All About Rosaecea
Pronounced ro-Zay-shah, this condition afflicts people mainly of northern European (including British) descent. It is marked by a chronic, defuse redness on the cheeks, chin, nose and forehead, with a collection of visible blood vessels that look like a tiny roadmap on any of these areas. When the condition is more severe, i.e. when a “flare-up” occurs, small pimples with white heads can develop, which then go away after the flare-up subsides. For this reason, the condition used to be called Acne Rosaecea.
It was previously thought to be a skin condition, which is why antibiotics used to be prescribed, but it is now understood that Rosaecea is actually a vascular disorder and cannot be addressed by antibiotics alone. The cause is unknown and there is no cure, but it is understood to be genetic, possibly connected to an inherited weakness in the capillary walls. Skin care, therefore, must concentrate on calming and soothing the skin, reducing the intensity of blood flow, strengthening capillary walls, helping the body build new capillaries, along with supplement and lifestyle changes. In more severe cases, prescription medications, like Finacea, Metrogel or Metrocreme are very effective when used in conjunction with the above mentioned remedies.
Lifestyle changes include:
•Lowered consumption of alcohol, or if the problem is severe, cutting it out completely
•Cutting out spicy foods if you notice that they cause flare-ups
•Exercising in ventilated areas only, or outside before 10am or after 3pm
•Avoiding entirely steam rooms and saunas
•Standing by an open window when in a heated or intense conversation
•Covering the face between extreme changes in temperature, i.e. from cold wind to a warm building
•Opening the passenger side window of your car a crack when the heat is on full blast
•Being super-religious about sun block, avoiding sun exposure whenever possible
•Increasing consumption of dark green leafy vegetables, orange and yellow vegetables, and the "pith" of citrus fruits (that’s the white stuff you normally throw away)
•Taking a supplement of vitamin C, with extra bioflavanoids added in, such as a supplement called “Quercetin Complex”
Daily skin care routine for Rosaecea, sensitive skin, and capillary redness is as follows :
AM:
•Cleanse : mild foaming cleanser if oily, soothing lotion cleanser if dry
•Tone : alcohol-free toner that is calming and reparative
•Calm : calming, hydrating, repairing serum
•Sun screen : must be hydrating and designed for sensitive skin, preferably with SPF 30, and totally non-clogging
•Protect : Lipid barrier replacement serum (only if skin is dry or in an arid climate)
PM:
•Cleanse : mild foaming cleanser if oily, soothing lotion cleanser if dry
•Tone : alcohol-free toner that is calming and reparative
•Calm : calming, hydrating, repairing serum
-
• Moisturize : must be hydrating and calming, and totally non-clogging
-
•1 to 2 times per week: a soothing gel mask
Exfoliation can come in the form of a very light complexion brush, which has bristles very much like a baby’s brush. Some skins can handle AHA’s and others need only a periodic facial for exfoliation. Discuss your options with your Esthetician.
