The Sher System, a water-based approached to skin problems developed by Canadian-born Helen Sher, is trying to raise awareness of rosacea, the distressing skin condition which is thought to affect approximately one in ten people in the UK.
Helen believes passionately that there are better approaches to rosacea than drugs and, during June, the Sher System is offering a free information pack (from www.sher.co.uk) and a hotline – 01784 227805 – where sufferers can get free one-to-one advice on how to care for their skin.
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes redness and swelling on the face. Rosacea often begins as a tendency to flush or blush easily, and progresses to persistent redness in the centre of the face that may gradually spread to the cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose.
Signs of Rosacea
Flushing
Many people with rosacea suffered from frequent blushing or flushing. This facial redness may come and go, and is often the earliest sign of the disorder.
Persistent Redness
Persistent facial redness is the most common sign of rosacea, and may resemble a blush or sunburn that does not go away.
Bumps and Pimples
Small red solid bumps or pustules often develop. While these may resemble acne, blackheads are absent and burning or stinging sensation may occur.
Visible Blood Vessels
In many people with rosacea, small blood vessels become visible on the skin creating red patches all over the face.
But while you are working with Helen to improve your rosacea, cosmetics consultant, Rowena Wilson has some suggestions as to how you can discreetly conceal the symptoms of rosacea. She says that that with the right make-up products, techniques and shades, there is no reason at all why you should not still look fabulous!
Make-up tips
As a professional make-up artist and skin camouflage consultant, I see people with many different skin conditions and issues associated with their appearance. With the right approach and a little patience it is very rare that a problem cannot be solved or at least lessened. So if you feel bewildered by what’s on offer online or feel that your condition prevents you from looking your best, here are some tips.
Do...
...use a sunscreen
A recent survey from the US National Rosacea Society found that sun exposure was the top trigger for rosacea flare-ups. Pick a sunscreen that protects from UVA as well as UVB rays and make-up guru Bobbi Brown advises that you should pick pick a sunscreen with SPF15 or higher, containing the active ingredients of zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, as other sunscreen ingredients can be irritating.
Skins Matter recommends: Kalme Day Defense Cream SPF 25
...use a primer under your foundation
As well as providing hydration and making your make-up last longer, a primer can help even out redness. They are relatively new inventions but I think they are really worth it.
Skins Matter recommends: Korres Organic Face Primer - but you will need ot serach the site to find it...
...use a foundation with a satin or matt finish
We need foundation that is yellow-toned and works with the primer. Go for a satin or matt finish rather than luminous. The most professional and hygienic way to apply your foundation is with a synthetic foundation brush. Start applying at the centre of the face and blend outwards.
Skins Matter recommends: Kalme Tinted Moisturiser and Rosacea Care Concealer
...wear bronzer
Blusher may give too much colour to the face and so bronzer is a more attractive option. It will give you a healthy glow when applied sparingly to the top of the cheekbones, tip of the chin and forehead.
Skins Matter recommends: Sher Bronzing Powders
...try lip gloss
Gloss will not only add shine but give the illusion of plump lips and make any lines around the mouth less visible. Go for neutral shades or very sheer pinks or corals. Gloss instantly makes you modern.
Skins Matter recommends: Lavera Lipgloss No 3 (brown)
...define your lashes
Select mascara for sensitive eyes that has been ophthalmologist tested. Curl your upper lashes using a metal eyelash curler to wake up your eyes and then apply two coats of mascara in black or dark blue. These shades will reflect into the eyes making the whites appear brighter.
Skins Matter recommends: NATorigin mascara (black, 6g)
Don’t...
...over powder
Powder is essential to fix your foundation but it must be kept to a minimum, focussing on areas that are prone to shine, such as nose and chin. Otherwise it will look cakey and highlight any fine lines.
Skins Matter recommends: Suki organic powder puff
...over colour
With rosacea we may need to tone down but that doesn’t mean be boring! Use neutral shades in cool tones on the eyes to give a sophisticated yet contemporary look. Smoke, slate, mink and bone are the basics with graphite, espresso and black for definition. These shades may have less pigment than strong, bright colours such as blues and greens and so maybe less irritating. Also say “no” to sparkles and glitter.
Skins Matter recommends: Green People Eco Eye Collection and Suncoat Vegan Smokey Eye Liner
...forget your eyebrows
Properly shaped eyebrows can give an instant face lift, framing your eyes as the focus of your face. Visit a professional beauty therapist to get the correct shape for your face and from then on you can maintain it. Always brush brows upwards and outwards and add definition with an eyebrow pencil using short, feathery strokes.
Skins Matter recommends: Elysambre Natural Eyebrow Pencil
...be scared to modernise your look
The products and the knowledge are out there, so take a little advice, learn some new tricks, but above all enjoy it!
To contact Rowena Wilson call 07910 168 577 or email info@rowenawilson.com. Her website is at www.rowenawilson.com
First published June 2010
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