The battle of rosacea

To the rescue If caught in time -- as soon as you notice persistent redness and before the onset of spider veins in the face -- you can decrease or prevent the development of the pimple stage.

There are a number of treatments available that can diminish the symptoms of rosacea, each with their own formula for decongesting and strengthening fragile blood vessels and hydrating dry skin. La Roche-Posay's Rosaliac Anti-Redness Skin Perfecting Daily Moisturizer, when used twice a day, is especially effective in treating thin, reactive skin in the early stages of rosacea. This moisturizer has the added benefit of a green tinted cosmetic cover-up to help hide the redness. DDF's Redness Relief is another good early-phase therapy that contains a number of plant-based derivatives, including yeast extract for calming, horse chesnut extract for reducing inflammation and toning blood vessels, and cocoa extract for increasing circulation. Emollients like these may also be used as adjuncts in severe cases of rosacea where topical creams or oral antibiotics are prescribed.
B. Kamins, Chemist, a Montréal-based company that specializes in stubborn skin care problems, recently introduced a line of products especially formulated for rosacea-plagued complexions (Bill Clinton and Jennifer Jason Leigh are said to be loyal fans). The Booster Blue line -- which includes a cleanser, mask, treatment and moisturizer -- contains a patented Bio-Maple compound to help moisturize and relieve inflammation. The treatment can be reapplied over makeup while the moisturizer has the added benefit of SPF 15, not to mention a distinctive blue-green optic to cosmetically neutralize even the most intense blush.

Stay the course Don't expect results overnight. Caring for rosacea is about committing to a program. "We're aiming for control, not a cure,"says Curtis. However, following a skin care regimen is worth the effort. "It took a couple of months for me to notice a difference,"says Roy, "but when I did, it changed how I feel about myself."

Read more in our Beauty and Face channels