Happy Tuesday everyone, I am so happy to be able to do a post for you guys today. I plan on doing a series of posts on skin care issues that affect a lot of men and women. So today I decided to address “Rosacea”, what it is and how you can prevent flare ups.
Rosacea is a chronic (long-term) disease that affects the skin and sometimes the eyes. The disorder is characterized by redness, pimples, and, in advanced stages, thickened skin. Rosacea usually affects the face; other parts of the upper body are only rarely involved. Approximately 14 million people in the United States have rosacea. It most often affects adults between the ages of 30 and 60. Rosacea is more common in women (particularly during menopause) than men. Although rosacea can develop in people of any skin color, it tends to occur most frequently and is most apparent in people with fair skin. Doctors do not know the exact cause of rosacea but believe that some people may inherit a tendency to develop the disorder. People who blush frequently may be more likely to develop rosacea. Some researchers believe that rosacea is a disorder where blood vessels dilate too easily, resulting in flushing and redness.
Factors that cause rosacea to flare up in one person may have no effect on another person. Although the following factors have not been well-researched, some people claim that one or more of them have aggravated their rosacea: heat (including hot baths), strenuous exercise, sunlight, wind, very cold temperatures, hot or spicy foods and drinks, alcohol consumption, menopause, emotional stress, and long-term use of topical steroids on the face. Patients affected by pustules may assume that they are caused by bacteria, but researchers have not established a link between rosacea and bacteria or other organisms on the skin, in the hair follicles, or elsewhere in the body.
Although there is no cure for rosacea, it can be treated and controlled. A dermatologist (a medical doctor who specializes in diseases of the skin) usually treats rosacea. The goals of treatment are to control the condition and improve the appearance of the patient’s skin. It may take several weeks or months of treatment before a person notices an improvement of the skin.
Some doctors will prescribe a topical antibiotic, such as metronidazole, which is applied directly to the affected skin. For people with more severe cases, doctors often prescribe an oral (taken by mouth) antibiotic. Tetracycline, minocycline, erythromycin, and doxycycline are the most common antibiotics used to treat rosacea. The papules and pustules symptomatic of rosacea may respond quickly to treatment, but the redness and flushing are less likely to improve.
Things you can do to help prevent rosacea flare-ups:
- Since the sun is linked to rosacea flare-ups, sunscreen protection of 15 or higher is very important.
- When choosing a chemical sunscreen, chose Avobenzone (Parsol 1789), a less irritating chemical sunscreen.
- Avoid using irritating products that might contain alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, retinol, harsh physical exfoliants (Microdermabrasion), or SD alcohol.
- When choosing a repair product, you may find that clients are able to tolerate poly hydroxy acids as they are more gentle to the skin.
- Secret Agent mint Color Primer (from Beauticontrol) will help to neutralize redness in the skin Secret Agent Mint Color Primer. Click on the picture to find out more about this product and its benefits.
Skinlogics Sensitive Protective Services calming Fluid from Beauticontrol – Helps to soothe irritated and sensitive skin. Click on the picture to find out more about its use and benefits.
BeautyByDesy 