Sid, a childhood friend, struggled with pimples while growing up. Unlike his brothers, whose acne cleared quickly, Sid’s persisted. He was plagued by new blemishes almost daily. He was assured that they would disappear by age 25, which they did, only to be replaced by rosacea, also known as adult acne.
Sid experienced persistent patchy redness and frequent flushing. His skin was consistently oily, even with frequent washing using medicated soap. He didn’t realize he had rosacea for several years until a dermatologist diagnosed him. Self-conscious, he avoided social gatherings and tried various treatments, including antibiotics, Retin-A, and even herbal remedies. His grandmother’s homemade gram flour and orange peel concoctions also proved ineffective.
“First acne, now adult acne – what’s wrong with me?” he often wondered. Despite changing dermatologists and trying countless creams, nothing provided lasting relief. The underlying causes of rosacea remain largely unknown, and determining the most effective treatment can be challenging. While some treatments offer temporary improvement, finding the right one is difficult.
Eventually, driven by his mother’s nagging, Sid stopped using soap and started washing his face only with warm water and increased his water intake. The initial three weeks were difficult, he said, but after that, his skin seemed to adjust, and the oiliness gradually decreased. Within two months, his face became less oily.
Flushing remained a major concern. Despite vowing to avoid new treatments, flare-ups led him to discover jojoba oil. This proved to be a turning point. After about a week, his skin accepted the oil. His routine was simple: warm water and a single drop of pure jojoba oil each morning and evening. This helped reduce facial redness, and he now experiences fewer sudden flare-ups.
For those struggling with acne rosacea, consider increasing water intake and using jojoba oil instead of experimenting with harsh soaps and creams. This approach might offer some relief from the frustrating symptoms of rosacea.