Many years ago I had very strong rosacea around and on my nose. My self confidence was on the floor. When I heard someone call me Rudolph, that pretty much put the nails in the coffin of my self esteem.

So several years ago I had a series of treatments. Initially the broken veins were targeted, which was great (who likes to see permanent red veins in the mirror). Then the deeper veins were targeted, and some of the feeder veins.

Hello - as I write this blog to reflect on progress, there is still little to report since my rosacea treatment in September. All is looking good, and I am very happy.
So I thought I might mention another side effect of IPL. I did have a few blemishes and age related broken veins / thread veins which I see in many people of my age. Whilst I am  not so image conscious as to necessarily treat these specifically, they have all now gone as part of my IPL treatment. This has left me with a very even skin tone, which I must admit is quite pleasing.

Last time I visited Sheila at the clinic (in September), she explained that she had a new IPL machine for tackling rosacea. She said it stung a tiny bit more, but did not leave the usual tell-tale bruising. She also said it was more effective.
I have to say initially I was sceptical, as after my first top up treatment I had another redness flare-up about two weeks later. However it has been two months since my second top-up and so far my skin has been perfect. So it would appear that the new machine really is better (for me at least). The new computer control system has a variety of settings that control in the finest detail, the power, frequency and depth focus of the double pulse. I imagine it is not just the machine itself, but knowing how to drive it, and it hopefully goes without saying that there is no-one I trust to do that more than Sheila.
This is the first time I have really reflected on the clinic and equipment in my blog, but after this period of time, I really am impressed.

Hi all, apologies for the radio silence from me. the reason is that I simple do not have anything to report. However remembering this journal is to track progress fro myself and others I am putting an update.
As things stand I do not have any visible signs of rosacea since my last two IPL top-ups in September. I am still being careful with my diet, and avoiding any triggers.
Nick

Gandhi once said, “Whenever flaxseed becomes a regular food item, there will be better health.”
What a strange thing to say, and what does it have to do with flushed skin. Well my top tip of the moment is a mix of flax seed, berry and chocolate that I am mixing with my morning porridge. It is absolutely delicious and the Omega 3 content has soothing and anti-inflammatory effect.
So far may skin as remained clear of Rosacea, I will keep this journal updated. If you have any do, please comment and share.
 

This week, my redness is pretty much gone, unless I stand out in the cold for a 30 minutes (as happened). However, I had a couple of very small pimples on my nose. Now one thing I have read and heard is that you should under no circumstances use benzoyl peroxide on rosacea affected skin.
The dilemma for me is that it has always been very effective for spots with me. The other thought process I have is that the pimples and rosacea are somehow symbiotic, promoting each other. So for two days very carefully and exactly I applied 5% benzoyl peroxide on the pimples.

Yesterday I had a second 'top up' session for the residual redness around my nose. Normally I would wait three weeks for a follow-on appointment, but because I had practically no inflammation after the last session, I came a week early.

Since my main treatment a few years ago, I only need these top-ups once or twice a year, and these two sessions will be enough to stop my red nose until next year.

Four days later and my nose was looking pretty good. So good to the point where when I passed the mirror I  look and smile. It is not that I am particularly narcissistic - at least certainly no more than anyone else, but seeing myself rednosed is quite depressing, so conversely this has been a nice feeling.

I still need to go back fr a top-up in three weeks, but that should then keep me on top of my skin for a several months.

After a period of fairly good results, this week was not great. My skin is red and lumpy. The flushing seems to be more on than off, and no amount of water or healthy food seems to manage to turn the tide. Plus I am losing the will to restrict my diet every single day.

Yesterday I had IPL treatment for my rosacea, and the clinic had a new machine.

Recently I have made a real effort to keep topping up with enought water and not only does it help with my skin, it also help with my general alertness and overall dad to day wellbeing.
Sounds obvious, but drinking two litres of water a day requires concentration. I no longer drink normal tea or coffee, and avoid drinking water twenty minutes before eating and for rwo hours after eating to avoid diluting stmach acids when they are digesting food.