Red Cheeks
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skin Care and Makeup Forum

Sat Mar 15, 2008 11:18 pm

Hi all,

I'm a 19 year old male. Since around the age of 14 I've had really red cheeks. My right cheek is much redder than my other one and it's so annoying - I'm so self conscious of it.

The redness is kind of in a "L" shape. It doesn't really look as bad in this picture as it does in real life.

Does anyone have any suggestions of what to do or what this might be?? I've tried clinique redness relief, clinique soothing moisturizer, and a couple of other redness relief gels/moisturizers. Can anyone recommend any products?? anything??

image here: img81.imageshack.us/img81/371/photo4ut6.jpg
(cant post link because I'm a new member)

Thanks...

free skin care · Sun Mar 16, 2008 3:56 am

Sounds a lot like you might have Rosacea.

Here's a link with some basic facts:
http://www.rosacea.org/patients/allaboutrosacea.php

Hope this helps!

free skin care · Sun Mar 16, 2008 6:52 am

You're a little young for rosacea. It usually doesn't start until late 20s or the 30s, sometimes later. Also, the early stages of rosacea are characterized by flushing easily, usually around the nose and cheek apples. As time goes on, the flushing lasts longer and longer each time until the redness persists and little capillaries break.

Your redness looks more like a rash. It could be caused by an allergy, a reaction to stress, a fungus, an infection, or something related to psoriasis (it's hard to tell from that pic).

Unfortunately, Clinique skincare has a terrible reputation and it often makes the problems worse! I know it wrecked my skin back when I was in my early 20s. Just do a search for it here on EDS to see all the bad reviews. Their makeup is okay, but their skin care is harsh.

First, I think you should see a doctor/dermatologist if possible (you have healthcare). A doctor might be able to tell you exactly what it is. If the doctor prescribes a product with cortisone, be careful not to use it long term (more than a month). Cortisone thins the skin, and the damage is cumulative over the lifetime, eventually resulting in broken capillaries and more redness (the very thing you are trying to treat).

Here are some really great things that I know will help you. I've seen them help many many others with similar issues:

Helichrysum hydrosol found atwww.naturesgift.com/hydrosol/HelichrysumHydrosol.htm
(get the one without alcohol). Spritz on face 3 times a day (morning, noon, and night).

Rosacea Travel Kit atwww.naturesgift.com/aromatherapyskincare.htm.
(the ingredients in the products are wonderful for treating all types of redness and inflammation problems, not just rosacea).

Refined Emu Oil right here at EDS under the Dremu product line http://www.essentialdayspa.com/dremu-oil-p_5404.htm and also at LB Processors at http://lbemuoil.com/ultraemuoil.htm (make sure you get the ultra emu oil (refined) because it penetrates better than the other types). Apply the emu oil at night before bed. Don't worry, it will not break you out.

If you use the helichrysum hydrosol (3 times a day) and the emu oil (at night) regularly, your redness will probably be gone in a week.

You might also add a good quality fish oil supplement to your diet. Be sure to get a reliable brand; there are a lot of bad fish oil products because supplements are pretty much unregulated. A great brand is Carlson Super Omega 3 Fish Oil, which you can get in a lot of healthfood stores and atwww.vitacost.com.

Good luck!

free skin care · Sun Mar 16, 2008 9:59 am

I wouldn't try any products until I consulted with a derm first to ascertain if it's rosacea. You may be young, but it could be the first sign of it. And if it indeed is a rash, well, a derm would be where I would begin as well.

Sun Mar 16, 2008 2:20 pm

Thanks for all the help/recommendations. I'll probably try the Emu Oil and the Helichrysum hydrosol.

I have asked a doctor for his opinion once, and he said that it was just blood flow and there was nothing I could do about it. I don't think he knew what he was talking about because sometimes it does get lighter and sometimes it gets worse. I havn't seen a derm, I will probably do that if this emu oil and helichrysum hydrosol method doesnt work.

Thanks..

free skin care · Tue Mar 18, 2008 3:00 pm

I've never used this cream but it has gotten good recomendations on skinstore.com. It is called ATOPALM MLE Cream and it is supposed to help with a host of skin conditions including rosacea. Here is a link http://www.skinstore.com/store/product.asp?catID=2569&prodID=2571 Let us know what happens.

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