A little personal pampering during and after the hectic holiday season can go a long way toward making you feel good. However, if you plan to visit a day salon for a facial, here are some tips to help make your trip a positive experience.

• Educate yourself. Call around and find out which salon has licensed aestheticians who have worked with patients with skin conditions such as rosacea.

Sensitive facial skin has been widely observed as one of the most common features of rosacea. Fortunately, however, this problem can be minimized with medical treatment, special precautions in facial care and avoidance of skin-care products that may cause irritation.

Q. I have very large pores and am very oily in the "T" zone of my face. Is this common for rosacea sufferers?

A. There is no standard skin type for rosacea patients. Many sufferers experience dry, flaky skin, while others may have normal or oily skin. The key is to identify your skin type and use medication and skin-care products that are suitable for you.

Changing one's skin-care routine can go a long way toward relieving the unsightly symptoms of rosacea, according to a new survey by the National Rosacea Society.

In a recent survey of 1,273 rosacea patients, more than 91 percent said they had modified their skin-care procedures to help control the disorder. Of those who had modified their routines, more than 91 percent reported it had helped improve their condition.

Incorporating topical therapy into a consistent and gentle skin-care routine can improve the overall effectiveness of therapy for rosacea patients, according to an article in The Nurse Practitioner.¹

Complying with long-term medical therapy may appear to be a demanding commitment. However, many rosacea patients have found that incorporating topical therapy into a twice-daily facial care routine is a painless and efficient way to comply with doctor's orders.¹ In fact, the soothing regimen necessary to avoid irritating the facial skin or causing flushing can be a refuge of calm during a busy day.

Q. Can indoor temperature affect my rosacea?

A. It is possible that indoor temperature could affect rosacea in certain cases, since anything that causes a sufferer to flush may have the potential to lead to a flare-up. Hot weather has been documented on surveys as a rosacea trigger for 53 percent of sufferers, and being "too warm" indoors can also induce flushing.

A survey recently conducted by the National Rosacea Society helps identify types of skin-care products that commonly pose problems for rosacea sufferers and which ingredients may be important to avoid.

You don't have to feel like hiding your face the moment your rosacea flares up. Many makeup products, available through the popular cosmetic lines, can help camouflage redness and pimples. Here are some general guidelines for selecting cosmetic products.

• Choose water-based moisturizers and light, oil-free makeup products.

• Try a color-correcting prefoundation base in shades of yellow or green to counter redness, or makeup with natural yellow tones. Avoid makeup with pink or orange hues.

Topical antibiotics are widely prescribed to reduce redness, bumps and pimples as well as to help maintain remission of rosacea. Here is a way recommended by medical experts to use your medication in combination with other skin care products.

1. Cleanse your face each morning, being careful not to irritate it. Rinse with plenty of water, and use a cotton towel with a thick pile to blot your face dry. Then wait for it to air dry.