What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition with no known cure.  It is most common in people of Irish, Scandinavian, and Eastern European dissent. The most common symptoms of Rosacea are redness, small bumps or pimples on the face.  It can also cause burning and a thickening of the skin. In some cases it can even affect the eyes. It’s most common in women ages 30 and up. However, men can suffer as well. Rosacea is NOT the same as acne but it can cause acneic breakouts.

So what can we do to control these symptoms?

The first line of defense is to get diagnosed by a dermatologist and see if you truly have Rosacea.  My personal experience with Rosacea has been difficult and long. I under went treatment from a doctor and I still have prescriptions when needed. The most common treatments are oral antibiotics and topical treatments such as metronidazole, bimonidine and azelaic acid.  As with all medications, there are side effects and I have found other ways to treat my Rosacea. But in many cases combining prescriptions with proper skin care is key to controlling flare-ups. I have found less is better when dealing with Rosacea. Growing up in a large Irish family I’ve seen firsthand how horrible it can be if left untreated.  My grandmother would say “it’s your Irish coming out” but as a young person, I never understood what that meant. I do now and my goal is to keep the red away as much as possible.  My skin has been my reason for becoming a Esthetician and it has given me the ability to manage my condition. There are no miracles or magic potions ( although P50 comes close ) but there are lots of options available. 

Most effective treatments:

• IPL Foto Facial or Laser Treatments to help reduce skin redness and inflammation.
• Electrical Currents which are included in our most popular Bio-Lift Facial help to increase circulation and stimulate collagen production.  Collagen production will help to alleviate and reduce most redness and inflammation in the skin.
• Microdermabrasion. I know it may seem harsh but it helps to facilitate new skin growth as well as stimulate lymph drainage.

Then of course there’s your home care routine.  I have found many products to help with Rosacea but by far my most helpful has been the Biologique Recherché skincare line.  They have botanical plant-based ingredients that focus on balancing the skin.  Their products are paraben free with no artificial fragrances.

My top choices of products are:

• Lait U: This cleanser is plant-based with no fragrance and gentle enough for the most sensitive skin cleansing milk.
• P50 V 1970: this balancing lotion is loaded with exfoliating ingredients to slough off dead cells and stimulate skin growth.  I personally started with the P50 V 1970 then eventually graduated to the original P50 1970 (the most effective formula).  Acids have the most effect on Rosacea due to their balancing of the ph of the epidermis. 
• At least once a week (after P50) I use Mask Vivant and Mask Vernix to balance and calm the skin. Pro Tip: I mix them for optimal results! 
• Serums are my next choice due to their ability to penetrate deeper into the skin sans residue.  My favorites are Amniotique VG. for its soothing and hydrating properties, and Serum Erythros which helps to strengthen the capillaries with B vitamins.
• Daytime: Follow up with Emulsion Biosensible Gel S.R. which has hyaluronic acid to hydrate and build collagen as well as regulate your sebum production.
  Since excess sebum is the cause of breakouts associated with Rosacea this is ideal.  Last but most important is SPF.  My favorite is the Jan Marini SPF 33.  This SPF is light in nature and is gentle enough to use around the eye area. 
• Night: I opt for Environ C-Quence cream for bedtime.  Vitamin C helps build collagen and diffuse redness.  By adding vitamin C and vitamin A you will build new cells on a daily basis without the harshness of traditional retinol (vitamin A) products.

Things to avoid:

• The sun! Use SPF diligently to prevent damage and aggravation.
• Extreme temperatures. Hot and cold (PS always use lukewarm water on the face.)
• Avoiding alcohol helps, although it is NOT the cause of Rosacea. 
• Spicy foods.
• Harsh products/scrubbing.  These things will only inflame your blood vessels.

Of course there are more things that can trigger flare ups such as stress. I’ve found the best line of defense is to be consistent with treatments and home care. There may be no cure, but there is relief out there.  Come to see me or any of our talented Estheticians who can help to make a treatment plan for your specific needs.  I hope this was helpful to all my fellow Rosacea sufferers.  I am living proof that there is a way to treat and balance your skin!
Best Regards,
Esthetician ~ Connie Henry