It’s hard to wear a poker face when you suffer from rosacea. You can be experiencing excitement, embarrassment or stress… but when you have rosacea, your feelings are often expressed all over your face. If you don’t want your emotions to wear center stage on your skin, listen up! Our team of Board Certified Dermatologists often treat patients who suffer from rosacea and are here to share their trusted tips to help fix the flush.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder that primarily affects the central face, including the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. It is characterized by persistent redness, visible blood vessels (telangiectasia), papules or pustules (they look like pimples but aren’t), and in some cases, thickened skin. It typically begins after the age of 30 and affects both men and women, although it is more commonly diagnosed in fair-skinned individuals. The scope and severity of rosacea is wide and differs dramatically from patient to patient, which is why it’s so important to be seen and treated by a Board Certified Dermatologist.
Why do you get Rosacea?
The origins of rosacea are not fully understood by the medical community. While the exact pathway of inflammation in rosacea remains elusive, several factors are believed to contribute to its development. These include:
Genetics
Hormones
Exposure to UV and heat
Skin Barrier irritations, like all those skin lotions and potions you have ever tried 😉
Although rosacea is a chronic condition, avoiding triggers is an important way to minimize flare ups to keep the condition at bay. Triggers can include a lot of common (and yes, things you love) like spicy foods, chocolate, alcohol, active skin care products, sun exposure and saunas.
Our Dermatologists’ Rosacea Recommendations:
An appointment with one of our Board Certified Dermatologists will help determine your specific treatment plan for rosacea, but in general we recommend the following to our patients seeking redness relief.
Edit your elaborate skincare regimen: Opt instead for a gentle skincare routine to protect the skin barrier. Mild, fragrance-free skincare products are recommended and avoid harsh cleansers or abrasive scrubs. Use a gentle moisturizer daily to keep the skin hydrated and protect the skin barrier.
Lumecca: Our Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments target visible blood vessels and reduces redness associated with rosacea. This has an anti-inflammatory effect and dampens the pathway of Rosacea long term. We customize the settings based on your skin tone and severity of redness. It uses gentle pulses of light to heat and destroy dilated micro-blood vessels, leading to a reduction in redness and flushing.
Prescription Medication: There are a variety of prescription topical and oral medications that can be used to treat rosacea. These work in various ways to reduce the inflammation and redness. Work with your doctor to discuss the best option for your skin.
Avoiding the sun entirely is not realistic, but for rosacea sufferers, using the right SPF will make a big difference in how your skin reacts to UV rays. Our Dermatologists recommend using all mineral sunscreens that block the rays physically and reflect UV light away from the skin.
We’ve highlighted our favorites from our Brilliant Boutique.
MD Solar Mineral Creme – a silky smooth formula that feels like cashmere on your skin
Elta MD UV Elements – mineral-based UV filters work with ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid to protect and hydrate the skin.
Alastin HydraTint – no need for foundation post application, this formula evens skin tone and gives it a glow
Skin Better Tone Smart Lotion – a tone-adapting, creamy lotion that provides a hint of color.
Living with rosacea can be challenging, but with the right treatment approach, it is possible to manage and control the symptoms. As Dermatologists, we emphasize the importance of seeking professional help for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.