Rosacea Support Community

Daily Mail Online, HEALTH
By LOWRI TURNER
Last updated at 1:34 AM on 05th October 2009

After my second child was born, I developed rosacea - a reddening of the skin over and around the nose and across the cheeks. I bought expensive cream, tried foundations and concealers. Nothing worked. But the dominant theory on rosacea is that it is linked to intestinal permeability.

The right nutritional supplements, combined with avoiding triggers (spicy foods, caffeinated drinks, citrus fruits and usually alcohol), have done what no cream ever could. Today, I can go out without foundation.

LOWRI TURNER: I used to make over people's homes... now I'm doing the same for their health

Some good looking nutritional advice in this column, but not too sure about her rosacea advice.

Just back from a bike ride, so am feeling the endorphins or whatever it is that make you feel great after exercise.

Stopped down at the Swan River and noticed that I could see around 40 black swans sitting in the shallows. I can remember not that long ago that you never saw a black swan on the Swan River. So great to see them return in good numbers.

These shots aren't from today, but were taken in the same area, the South Perth foreshore.



This one in a park nearby.

I can't believe it, but today my nose definitely looked less red. With makeup on, the redness is barely visible. I don't know whether this is due to the IPL or the Synchrorose lotion I've been using, or a combination. I'm withholding judgement at the moment, but am feeling hopeful.

Last year I stopped drinking green tea in place of water (about 2 liters per day) because I just couldn't stand it anymore. I had been drinking it for years because of its health benefits but all the brands I tried would upset my stomach. Because of this, and since I just can't make myself drink plenty of plain water once the weather starts cooling down, last winter I wasn't hydrating enough and, perhaps not coincidentally, I started having skin problems. Very dry body skin, first, and then a bout of seb derm and increased flushing.

Sometime in the spring I learned about Long Jin (Dragon Well), a very special green tea that tops the Ten Great Chinese Teas list. It makes a beautiful bright green infusion with a lovely floral scent and doesn't upset my stomach. However, this tea is awfully expensive...

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My grandma had beautiful soft hands. Her secret: used coffee grounds.

All you need is about a tablespoon's worth which you rub for a half minute or so between your hands, just like when you wash vigorously with soap, really. Rinse well with plain water (no soap) and towel dry. Your hands will smell like coffee for a little while, yes, but they will also feel amazingly smooth.

This works best with very fine (espresso) and fine coffee grounds. Be sure to rinse under rings, if you wear them.