rosacea
Lone Tree, CO 80124
What it is
A chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin condition seen mainly on the central face. Involves redness, small visible vessels and/or inflamed bumps or pustules.
Common Causes/triggers
- Environmental Factors– extreme hot or cold weather can worsen rosacea. Persistent and unprotected UVA/UVB sun exposure can cause rosacea flare-ups due to flushing, redness, and heat
- Diet & Lifestyle– common diet triggers for rosacea include alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, hot drinks/soups, gluten, or dairy which cause the face to flush. Excessive stress and gut microbiome imbalances can worsen rosacea, too
- Vascular abnormalities– small capillaries and vessels appear with rosacea which can be caused by vascular imbalances
- Genetics– there is an association with rosacea and certain genetics that are linked to this inflammatory skin condition
Photo credit: Bergen Dermatology
common areas of rosacea
cheek region
nose
chin
forehead
Around eyes
Photo credit: National Rosacea Society
How to treat rosacea
IPL
Intense Pulse Light (IPL), uses a controlled light to target the redness and vascular capillaries to reduce overall inflammation and any acne that may come with rosacea. Overall, this treatment helps to even the skin tone and calm the redness in the skin caused by this condition. A series of 3-6 treatments is recommended with maintenance in between to keep the rosacea at bay.
Facials
Monthly facials are a good way to hydrate and balance the inflammation caused by rosacea. Using gentle products that alleviate the redness and soothe the skin barrier can keep individuals comfortable and provide a more even skin tone. (Avoid harsh scrubs, active ingredients, and chemicals with rosacea skin). Being consistent with these facial treatments provide the best aesthetic outcome. We recommend using cooling, soothing facials in conjunction with IPL.
Medical grade skincare
Using medical-grade skincare to soothe and calm rosacea is important. Hydrating, calming, and cooling ingredients such as aloe, lavender, and ceramides are going to restore the skin barrier and alleviate redness. It is crucial to use a mineral based SPF 30+ everyday when combatting rosacea because the sunlight and heat worsen rosacea. Minerals such as titanium and zinc soothe irritation and also act as a physical block from the sun.
Diet & Lifestyle
Because Rosacea is a chronic condition that needs to be treated in office and with at-home care, it is also beneficial to reduce stress, decrease in-take of inflammatory foods, avoid excessive heat, and always wear sun protection (hat, long sleeves, mineral SPF 30+). Minimizing the triggers/factors in day-to-day lifestyle habits can especially help to keep this condition at bay with medical treatment.
*Of Note*
Rosacea is a skin condition that not only needs medical, in office attention, but also diligent at-home care. Individuals have to understand that Rosacea is a life long condition that can become chronic. Before addressing the concern yourself, ensure you go to a trained medical professional to get a proper diagnosis first as there can be many different stages and severities. Without continual care, Rosacea will worsen and spread, however, keep in mind that no treatment is a permanent solution, rather a guideline for keeping the condition at bay or bettering its severity. See a trusted provider for a complete, individualized treatment plan, just for you!