how humidity can be a real pain for rosacea skintypes

the connection between low humidity and rosacea

We all hope to avoid skin like this but when humidity levels drop in Winter then our skin can be as dry as the desert. This leaves our skin prone and open to the dreaded rosacea roughness and redness... Read on for how to combat it !
Firstly what is humidity and what are the ideal levels ?
Humidity is simply the amount of water vapour in the air and is measured in % terms. Ideally humidity should be between 40 and 60%. Around this time of year we put on the central heating and the air in our homes begins to dry out. Humidity levels can drop down to as low as 20%. If we have rosacea skin particularly type 1 rosacea we will begin to feel the effects often before we see them. Our skin feels tighter than normal and this tightness is a sign of lack of water and oils in our skin. What can we do about it ?
My own easy solution -dry clothes on the radiators at home..but only use mild washing powder and dont do this if someone in the house suffers from asthma. The other options are to buy a steam humidifier or place bowls of water on top of radiators
How low humidity affects your skin and general health
If you have dry eyes - which is often associated with type 1 rosacea - then low humidity is a real problem for you. It increases the evaporation of tears which are our natural eye lubricant. If we dont want to buy a humidifier or dry clothes indoors or put out bowls of water on top of radiators then the only other thing to do is to use artificial tears or eye drops.
And what about our skin ? Dry (low humidity) air will draw the moisture out of your skin leaving small cracks on the skins surface. Its important then to step up your moisturising regime. A good rich moisturiser helps slow down water loss across the skin surface. Especially if we are lacking in natural oils (sebum) which is typical of type 1 rosaceans.
the finca skin organics winter balm
our balm is made especially for people who have real difficulties with their skin in dry winter air. The balm is full of rich plant oils so only a very small amount needed. Its main oil is raspberry seed oil which is naturally high in spf so no chemical sunscreens here !!
and a wee word from an American Rosacea forum
'' I have been monitoring the humidity in my room over the last several weeks using a hygrometer I bought, to find that in these winter months it has been low (i.e. in the high teens or low 20's). ''I bought a humidifier 2-3 weeks ago, and have been keeping the humidity between 35-45. I have seen a significant improvement in my facial redness, and my face does not seem as irritated as before. '' senior member posted Jan 2011
and dont forget hydrate from the inside - plenty of water and add an omega 3 capsule daily to your general health regime....
winter balm is available on www.rosacea.ie/products priced at € 34.95 for 50ml ...should last you throughout the winter season...
so this is a nice shortish blog this time- hope it has helped some of you....love and best wishes finola