find it totally worth it, not only for my skin, but for many other vague symptoms that have resolved with this change in my diet. Now I use only sulfur lotion and 20% azelaic acid (topical) to control occasional minor breakouts - 2-3 spots. It can be a pain to become aware of gluten in the diet and to completely avoid it, but doing so has decreased the inflammation throughout my body and has dramatically changed my outlook and my skin.

Tricia

May 08, 2015 09:37

Hi Carole - thanks for your lovely comments. I think the Base and Primer would work well as it's formulated to cover well but still look light and fresh. I think it works brilliantly with the Prime which ensures that it glides on and stays put. WE will refund you in full if the Base does not suit you or change it if the colour is wrong. When I started LFF I hoped that I could become a voice for older women so that we were not so invisible to the beauty industry. I am beginning to speak up on your behalf and hopefully attitudes may eventually change. x

Carole Marshall

May 08, 2015 07:13

Hello Tricia, I've really enjoyed watching your You Tube videos, great to get advice on using and applying make up as I've not found beauty consultants in department stores to be in tune with mature ladies. They all seem to slap on loads of make up which accentuates the lines and wrinkles on my very dry and sensitive skin and eyes. I'm not sure if your primer and foundation would be suitable for my skin? You are an inspiration to us all to make the most of ourselves to face the world with confidence. Thank you!

fabadmin

Apr 18, 2015 10:25

Thanks for all this advice Julie - and I agree that what we eat is key to health and how well we look. I am having great success with the Clinique cleansing regime at the moment and my skin is greatly improved at the moment - so am feeling very chuffed with that. Do read my blog post this weekend which is all about 'making the effort' - which includes putting on makeup! Best wishes to you too. xx

Julie Moore

Apr 17, 2015 21:45

I just signed up for your blog and web site. I read about it Woman & Home magazine (which I love--much better than American mags). I also have rosacea-- it's pretty mild -- mostly broken veins -- I only breakout when I'm stressed. I wanted to suggest a couple of things. Our diet has EVERYTHING to do with our skin. Are you eating organic meats & dairy??? The pesticides, growth hormones & antibiotics in non- organic food causes many health problems. Also, getting plenty of greens in one's diet is a challenge for many people. I recently purchased a Juiceman juice machine ( I do not represent this company in any way-- this brand was recommended by Consumers Digest) and I do about 5 oz. daily of spinach, celery, and about 1/4 beet. I also take chlorella pills. The greens are great for your overall health, but especially make the skin glow. I think it's great that you are willing to show your natural face!!! I'm positive it will be a great advertiser for your products. Have you tried Liz Earle cleanser??? You can exfoliate & cleanse in one step and it really closes up the large pores. I enjoy reading your blog and watching your videos-- they are very informative. They have encouraged me to take the time to make up my face on a regular basis!!! Love and much success to you!!!

Tricia

Apr 13, 2015 23:28

Thank you Lesley and I think you are right to say that my challenging skin is the reason it hasn't wrinkled much. So although I HATE having spots I can cover them with our Fabulous Base and few people realise how bad my skin is. I am very pleased with the new Clinique regime which seems to be calming everything down. So glad you like our website and videos - it makes everything we do worthwhile knowing that we are appealing to an audience of older women who have long been over-looked!

Tricia

Apr 13, 2015 23:24

Thank you for your kind words Lyn. I will contact you by email because you are already a customer - we are getting some sample pots of our Base made as we speak and I can make sample pots up for anyone who requests them.

Lesley Astbury

Apr 13, 2015 17:05

You look at least 10/12 years younger than your actual age, with or without makeup, and I guess you can thank your oily skin for that. Your 'made up' face looks fabulous, light and pretty. I'm tempted to try your products soon, though my skin is highly sensitive. As my skin was oily and spotty into my thirties, I have few wrinkles for my age (68), and after a lot of trial and mostly error, I find Avon anew creams suit me. Like you I think consistent skin care is vital, protecting face from the sun, and good diet keep skin looking young. I don't believe there are any miracle creams out there, but using moisturiser helps. Love your website and videos. You look fabulous.

Lyn Rozier

Apr 13, 2015 01:36

Tricia you are amazing!
It's so uplifting to see your before and after pics, you look beautiful in both but the transformation with your make up is so refreshing for those of us with less than perfect skin. I don't have acne but do have very uneven skin tone and wish I didn't. I'm currently going through every BB and CC cream on the market in an attempt to find something which covers but doesn't settle mask like into my skin - I've quite large open pores so too much cover looks dreadful. It's a shame you can't offer samples of your base, both for colour and suitability. I've bought so many over the past few years I'm scared to try more. I am however off to purchase the Prime and the concealer as I'm so happy with both the lip and eye prime. Please keep up the good work, we need you!

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Living With Acne Rosacea

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