Are you one of the 16 million Americans affected by rosacea? This pesky red skin condition is not only annoying but unpredictable.
Not so long ago, I cashed in on a gift card that my honey gave me for a fancy high society Park Cities’ facial.
This was not your average go to the back room at a run-of-the-mill nail salon.
This was an appointment with an esthetician.
I really felt spoiled.
Ms. Surprised
I met with Ms. Surprised (as I will refer to her in lieu of her real name aka name was changed to protect the innocent) and there were two things that struck me right away.
1. She was about 10+ years older than I am but her skin was wrinkle-free and
2. She looked surprised.
Continually.
The entire time.
Botox is funny.
Ms. Surprised turned on the “now it’s time to relax” music and went to work.
And work she did for about an hour and ten minutes.
I was jello.
After the session, she told me that although she is no dermatologist, she has been an esthetician for over 30 years. From her experience, she said she thought I had developed rosacea.
Nothing severe but I might want to get it checked out.
I’m thinking – oh great!
I went from relaxed to worried in 2 seconds flat.
Rosacea???
I quickly realized that I really don’t know what this skin condition is but when I started reading about it I found out that they don’t know what causes it and there is no cure.
Double great.
My cheeks and forehead get a little red sometimes but I never thought this was actually a skin condition with a name.
I learned that April is Rosacea Awareness Month so consider yourself aware!
There are over 16 million people that have rosacea and many of them don’t know it.
I didn’t.
The Big Reveal
After my treatment, Ms. Surprised let me in on a little known secret.
If you have a mild case of rosacea, are rebellious and do not want to go to the doctor, you can treat the symptoms with a cheap, facial cleanser from your high school days – Noxema.
I didn’t even know they still made Noxema but after a trip to Target, I can verify that yes, they do!
Also, I’m no dermatologist either so you should consult with one and not use a blog post as medical advice.
Ever.
Back to the Beginning
When I was in junior high, I went over to my friend, Brenda Weldon’s house.
She decided she was going to give me a facial and whipped out the Noxema.
After putting a little dab on, I started screaming about the burning!
I instantly turned into a drama queen.
Anyway, I remember using Noxema in high school after I got over the initial tingling shock.
I decided the burning was working and became a fan.
The Cheap Trick
Through the years I have cleaned my face with very cheap to very expensive cleansers and now I find myself back to where I started.
I have noticed that my skin rarely gets red and I like to think that this cheap trick is the answer.
I don’t know if it will work for you but I think it’s worth a try.
What have you got to lose?
Do Your Own Research
In honor of Rosacea Awareness Month, do yourself a favor and go learn more about it from the National Rosacea Society.
Find out more about the symptoms, triggers, and treatment to see if it can help you.
As for me, every time I open up the jar of Noxema, that smell takes me right back to high school and makes me smile.
I have tried 100s of creams, lotions and cleansers nothing works. Noxzema burns my face while cooling. Have anyone experience this? Please help it is killing me..
Hi Dana,
Noxzema used to burn my face also. I started out using a small amount and immediately rinsing with a warm washcloth. I just got used to the feeling slowly and applied more. Now I am able to use it every night without burning. Good luck!
Rev
Noxema works for me. It worked for my grandmother. I tried everything and multiple dermatologists. Then I remembered my grandmother called it adult acne and she used Noxema. She was rarely red and only from tme to time had the little white bumps.
So I tried it. It’s working
That’s great, Ellen. It has certainly been working for me. Thanks for sharing your story.
I always used Noxema as a teenager. My rosacea started when I was about 40. This summer, at 55 years old , I picked up some Noxema after a day in the sun. It’s great for sunburn. Surprisingly the inflammation in my face decreased. I’m still using Noxema and now 3 months later my skin looks better than it did while I was using prescription meds for the rosacea. Noxema was a pleasant surprise.
I love Noxema and it continues to work for me. Thanks for sharing your story.
My mom always used noxema beautiful skin i have redness my nose and cheeks noxema makes it go away
I have struggled with red skin for years. I have adult acne and as a result have many old scars and red skin. I struggle to leave the house without make up on as my skin looked so sore and inflamed.
I have tried many rosacea treatments and most have left me with very dry itchy skin as my acne sill pops out around my neck and jawline.
This however the Somaluxe Redness Repair has really helped. My red skin is starting to fade. It’s also helping with current acne spots. There not dry and itchy anymore my breakouts seem less severe as the redness has reduced. I love the product.
Hi John, you have had quite a journey. I’m so glad you found something that is working for you. Thanks for sharing your story and giving another possible solution for those of us still struggling.
I love Noxema! Now if only they would bring back the “Gee, Your Hair Smells Terrific” shampoo… ?
Right? And Pert. And Fresca. And Tab. Oh, so many memories of products from the past…
They do have Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific shampoo. Look in the Vermont Country Store catalog for many old products.
I know this is an old comment, but I wanted to say if you google that shampoo you can find it. They sell it on a website I believe called Vermont country store.
Thanks, Deandra!
Rosacea awareness! Who knew? My annual appointment with my primary care doctor has resulted in him concluding I’m totally healthy except I have Rosacea! He prescribed a tube of medicine, which I concluded did nothing to reduce my occasional redness?. I’m trying the old faithful Noxzema. Thanks for the suggestion!
You too, huh? So annoying. I really hope the Noxema does the trick for you!