The Serum That Helped Clear Up My Rosacea Redness

For Adore Beauty

In September last year I went to see my Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon at The Skin Centre on the Gold Coast, Dr Andrew Freeman. It was time for my annual skin check, a review of my perioral dermatitis and a general skin chat. During this appointment, he also diagnosed my facial redness, flushed cheeks, broken blood vessels, and dry, rough texture around my nose as the early signs of rosacea.

I guess I should not have been shocked because I had naturally flushed cheeks my whole life which became more obvious when I was stressed, embarrassed, hot or drank alcohol. I was drinking a cocktail during my consultation (jokes – I just get nervous at doctors’ appointments so was super red).

Best skincare ingredients for Rosacea

I asked him about what type of skincare ingredients can be helpful for my rosacea, and he provided the following advice:

“Vitamins exist in many different forms and some can have great benefits for our skin. One of these is Nicotinamide (also known as niacinamide), a type of vitamin B3 which is now widely used in the beauty industry as well as medical industry”.

“It is probably best categorised as an anti-inflammatory for certain skin conditions, especially rosacea, however, is safe in all skin types. It works to both improve the angriness of the rosacea but also prevent some of the environmental triggers that can set rosacea off.”

“The second useful ingredient is resveratrol. This has been clinically shown to reduce oxidative stress on cells and, importantly in rosacea, reduce UV induced cell damage. Just like vitamin B3, there are multiple variants of resveratrol that have benefits from antioxidant, rejuvenation to skin lightening.”

So, after my appointment I went home to Google more about rosacea and found….

“Rosacea can affect anyone.”

UM OK

”But it’s most common in middle-aged women.”

Hmmmm I am 30.

“who have light skin.”

I am transparent so I guess that’s me.

“and have Celtic or Scandinavian ancestors.”

Yeah, my family is Irish/English/Norwegian

“Subtype one, known as erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR), symptoms include flushing and redness in the center of your face, visible broken blood vessels, sensitive skin and dry skin”.

OK OK OK I get it; my dermatologist was right. I have rosacea.

Finding a serum for me

So, I knew it was time to buy a serum with niacinamide and resveratrol and get my redness and skin texture under control.

I spent a few weeks researching, and then decided to purchase the asap super B complex serum because it was made up of these two recommended ingredients and claimed to prevent dehydration, boost collagen production, minimise redness and inflammation and leave skin glowing.

The main ingredients

- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) to reduce and prevent dehydration whilst boosting collagen production and minimising redness and inflammation. It’s also great for congestion to help with bumps.

- Resveratrol is an anti-inflammatory antioxidant that prevents environmental damage to the skin which causes ageing.

- Hyaluronic Acid to lock moisture into the skin whilst plumping and visibly reducing dehydration and fine lines, creating a healthy skin barrier.

- Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid gently exfoliates dead skin cells to minimise pores, uneven texture/tone, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines whilst stimulating collagen production.

- Xanthan gum assists with texture.

Incorporating it into my routine

I applied the serum every second evening between October and December 2020 after cleansing. It is a thin, clear serum with a gooey, wet, and cool texture that goes on very easily across my whole face. I like to lock in the moisture with a rosehip oil over the top.

So, on the night I apply it, the routine looks like this:

1. Cleanser

2. asap Super B complex serum

3. Facial Oil

Results

I can confidently say it has improved my skin texture, reduced redness, and left my skin feeling much more hydrated and glowy. When I put the serum on, I feel an immediately cooling and soothing sensation and it lessens sensitivity. I of course still get some slight flushing but nothing too crazy like before.

I love how the formula has Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, as well as small amounts of Glycolic and Lactic Acid because it has become three products in one for me. I avoid exfoliating more than once per week due to a fear I will compromise my barrier again and trigger perioral dermatitis, so this has been great to gently keep my face looking radiant and clear.

Repurchase?

Already have! I am just finishing my current serum bottle and I am in love. I would recommend it for people with dry and sensitive skin. I find that it is excellent value because of the combination of ingredients, and I do not need to buy a Hyaluronic Acid serum separate to my Vitamin B.

Price: $81.90 at Adore Beauty

Links

The Skin Centre website: https://www.skincentre.com.au

The Skin Centre Instagram: @theskincentre

Dr Andrew Freeman Instagram: @drandrewfreeman