According to the National Rosacea Society (NRS), rosacea is a common but poorly understood disorder of the facial skin estimated to affect well over 16 million Americans. It is becoming increasingly widespread, and as many as 78% of sufferers have little or no knowledge of the condition, nor how to treat it.

Rosacea presents itself as redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead with small blood vessels visible on the surface. The red patches may include small bumps or pimples, and the eyes may be watery and irritated as well. The cause of rosacea is unknown, but if left untreated, it tends to be progressive. At this time, there is no cure.

While redness and rosacea are not a severe medical concern, the emotional damage caused by mild to severe cases can be devastating. A study conducted by the NRS found that 76% of sufferers said their condition has lowered their self-esteem and as many as 41% said it has caused them to avoid public places and social contact. In some cases, rosacea even affects professional interactions and causes sufferers to miss work.

The summer months are exceptionally harsh for rosacea sufferers. Sun exposure is a known trigger for flare-ups, so it's important you wear sunscreen every day, and apply it often. Not all sunscreens are created equal, so look for one that says "broad spectrum," meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Chemical-free sunscreens that contain zinc or titanium dioxide are best in an SPF 15 or higher.

The good news is, rosacea doesn't have to rule your life. There are targeted treatments that can help lessen flare-ups and even skin tone. In addition, these skincare treatments help lessen skin sensitivity often associated with this disorder. Astonishing Skincare is proud to carry SkinCeuticals Redness Neutralizer; a patent-pending formula that stops redness and rosacea before it starts. It combats environmental triggers reducing redness and flushing by up to 30%.