What is Rosacea (Roh-Zay-Sha)?
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition commonly affecting the face. While extremely common, it can manifest with many characteristics making it still not completely understood.
Some common features include redness, erythema, visible blood vessels & pimples.
What causes Rosacea?
While the exact cause is not known and it seems many contributing factors lead to triggering & activating the inflammatory skin condition, here are some of the leading causes:
- Genetics
- Sun exposure
- Bacteria
- Immune function
Treatment of Rosacea
Firstly lets identify the triggers and activators of your individual sub type of Rosacea. After identifying these triggers and activators you can now avoid or minimise these exposures along with the most common trigger of inflammation in Rosacea being Sun exposure.
Some individual triggers and activators may be
- Extreme exercise
- Saunas
- Spicy food
- Alcohol
- Smoking cigarettes
- Humidity, hot weather, wind & cold temperatures
- Medications
- Skincare containing irritants like fragrance
- Stress, anxiety & hormones
- Diet
- Sun exposure
Managing Rosacea with skincare and skin treatments
A great Facialist or Dermal Therapist at your local go to Skin Clinic or Beauty Salon will be able to guide you through the stages & goals of Rosacea management. One of the primary components of your routine is to improve barrier function & integrity.
Some ingredients commonly prescribed that may benefit rosacea are
- SPF50 with Zinc oxide (preferred)
- Vitamin A (Retinoids), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B3 (niacinamide)
- Azelaic Acid
Morning skincare routine
- Gentle Cleanser
- Antioxidant Serum with Vitamin C
- Moisturiser if required
- Super Sun SPF50+ with zinc oxide
Evening skincare routine:
- Gentle Cleanser
- Vitamin A Serum
- Moisturiser (occlusive)
Your Facialist / Dermal Therapist will most likely recommend compatible skin clinic treatments that will help to target your individual rosacea symptoms which could include a combination or series of;
- Laser & IPL
- Non ablative fractional resurfacing laser
- Some AHA & BHA peels
- Fractional microneedling Radiofrequency
- Dual frequency ultrasound
Additional treatment
- Topical Agents (Doctor prescribed)
- Oral Medications (Doctor prescribed)
- Zinc sulphate – enhances healing (Doctor prescribed)
Other helpful information to better manage Rosacea
- Avoid chemical sunscreens if sensitivity occur, Zinc oxide based SPF is best for Rosacea skin conditions
- Avoid topical steroids
- Avoid harsh or granular exfoliation