Last month I wrote about Sensitive vs Sensitized Skin, the latter being a condition in which the skin’s protective barrier has been so compromised as to cause increased irritation and reactivity to skin care products and cosmetics, or even something as innocuous at water. Sensitized Skin is on the rise for many reasons but fortunately it can be easily identified and treated, usually with great results. Read more about Sensitized Skin… SSkin
Rosacea on the other hand is a medical disorder, and a surprisingly common one. It affects as many as 14 million Americans and usually presents itself between the ages of 30 – 50. Warning signals often include persistent redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead, small visible blood vessels on the face, bumps or pimples on the face, and watery or irritated eyes. The cause is still somewhat of a mystery but help is available.
Rosacea is a vascular disorder which involves a complex interaction between the blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue of the face. Early detection and treatment are keys to the successful management of Rosacea so if you think you might be affected; see your physician or Dermatologist for a correct diagnosis and proper treatment. The result of untreated, long term Rosacea can include damage to the lymphatic vessels, a sustained inflammatory response with persistent redness, thickening of the skin, and distortion of the facial features. In very advanced and untreated cases, Ocular (or Opthalmic) Rosacea may also affect the eyes and can lead to vision loss. Genetics are often a factor and the tendency to develop Rosacea is thought to be more likely in those who flush or blush easily. There is no cure yet; however it can be effectively controlled. Topical medications combined with lifestyle changes are often prescribed. There are certain triggers and tripwires associated with Rosacea that, if avoided, can help reduce the inflammatory response and significantly slow the progression.
Rosacea or just a rosy glow?
Rosacea involves persistent redness that doesn’t go away. In the early stage, known as “Pre Rosacea”, sudden transient flushing or blushing occurs but the skin may quickly return to normal. Spicy foods, caffeine, hot showers or baths, and stress, are some of the stimuli that cause the skin to redden. This blush occurs predominantly in the cheeks, nose, and sometimes the chin and forehead, and can be the first sign of Rosacea. If Rosacea advances to later stages, this redness becomes persistent and does not dissipate after the stimulus is removed. The skin becomes sensitive and may itch or burn when products are applied. Over time the capillary blood vessels lose their elasticity and become visible on the skin where flushing is the worst. Small pimples may develop along with inflammation. As the tissues become more inflamed, and there is damage to the localized lymphatic vessels, skin becomes thickened and distorted (picture WC Fields – who had Rosacea worsened by alcohol consumption, a known trigger).
Common Triggers and Tripwires.
Certain factors can exacerbate Rosacea causing flare ups. Careful monitoring and constant vigilance may be required from the person with Rosacea in order to prevent these flare ups. Lifestyle modifications including dietary changes (avoiding trigger foods such as caffeine, NutraSweet, hot or spicy foods, chocolate, or heavy meals) and reduced stress will provide a greater degree of relief and clearing of Rosacea. Other important triggers include sun exposure, smoking, aerobic cardiovascular exercise, and incorrect skin care and cosmetic products.
This is only a brief overview. If you or a family member has Rosacea, learn more from the National Rosacea Society (1-888-NO-BLUSH), www.rosacea.org
Regular Facial Treatments and Lymph Drainage Therapy are helpful in the treatment of Rosacea.
As part of a facial treatment, a thorough consultation helps to unravel some of the issues that worsen Rosacea and you learn how to properly care for your skin at home. Dermalogica has formulated some of its products to be particularly beneficial to the conditions caused by Rosacea and when used as part of a treatment, and at home, they can help to reduce redness and irritation.
Galvanic Iontophoresis (a very gentle and safe treatment offered by a trained professional, and available at Mirabella) can greatly reduce redness in a single session through the improved absorption of serums that strengthen and protect the skin’s immune function, and by constricting blood capillaries. Read more about Galvanic current… Electrotherapies
Lymph Drainage Therapy (as a stand-alone treatment, or included in a Facial Treatment) has been proven to help with Rosacea by improving lymphatic flow and efficiency and by decongesting and detoxifying the skin. I offer short duration treatments specifically designed for the face, and I can teach basic self-LDT so you can enhance the professional treatments at home. Read more about LDT… LDT
