I never thought I’d be someone with rosacea. I spent decades with fairly predictable skin, always fine-tuning my skincare to be effective but simple. And then… perimenopause came knocking.
Let’s just say: my skin did a full identity shift without warning.
Around the time I started noticing hormonal changes, I also began seeing redness, irritation, and breakouts that didn’t behave like the acne I remembered from my younger years. Eventually, I was diagnosed with papulopustular rosacea—a form of rosacea that causes red, inflamed bumps called pustules. These aren’t your standard breakouts. They’re stubborn, reactive, and deeply tied to inflammation, not oil or clogged pores.
If you’re wondering what pustules are—they’re small, red bumps filled with pus (sounds delightful, I know). With rosacea, they’re more persistent and often triggered by heat, stress, certain ingredients, or—yep—hormonal shifts.
I’m sharing this because if you’re in your 40s or 50s and suddenly feel like your skin is unrecognizable, you’re not alone. Many women I see in the studio are navigating the exact same thing.
What’s helped me manage my rosacea:
- Prescription 15% Azelaic Acid Cream – it’s anti-inflammatory and helps reduce pustules.
My full Wendy Bowden Skincare routine that I use every single day:
- Daily Glow Cleanser – gentle, non-stripping
- Soothing Toner Mist – calms and rebalances
- Holy Grail HA Serum – hydrates without heaviness
- Ultra Light Calming Moisturizer – barrier-loving and lightweight
SPF depending on my day/activities:
- Protect & Repair Mineral SPF 45 – zinc-based and non-irritating
- Saie Slip Tint Lightweight Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35 - zinc-based and non-irritating
The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Your skin will evolve—and that’s not a bad thing. It just means we need to evolve with it.
If you’ve been struggling with sudden redness, breakouts that aren’t quite acne, or feeling like your usual products aren’t working anymore, it may be time to re-evaluate. And I’m here to help you do just that—with grace, experience, and a little personal perspective.
Want help reworking your skincare for this new season of life?
📩 Book a consult or just reach out—I love helping women feel confident in their skin again.
Wendy Bowden Brows & Skincare
Meticulous. Detailed. Uniquely You.
