Rosacea is a common skin disease that is characterized by redness or flushing of the face. It typically affects the the nose and cheek area, but it can also spread to the forehead, chin, ears, chest and back.
Rosacea may also appear on the skin as acne-like breakouts, visible blood vessels and thick, bumpy skin.
The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, though scientists believe it may be hereditary and can be exacerbated by:
- Inflammation
- Decreased cellular renewal
- Excess sebum
- Vascular degeneration (telangiectasia)
- Neuro-aging
Rosacea tends to develop between the ages of 30-50, and most commonly affects women with fairer skin complexions. When men develop rosacea, they tend to experience more severe cases.
Skin Care at Home
A good skin-care routine can help your skin feel better, enhance results from treatment, boost overall skin health and reduce the occurrence of rosacea flareups.
To get the most out of your skin-care routine, the American Academy of Dermatology Association offers these tips:
Cleanse twice a day, gently.
Your aesthetic clinician can help you decide which cleanser is best for you.
Moisturize every day.
Dry skin can exacerbate the symptoms of rosacea.
Use sun protection every day, year-round.
There are several different types of sunscreens, so it is important to read the labels and avoid certain ingredients that are known to irritate rosacea. It is recommended to use sunscreen that is fragrance-free, high SPF, broad-spectrum and contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (or both).
Use only rosacea-friendly skin-care products.
The following ingredients are known to irritate sensitive rosacea skin:
- Alcohol
- Camphor
- Fragrance
- Glycolic acid
- Lactic acid
- Menthol
- Sodium laurel sulfate (often found in shampoos and toothpaste)
- Urea
Test skin-care products on other areas of your skin prior to applying them to your face.
Be gentle!
If anything is irritating to your skin, it will likely worsen your rosacea. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing your face.
Clinical Treatment Options
Rosacea is more than an everyday variation in how skin feels, and sometimes home treatments aren't enough. If your rosacea is persistent or causing you ongoing pain and discomfort, reach out to your primary care physician or schedule a consultation with the aesthetic experts at Carilion Clinic Cosmetic Center. They can help develop a skin-care routine that is tailored just for you. Some of the treatment options available include:
Rozatrol by ZO Skin Health
This targets the symptoms of rosacea and is often paired with a Deluxe Hydrafacial.
Recovery Crème by ZO Skin Health
This product promotes skin’s resiliency while calming visible redness. The Cosmetic Center recommends C+ Correcting Complex by Revision Skincare.
THD Ascorbate
This is the most stable and lipid-soluble form of Vitamin C; it helps brighten and even skin tone.
Laser Treatments
The BBL by Sciton emits broad-spectrum photothermal energy, which absorbs the hemoglobin in blood vessels that cause redness.
