6 August 2015

Rosacea Facts and Fixes

Rosacea is a common inflammatory skin condition affecting more than 16 million adults in the US alone. It is characterized by redness of the face with a tendency to flush easily, tiny red pustules that may resemble acne, and small dilated blood vessels. It mostly affects people of Northern European descent and is more frequently found in women. some Rosacea Facts:Rosacea Facts

Though it cannot be cured, rosacea can be controlled and symptoms can be managed. Untreated rosacea generally worsens over time so it is important to take proper care of the condition as early as possible.

Understanding What Makes Rosacea Flare Up

Those suffering with rosacea are prone to “flare-ups”, during which the skin becomes more inflamed. The most common triggers of rosacea flare-ups are extreme temperatures (severe heat/severe cold), sun exposure, spicy foods, alcohol (generally speaking the darker the alcohol, the worse the flare), and stress. As flare-ups increase in frequency, the visible symptoms of rosacea increase in severity.

So how do we treat it? When treated early, rosacea responds very well to topical treatment. With the right in-office procedures and professional home care, we can diminish the frequency and severity of the flare-ups. It is very important that the practitioner treating your skin is very familiar with rosacea and its behavior.

Treating and Managing Rosacea

Embody Medspa treat the condition as both a sensitive skin issue as well as an acne skin type, walking a very fine line between the two. Rosacea responds very well to our clinical style facials (no massage, little manipulation) during which we use products specifically designed to reduce inflammation. We also get good results from enzyme peels and low-level glycolic or lactic acid peels. Every case is different, and therefore every treatment plan we design is customized for the individual. The products used at home are equally, if not more, important to the treatment of rosacea. The type of cleansers, moisturizers, sunblock, and makeup applied to the skin will determine whether the rosacea remains controlled or continues to flare. In severe cases, we will refer the client to a dermatologist for prescription medication.