From Flare-Ups to Functional: Lia's Skin Transformation Journey

In 2021, lifestyle influencer Lia Bagdoshvili made a significant move from Georgia to Germany, but instead of embracing her new adventure, she found her skin reacting poorly. Her cheeks flared up with redness and felt like they were on fire. Lia recalled, “Whenever those painful bumps appeared, I thought to myself, ‘It’s my fault.’” She was convinced that her extensive skincare routine, filled with various products, was the root of her troubles, prompting her to adopt a minimalist approach. Yet, the results were disappointing.

Lia soon realized the error in trying to self-diagnose her skin condition. After enduring a year of relentless flare-ups, she finally sought professional help. As she shared her skin struggles online, followers buzzed with concern: "Is everything okay?" It took some time for her to fully open up about her ongoing battle with rosacea. "Many expect acne to fade with age, but what if it doesn't?" she wondered.

The Diagnosis: A Trip to the Doctor's Office

In search of answers, Lia visited a doctor who confirmed her fears: she had rosacea. Prescribed Soolantra, a cream containing Ivermectin renowned for its anti-inflammatory benefits, she also received advice to incorporate La Roche Posay's Rosaliac line—specially designed for rosacea-prone skin. The outcome was promising, but relief was short-lived.

Learning the Hard Way: Skin Care Adjustments

Just a month later, dry patches emerged due to her continued use of harsh exfoliants, like The Ordinary's peeling solution, notoriously dubbed as ‘the blood serum’ on TikTok. Realizing her mistake, she revisited the pharmacy for La Roche Posay sunscreen and Cicaplast Balm B5 for soothing hydration.

The lesson was clear: viral skincare products weren’t her saviors. Instead, simplicity and tailored solutions were crucial.

Diet Detox: Eating Smart for Healthy Skin

Lia discovered that her diet had an alarming effect on her rosacea. "I was having tomatoes almost daily and breaking out consistently," she admitted. Armed with new knowledge, she swapped inflammatory foods for a cleaner diet, like enjoying iced matcha, and opted for non-inflammatory options such as Greek yogurt with fruits and dark chocolate, noticing a decrease in flare-ups. "For some, dairy might trigger it, but it seems to work for me," Lia affirmed.

Current Approach: Keeping Rosacea in Check

Maintaining her skin is an ongoing challenge. "I have to be vigilant because various triggers, from stress to excitement, can induce flare-ups. Even reading can make my face flush!" Despite this unpredictability, she sticks to a streamlined routine.

The Updated Routine: Gentle Products for Sensitive Skin

Lia exclusively uses dermatologist-approved cleansers, like La Roche Posay, ensuring her sensitive skin remains calm. She swears by Cetaphil’s redness-relief foaming face wash, which soothes irritation without stripping moisture.

Moreover, she incorporates azelaic acid, renowned for battling rosacea, switching between products like Anua’s redness-soothing serum and Paula’s Choice azelaic acid booster, both formulated for redness relief.

To nurture her skin, she loves Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Facial Sebum Toner, which replenishes hydration.

For hydration, Lia continues using La Roche-Posay’s B5 Soothing Balm, a staple since her diagnosis. And for sun protection, she favors Beauty of Joseon’s daily relief sunscreen, beloved for being kind to sensitive skin without leaving an unsightly cast.

Emerging Technologies: Exploring Advanced Options

Recently, Lia began exploring laser treatments and red-light therapy for her rosacea. While she hasn't committed to laser treatments yet, she has incorporated CurrentBody’s LED mask into her daily routine for soothing inflammation. It’s still early to determine its efficacy, but each step is paving the path toward a clearer complexion.

Conclusion: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Skincare!

Lia Bagdoshvili’s skin journey is a testament to the power of knowledge, professional guidance, and self-care. By embracing a mindful skincare routine, thoughtful eating habits, and ongoing research, she navigates the unpredictable waters of rosacea while inspiring others on a similar path!