best for BEAUTY
Feeling flush? Lesley Reynolds from the Harley Street Skin Clinic reveals everything about this long-term skin condition
NEED TO KNOW
It’s a chronic inflammatory skin condition and usually it starts with flushing on the cheeks and chest. It can be a surface rash, rather like a cluster of red broken veins and usually dry to the touch. There may also be bumps under the skin, hay fevertype eyes and thickened skin. It mostly affects the cheeks, chin, nose and forehead, though it can also appear on the scalp, chest and back. Unfortunately, there’s no cure and if left untreated will only get worse.
WHAT CAUSES IT?
The straight answer is, no one really knows. It can run in families, but lifestyle choices can contribute. Diet is thought to be a factor, although this varies from person to person. Common culprits are cheese, yogurt, chocolate, vanilla, soy sauce, yeast extract, vinegar, avocados, spinach, spices, as well as foods high in histamine or niacin (like peanuts, spaghetti and semolina). Alcohol and caffeinated drinks can also trigger it, as can stress and extreme weather.
WHAT CAN YOU DO AT HOME?
While you shouldn’t selftreat, there are certain steps you can take to ease symptoms...
● Wear minimum SPF30, all-year round. UV rays are one of the most common causes behind a flare up.
● Look for the following ingredients on skin-care labels. These help to reduce redness: peptides, caffeine and vitamin B3 (also known as niacinamide).
● Eat a well-balanced diet.
● Keep skin care simple. You want to calm and soothe, so avoid anything abrasive and use mild, fragranceand detergent-free products designed for sensitive skin.
● Never rub or scrub, just pat dry.
PRODUCTS TO TRY
● Avene Antirougeurs Calm Mask, £17.50, is formulated with TRP-Regulin, a patented active ingredient to help soothe skin.
● NYX Prof
