What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is classified as flushing or blushing of the skin. It can occur in men, women and even children. Typically rosacea usually occurs mid face on the nose and cheeks but can occur on forehead, chin, body and even the eyes. The exact cause of Rosacea has yet to be determined or discovered yet but lifestyle factors such as STRESS & SUN are the biggest culprits to aggravate!!!! Excess alcohol, past smoking history, obesity, hormonal imbalance, food allergies and even sensitive or irritated skin can be triggering conditions.
This disorder affects over 16 million people. Although rosacea can affect all segments of the population and all skin types, individuals with fair skin who tend to flush or blush easily are believed to be effected. The disorder is more frequently diagnosed in women, but tends to be more severe in men. There is also evidence that rosacea tends to run in families, and may be especially prevalent in people of northern or eastern European descent.
There is also a pesky irritant called, Demodex Folliculorum. These mites live within the hair follicles on human skin, feeding on dead skin cells. These mites tend to be most prevalent around the eyes, affecting the lids and lashes.
Gut Skin connection is huge when it comes to our skin. There is a link between gut health and rosacea. A large clinical study in Denmark found that a high number of adults with rosacea also had gastrointestinal disorders such as celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
Currently there is 4 types of:
Vascular Rosacea
This type of Rosacea begins with erythema, redness, and flushing of the facial skin, typically on the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. This occurs because tiny blood vessels near the surface of the skin dilate or expand.
Inflammatory Rosacea
With this type of Rosacea, over time, the red, ruddiness becomes more persistent and the capillaries become more visible. If left untreated, inflammation and Dome-shaped red papules, often in clusters, are typical. Nodules may also occur, but different from acne Vulgaris, open and closed comedones are absent.
Phymatous Rosacea
This type of rosacea is when excess fluid and proteins leak out of the blood vessels and eventually overwhelm the lymphatic system, which cannot drain the leakage away fast enough. This results in fluid buildup. Phymatous Rosacea includes thickening of the skin from excess tissue and is most common on the upper cheeks and nose.
Ocular Rosacea
With this type of rosacea – the whites of the eyes may be irritated and appear watery or bloodshot. The eyelids also may become red and swollen and sties are common. Severe cases can affect your vision if left untreated.
Management/Treatment
There is currently no cure for rosacea, but as a skin care therapist it is my responsibility to educate my clients on the correct way to take care of their skin and what in clinic treatments will help.
Some of my favorites ingredients to use are Azelaic acid, Vitamin K, Willowherb extract, Aloe, Calendula, Vitamin C, green tea, Licorice Extract and Growth factors.
When in the treatment room I love to do an Oxygen facial exclusive to Circadia skincare, along with LED. This treatment not only calms the skin but delivers nutrients.
Sun & Stress are two of the biggest aggravators with this disorder. Make sure you use a good Physical sunscreen daily. Stress reduction is key, so pick what you need in order to mange it. There are a variety of way's to alleviate stress.
Diet is a factor. There are many foods that trigger flare ups. Red wine, Dairy, Chocolate, & Spicy foods, just to name a few. Everyone is different, so keeping a food journal for a few weeks will help see what creates any inflammation.
Over the past 20 years I have seen a lot of change with the research and treatment with this complex skin disorder. I am hopeful that we will continue with this path.
Take a look at one of my favorite skincare kits that I carry at the spa and have my all my rosacea clients and sensitive clients use.
