ROSACEA

ACTIVES THAT HELP
Learn more about these active ingredients by clicking on the title

NIACINAMIDE - VITAMIN B3

AZELAIC ACID

ASCORBIC ACID -VITAMIN C

WHAT IS ROSACEA?

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that primarily affects the face. It is characterized by facial redness, flushing, visible blood vessels, and the development of small, pus-filled bumps similar to acne. The condition typically appears after the age of 30 and tends to affect fair-skinned individuals. While the exact cause of rosacea is still not fully understood, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and vascular factors.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ROSACEA?

The symptoms of rosacea can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition:

- FACIAL REDNESS: Persistent redness on the central part of the face, such as the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. The redness may come and go or be present constantly.
- FLUSHING OR BLUSHING: Episodes of sudden redness or a feeling of warmth in the face, often triggered by certain factors like heat, cold, spicy foods, alcohol, or emotional stress.
- VISIBLE BLOOD VESSELS: Small, dilated blood vessels (telangiectasia) that are visible on the skin’s surface, usually in the areas of redness.
- BUMPS AND PUSTULES: Acne-like bumps and pus-filled lesions (papules and pustules) that may appear on the face, resembling a mild form of acne. These can be tender or painful.
- SKIN SENSITIVITY: Increased sensitivity and a sensation of stinging, burning, or tightness in the affected areas.
- EYE IRRITATION: Ocular rosacea can cause symptoms like dryness, redness, a gritty or itchy sensation, watering of the eyes, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision.
- THICKENED SKIN: In some cases, especially with phymatous rosacea, the skin may become thicker and develop a bumpy texture, most commonly on the nose, but also on other facial areas.
- DRYNESS AND ROUGHNESS: Rosacea can cause dry and roughened skin, leading to flaking or scaling.

It is important to note that not everyone with rosacea will experience all of these symptoms, and the severity can vary from person to person. Rosacea can be categorized into different types based on the specific symptoms and characteristics present.

THE MAIN TYPES OF ROSACEA

- ERYTHEMATOTELANGIECTATIC ROSACEA: Characterized by persistent facial redness and visible blood vessels. Flushing or blushing episodes may occur, along with skin sensitivity and a feeling of tightness.
- PAPULOPUSTULAR ROSACEA: Features persistent redness with acne-like bumps and pustules on the facial skin. Burning or stinging sensations may be present, and flare-ups can occur.
- PHYMATOUS ROSACEA: Involves thickening of the skin, most commonly on the nose (rhinophyma), causing a swollen and bumpy appearance. It can also affect other facial areas.
- OCULAR ROSACEA: Affects the eyes, often alongside other types of rosacea. Symptoms include redness, eye irritation, dryness, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision.

WHAT AREAS OF THE BODY DOES ROSACEA AFFECT?

Rosacea predominantly affects the central part of the face, including the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. However, in some cases, it can spread to the neck, chest, and ears. The eyes can also be affected by ocular Rosacea, leading to symptoms such as dryness, redness, grittiness, and sensitivity to light.

WHAT ARE THE TRIGGERS?

Common triggers that can worsen Rosacea symptoms include:

- SUNLIGHT: Prolonged or intense sun exposure
- TEMPERATURE EXTREMES: Hot or cold weather, saunas, or rapid temperature changes
- SPICY FOODS AND HOT BEVERAGES: Consuming spicy foods or hot drinks
- ALCOHOL: Particularly red wine and excessive alcohol consumption
- CERTAIN FOODS AND DRINKS: Including hot drinks, caffeine, chocolate, aged cheeses, citrus fruits, histamine-rich foods, and sulfites
- EMOTIONAL FACTORS: Stress, anxiety, and intense emotions
- SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Harsh or irritating ingredients in skincare products
- MEDICATIONS: Some medications, such as topical steroids or vasodilators
- PHYSICAL EXERTION: Strenuous exercise or excessive sweating

Triggers can vary among individuals, and it is important to identify and avoid personal triggers to manage Rosacea symptoms effectively.

HOW IS ROSACEA TREATED?

While there is no cure for rosacea, several treatment options are available to manage its symptoms effectively:

- TOPICAL TREATMENTS: Azelaic acid is one of the best ingredients to treat redness and rosacea. It helps to reduce the appearance of inflammation, minimizes skin reactivity and improves texture. It works well with niacinamide as it has barrier-boosting properties which are helpful when treating redness-prone sensitive skin
and it’s also anti-inflammatory. Lastly, retinoids are extremely helpful once the skin has been calmed to help re-densify the dermis, but should only be used (with caution) once any active phase has been controlled.
- DERMABRASION: Dermabrasion is a procedure that involves the removal of the top layer of skin using a rotating device. It can help improve the appearance of thickened skin, reduce the visibility of scars or bumps, and promote smoother skin texture.
- ORAL MEDICATIONS: In more severe cases, oral antibiotics may be prescribed to help control inflammation and improve skin symptoms. Oral medications are typically used for a shorter period to minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance.
- LASER AND LIGHT THERAPIES: Certain laser and light-based treatments can effectively target visible blood vessels, redness, and thickened skin associated with rosacea. These treatments help to reduce redness and improve the overall appearance of the skin.

HOW CAN I REDUCE REDNESS?

So many things can trigger redness so knowing your triggers is key. Seasonal changes often have an impact with both cold, harsh weather and UV exposure in summer having an impact on skin barrier function. Overly hot baths, saunas, and hot yoga are best avoided. What you consume also has an impact, with common aggravators including alcohol, spicy foods, and hot, caffeinated drinks.

OUTLOOK

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Although there is no cure, understanding the symptoms, triggers, and available treatment options can help individuals manage and minimize the impact of rosacea on their daily lives.
By adopting preventive strategies and seeking appropriate medical care, it is possible to effectively control symptoms and improve the quality of life for those living with rosacea.