Rosacea is a chronic skin condition
that can be difficult to treat. It typically
can develop between the ages of 30 and
fifty. Symptoms include facial redness,
skin sensitivity, enlarged surface capillaries
especially on the nose, and unsightly
acne lesions and pustules. In spite
of much research, what causes rosacea
is still unknown.
Rosacea can be hard to diagnose because at first you may just
have red areas, flaky patches or skin sensitivity that comes and
goes. As the disease progresses you could develop what look like
acne pustules and large red bumps. If you suspect you may have
rosacea, we recommend you see a dermatologist for proper diagnosis
and treatment. There are several prescription drugs for controlling
rosacea such as MetroGel, Differin and Azelex that may help you
manage your condition. It is also important to start a skin care
regimen tailored to your rosacea.
We
found a natural skin care system called ZENMED®
Skin Support System that is popular with rosacea sufferers
and doesn't have the side effects of taking prescription
medications. ZENMED™ is an effective herbal product
for controlling rosacea because it controls the inflammation,
which is the key to managing rosacea. It combines all-natural
anti-inflammatory ingredients that work to help constrict
blood vessels near the surface of the skin. The addition
of all-natural bacteria fighting agents help kill any bacteria
on the surface of the skin to prevent outbreaks. The products
also contain all-natural collagen boosters which help prevent
flare-ups and make the skin heal faster. The ZENMED™
product line includes a gentle cleanser, a calming gel,
a healing serum and an oil-free moisturizer with SPF 15.
They are available in oily skin and dry skin formulas.
ZENMED®
Skin Support Supplement is an antioxidant-enriched supplement
can help boost the skin's natural healing processes and
appearance. It contains Alpha Lipoic Acid, Coenzyme Q10,
and Vitamins A, C, and E. These are powerful antioxidants
that help fight free radical damage.
ZENMED™ offers a 60 day full money
back guarantee. For more information, go to the ZENMED™
web site.
If you suffer from rosacea, it is critical
that you be extra gentle with your skin
care regimen to avoid making your condition
worse. Here are some tips on skin care
for rosacea.
Over-cleansing may irritate your skin
and exacerbate your rosacea. It is crucial
to use a mild, non-soap, water-soluble
cleanser. It must be non-irritating,
non-greasy, and unscented. Examples
include Cetaphil®, Aquani®l
and Dove®.
Wash with lukewarm water, not hot.
Use your fingers, not a wash cloth,
and then blot your skin dry with a thick
cotton towel. Do not rub.
One of the most common causes of rosacea
flare-ups is UV overexposure. Use a
daily sunscreen with at least SPF 15
containing titanium dioxide and/or
zinc oxide as the active ingredients.
Other sunscreen ingredients such as
Octinoxate (Octyl methoxycinnamate)
may be irritating to skin.
Use a light moisturizer with antioxidants
to help protect your skin. Some examples
are the Cutanix line such as Cutanix
Dramatic Relief Multi-Action Skin Therapy
with Quadrinone (1%) - Intermediate
Formula for Sensitive Skin. It is
formulated for sensitive skin and the
fast absorbing and non-comedogenic formulation
helps to reduce the redness while repairing
and hydrating damaged skin. Another
product to consider is MD Formulations
- Critical Care Calming Gel. Its
light, oil-free formula contains potent
phyto-antioxidants and argnine amino
acids that help calm irritated skin
without leaving an oily finish.
You can find the Cutanix and MD Formulations product lines at
DERMAdoctor.com
If you like to exfoliate your skin
to slough off the dead skin cells, Salicylic
Acid (a beta
hydroxy acid) is a good choice because
it has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial
properties which may help reduce facial
redness. Alpha hydroxy acids may be
too harsh for your skin.
Choose oil-free and non-comedogenic
products, and apply foundations lightly,
because they can act as a mask and trap
bacteria on your face. Try to use natural
cosmetics and remember to read the ingredients
to make sure the products doesn't contain
something that will irritate your skin.
CosmeticsMall
carries products for sensitive skin
Use of washcloths, topical scrubs,
microdermabrasion and in-home facial
peels should be avoided as they may
irritate your condition. You should
also avoid products that contain alcohol,
witch hazel, ascorbic acid, sodium lauryl
sulfate, essential oils like lavender,
eucalyptus, lemon, menthol, mint (peppermint,
spearmint, wintergreen) and any kind
of fragrance. Although every person
is different, these are common irritants
that could cause a flare-up.
Other common causes for flare-ups of
rosacea include too much time outside
in hot or cold weather, cooking over
a hot stove, drinking alcohol and hot
beverages, and stress. See your dermatologist
for help on controlling your rosacea
and avoiding flare-ups.
Rosacea is a spectrum of presentations ranging from
skin redness and sensitivity to sun, alcohol, spicy foods to true
Rosacea, with inflammatory skin lesions. GreatSkin.com
has some excellent information and product recommendations to
help you care for your special condition.
