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I have many regrets. So much money spent, so many tears. But thankfully, I now know how to manage it. I just hope it never gets as bad as it once was, I’d forgotten how bad it was until I looked back at these old photos.
My earliest memory of the redness was when I was around 20 years old. I worked in retail at the time, at Forever 21. I remember there being multiple occasions where customers, total strangers, would ask me if I was ok or whether I was unwell and then proceed to point out the fact I had a red nose. At that point I thought I had sensitive skin. It's funny because I look back at photos of me during this time and I just don't see it, I don't see the redness. But those memories of complete strangers pointing out my red nose, I definitely remember.
Skip forward a few more years to the age of 26 and this is where I start taking photos of my skin. It went from just having a red nose to breakouts and red bumps. At this point, I still didn't know what it was but I was buying serums, toners, exfoliators, treatments, anything claiming to clear spots to try and help, which of course none of it did.
I then saw another GP who told me that I had Rhinophyma, which is a severe stage of Rosacea. I was prescribed a topical liquid, I can’t remember the name, but it came in a small roll-on bottle with a mesh applicator. Which was so uncomfortable to use on my sore skin. Sadly, this didn't seem to do much so eventually gave up on the GP.
My earliest memory of the redness was when I was around 20 years old. I worked in retail at the time, at Forever 21. I remember there being multiple occasions where customers, total strangers, would ask me if I was ok or whether I was unwell and then proceed to point out the fact I had a red nose. At that point I thought I had sensitive skin. It's funny because I look back at photos of me during this time and I just don't see it, I don't see the redness. But those memories of complete strangers pointing out my red nose, I definitely remember.
Skip forward a few more years to the age of 26 and this is where I start taking photos of my skin. It went from just having a red nose to breakouts and red bumps. At this point, I still didn't know what it was but I was buying serums, toners, exfoliators, treatments, anything claiming to clear spots to try and help, which of course none of it did.
In 2018/2019, I finally saw my GP. Their response? "Hormones, go on the pill." From personal experience, this is what they say about everything. I could go in with my arm hanging off and they'd say the contraceptive pill would cure it.
I then saw another GP who told me that I had Rhinophyma, which is a severe stage of Rosacea. I was prescribed a topical liquid, I can’t remember the name, but it came in a small roll-on bottle with a mesh applicator. Which was so uncomfortable to use on my sore skin. Sadly, this didn't seem to do much so eventually gave up on the GP.
My skin got really bad in 2021, it had progressed onto my forehead and was incredibly sore. It was impossible to cover up with make up. This was definitely a very low point for me mentally. I couldn't bear it, I remember I hated looking at myself in the mirror. It was also a time when Covid restrictions were reducing meaning people were socialising more and I just remember not wanting anyone to see me.
I decided I needed to go and see someone who was knowledgeable on skin conditions and get some guidance. So I started going to Medizen in Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield. I was prescribed a skincare routine (I can't recall all of the products but I do remember the Obagi Gentle Cleanser and the Heliocare Mineral SPF). I went there for four months but I wasn't seeing any improvements from the skincare products and it was costing money that I couldn't afford long term at that point.
A colleague suggested her aesthetician, and at that point, I was willing to try anything. So I went for a consultation and then on the 29th October 2021 I went for my first ever Chemical peel. I loved my appointments, I really enjoyed going, I loved how the rest of skin looked as a result of the facials it just didn't clear my Rosacea. I stayed with it until September 2022. Alongside the Chemical Peels, I was also using Alumier skin products, I was using the HydraBoost cleanser, Ultimate Boost Serum, AHA Renewal Serum, HydraSmooth Moisturiser and the SPF all recommended to me by the aesthetician.
As good as the rest of my skin looked, the rosacea was not getting better. On top of that, in May 2022 I randomly had my first allergic reaction. I recall it going away very quickly but boy did it come back with a vengeance in July.
I had to cut my skincare right back after that first reaction. I was only using the cleanser and moisturiser but when I reintroduced the SPF in July, I had that second horrible reaction. Once it had calmed down, I went back for a couple more Chemical Peels and eventually stopped in September 2022. I stopped for a number of reasons, I couldn't justify spending the money when we were saving for our wedding. But I also couldn't justify spending the money when I just wasn't seeing positive results. I felt so defeated and felt like my skin was going to be this way forever. I can't explain how low having my skin like this made feel. It was painful, it would break open and weep. No amount of make up covered it. People constantly pointed it out to me.
In November 2022 I made the best decision I've made whilst on this journey. I contacted Bupa (which I get through work) and was referred to a dermatologist. Due to Rosacea being considered a chronic illness, it isn't covered under my Bupa coverage but because it had got so bad, they agreed they would cover a consultation with a Dermatologist. So off I went and they spent all but 5 minutes with me before prescribing me with antibiotics and Soolantra. I took the course of antibiotics and used the Soolantra daily. Looking back at photos I can't believe the difference in my skin. It's honestly all down to the Soolantra. Look at the difference between the middle photo and the photo on the right, thats in 4 months. In March 2023 it reduced so much, similarly to what my skin was like in 2018.
All those pictures above are unrecognisable compared to what my skin is like today. I only apply Soolantra if I'm having a flare up which isn't very often. I'm still learning what products my skin likes and dislikes. If I have a flare up after using something it instantly gets gifted to my besties and I've learnt that my skin loves the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser and the CeraVe Hydrating Moisturiser, they're my staples. I still love to try new skincare but I'm very mindful of what I use, I avoid retinols and the chemical exfoliants, I'm too scared to try them if I'm honest. If you have Rosacea, what are your staple products? I’d love to hear your recommendations!
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| My skin today |
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| My skin today |
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