Lots of Small Dots on My Cheeks

Dear Sarah,

I seem to have lots of very, very small dots on my cheeks, not pimples at all, just blemishes or marks i guess.

Looking really closely, it looks like i might have some small red capillaries, but generally I just look a bit flushed.

Claire

More Details:
Age - 40
Products Used - Boots No.7
Moisturising Regime - Morning & Evening
Dry Skin? - Hands & Feet
Any Redness? - For several months

Dear Claire,

It sounds like you might have the beginnings of Rosacea - a dermatologist would be able to confirm if this is the case.

It is common in women over 30 and surfaces mostly on the cheeks and along the cheekbone.

If it is Rosacea then it is important you don't use any skincare products that contain alcohol (ethanol).

Always check the ingredient lists - alcohol is used a lot as a preservative.

I would also recommend staying out of the sun - direct sun exposure is considered to be one of the worst triggers of rosacea. Spicy foods and caffeine are also thought to cause flare-ups.

• Avoid creams that contain beeswax.
  
  Although a lovely natural ingredient it is very solid at room temperature and so can't penetrate the skin properly.
  
  It's why some natural creams can just sit on the face and feel cloying.
  
  This is not good if you've got sensitive skin (as it suffocates the skin) or skin that's prone to spots as the beeswax clogs the pores.
• Look out for chemical preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and sodium hydroxymethylglycinate.
  
  Both are commonly used by natural skincare brands as paraben replacements - unfortunately they are skin irritants and are starting to get quite a bad press as a result.
• Only moisturise in the morning and leave your skin to breathe at night.
  
  This is when your skin does all its healing and regenerating so heavy moisturisers can often interfere with this important natural process.

• Avoid face washes that foam as they contain chemical detergents which are very harsh on sensitive skin and not at all good for rosacea.
  
  The main detergents to look out for (and eliminate) are Sodium Lauryl Sulphate or Cocoamidopropyl Betaine.
  
  Opt for a detergent free cleanser instead and use just once a day to clean your face before you go to bed.

• Increase your intake of Essential Fatty Acids (Omega 3,6,9) as they are great at conditioning the skin from the inside.
  
  Oily fish, seeds and nuts are all good sources but if your diet is lacking these foods then Flaxseed or Evening Primrose oil would be a good supplement for you.
  
  It's best to buy in its pure oil form (you can get from most good health food stores) so it hasn't been overly processed.

• Chamomile & Rosehip Cream - Chamomile contains azulene which is a natural anti-inflammatory. It will help to soothe any redness.
  
  Rosehip will also help to heal and strengthen the skin and make it more resistant to flare-ups.
• Camellia & Rose Cleanser - detergent-free, super gentle cleansing cream which can be used to take off eye make-up also.
  
  Just massage on to a damp face and remove with one of our muslin cloths. Always finish with a splash of cool water to the face to close the pores.

**All content provided is for general information only. It should not be treated as a substitute for medical advice from your doctor or other health care professional.