rosacea blog

Anyone who has rosacea always dreads the first bathroom break at work, because it is in the workplace bathroom where you realize for the first time on any particular day, that your face looks really red. When you’re at home and look in the bathroom mirror, things are usually not so bad. Not so at work and in particular in the workplace bathroom: huge mirrors with the overhanging fluorescent lights make everyone look bad, but because of the greenish hue of the fluorescent light bulbs, the red in our face is being emphasized even more.

This can, of course, increase any feelings of anxiety you may have even further, so it’s important not to pay too much attention to what you see in the bathroom mirror at work. Since most workplaces have fluorescent lights (and are out of our control), there are a few things you can do to reduce the reddish appearance of your face.

First, what you wear will have an effect on how your face looks under fluorescent lighting. Wear dark neutral colors (black, gray, navy) and avoid anything green or red. At home, decide what clothes go best with your complexion and if you happen to have those energy-saving fluorescent bulbs, determine what of an effect the greenish hue has on your face.

Then, there are several good mineral (make-up) foundations that can cover up and reduce the redness of your face. I don’t think this is something that is solely reserved for women with rosacea. Men can benefit from this as well. Just perform a Google search on the term “mineral makeup rosacea green”, and do some research. Look for mineral makeup that does not have too many ingredients and is free of fillers, talc and parabens. Mineral makeup usually contains zinc oxide, which is a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient. So you are not just covering up reddish skin, you may actually reduce the inflammation and swelling in the process.

Rosacea may also be a factor of stress and anxiety when you are looking for a new job and have to go on an interview. Just keep what I mentioned above in mind and if you have the luxury of giving a presentation, just dim the lights a little bit. There are always many things during an interview that are totally out of our control, but if you have the choice of being interviewed in a room with no windows versus a room which has natural light, the choice is obvious. In the days before an interview, be sure to avoid to any rosacea food triggers and drink plenty of water.

Due to our increased activities and stress levels in the afternoon, our faces will often appear more red in the afternoon. It is always a good idea to allow yourself regular breaks. Anything will work, such as taking a short walk through the building, some breathing and streching exercises in front of your desk and going to the water fountain.