What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that causes skin to look flushed or red. The cause of rosacea is unknown, but it is believed to be due to genetics and various environmental factors, such as conditions affecting the blood vessels or immune system. Most commonly, rosacea affects women with fair skin. Some other symptoms of rosacea include a pus filled rash, persistent redness, eye irritation, enlarged blood vessels, or thickening of the affected skin. There is no current cure for rosacea, so treatment aims to treat symptoms by calming inflammation and preventing flare ups. We can establish a skincare regimen to promote a healthy skin barrier in order to reduce the risk of flare ups, control inflammation, and manage rosacea.
The Skin Barrier
The outermost layer of the skin contains essential nutrients and natural oils keeping skin hydrated, elastic, and less prone to skin concerns and irritation. We must make sure our skin isn’t being stripped of its essential nutrients by using aggressive cleansers or over-exfoliating, making our skin more vulnerable to damage. It is our job to support our skin barrier by minimizing harmful environmental factors (UV exposure, smoking, stress, etc.) and by using individualized products to strengthen our skin. Gentle cleansers, strengthening serums, and nourishing hydrators are vital to strong skin.
Treating Rosacea
There are a variety of different products available for the treatment of rosacea.
- Brimonidine (mirvaso gel)- a topical product that will reduce redness within hours by constricting blood vessels in the affected area.
- Azelaic acid- an anti-inflammatory topical gel or cream that decreases redness and flushing over the span of weeks. It also inhibits bacteria growth of affected areas to clear any rashes or pustules caused by the rosacea. Try Skinceuticals Phyto A+ Brightening treatment.
- Laser treatments – intense pulsed light (IPL) can shrink blood vessels, and help disperse pigment, decreasing appearance of redness.
- ZO Rozatrol– gently exfoliates skin to even complexion, replenishes hydration to support a healthy skin barrier, and soothes skin through hydration to minimize redness.
Living with Rosacea
If you have rosacea, it is key to prevent flare ups. This is done by determining what skin care products work for you, and what may trigger a flare up. To prevent a flare up, avoid spicy foods, sun, and wind exposure. Also avoid using products with alcohol, menthol, glycolic and lactic acid, retinols, hydroquinone, and witch hazel. Instead, look for products with these key ingredients:
- Glycerin- a strong hydrator that locks moisture into the skin to strengthen
- the skin barrier and protect from environmental damage. Try ZO Rozatrol.
- Vitamin C- an antioxidant that protects the skin, promotes healing, and balances complexion. Try ZO 10% Vitamin C.
- Zinc Oxide- a vital ingredient in SPF to ensure best sun protection with anti-inflammatory properties to soothe skin. Try Elta MD UV Restore or UV Clear.
- Niacinamide- an anti-inflammatory that may reduce discoloration and redness.
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