That’s where I’ve been for the past day or so. Researching makeup ingredients and what I might possibly be allergic to. You know what I’ve found out? That it may not be an allergy at all.

You see, I also have rosacea — which up until the Dr. told me I had it, I thought was a “disease” that alcoholic old men get. Seems I was wrong about that. The National Rosacea Society has some good information online. They estimate 14 million Americans suffer from rosacea and most don’t realize it. My face is easily flushed when I exercise, and I have red on my cheeks and nose.

I learned yesterday that some skin care products and makeup can irritate rosacea causing itching, burning and further redness. So while I may not be allergic to those ingredients they tested for on my back, those same ingredients may irritate the rosacea. I’m still back to trial-and-error, but I’m armed with more information. It makes me a little mad though — the Dr. never once said the itching I described as being an allergic reaction to the makeup might just be the irritating of the rosacea.

Well, here’s to going to get samples at all these makeup counters to see what irritates my face and what doesn’t. Another thing about rosacea — it doesn’t go away and they don’t know what causes it really. There are triggers but most of them I already avoid. I’m going to have to work on my exercise routine so my face doesn’t get so flushed. I do have cream to put on my face to help keep the rosacea under control, so I’m hoping that’ll help.

Stay tuned for posts coming up this week about being vain, outward appearances, clothes, makeup, straight teeth and whatever else I can come up with