IPL Skin Rejuvenation

IPL Skin Rejuvenation treatments control flushing and, in may cases, reduces the need for topical cortisone creams and antibiotics

Rosacea

What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a common facial skin disorder that affects an estimated 14 million Americans. It is a chronic but treatable condition that typically begins after the age of 30 as flushing or redness on the cheeks, nose,chin or forehead that may come and go. Over time, the redness tends to become more persistent and visible blood vessels tend to appear. Progression can lead to bumps and pimples, and, in more severe cases, the nose may grow swollen and bumpy from excess tissue.

While the causes of rosacea is unknown and there is no cure, it can be controlled with medical therapy and lifestyle changes. Rosacea can vary substantially from one individual to another, and most will only have some, not all, potential signs and symptoms. In addition to those mentioned above, other potential signs and symptoms of rosacea are eye irritation, burning or stinging, dry appearance, plaques (raised red patches), skin thickening, swelling, eye symptoms and signs developing beyond the face.

Ongoing skin care and lifestyle management are also important in minimizing symptoms as well as slowing the progression of an individual's rosacea. Patients should use a mild and non-abrasive cleanser rinsing with lukewarm water then blot the face dry with a soft cotton towel. Non-irritating skin care products are advised along with daily use of sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to protect the skin from the sun. Any skin care product including sunscreen that causes stinging, burning, or increased redness should be avoided. Cosmetics may be used to conceal the effects of rosacea especially green-tinted foundations which counteract the redness.

Lifestyle management by avoiding environmental factors that can aggravate the condition are recommended. Every individual with rosacea has a unique set of triggers that are known to worsen rosacea. Patients should attempt to identify their personal triggers so those triggers can be avoided or minimized. Common triggers are as follows starting with the most common: sun exposure, emotional stress, hot weather, wind, heavy exercise, alcohol consumption, hot baths, cold weather, spicy foods, humidity, indoor heat, certain skin care products, heated beverages, certain cosmetics, certain medications, certain medical conditions, and many more. Anything that causes the face to flush excessively should be considered a trigger for that individual.

Treatment of rosacea depends on the specific signs and severity that an individual exhibits. Oral and/or topical antibiotics are used to treat the bumps, pimples, and to minimize the redness of rosacea. These medications are better at keeping the rosacea from getting worse rather than reversing damage that has already been done. Laser therapy, however, can actually be used to diminish redness much more effectively than medication. Laser therapy can also eliminate the visible blood vessels of rosacea which medications cannot do. Laser therapy has also been shown to improve the texture of the skin smoothing problem areas. The redness, inflammation and itchiness from rosacea can be calmed by specific facial treatments such as the Environmental Control Treatment by Dermalogica. Dermalogica also has a line of home skin care products to use as part of a daily routine to minimize the effects of rosacea. Schedule your free consult today to find out which treatments or products may be best for you.