Acne Rosacea -Rosacea is a complex skin condition , with inflammatory triggers, in which environmental factors can interfere negatively or positively in its evolution.
Rosacea causes redness and visible blood vessels in the skin, as well as small, red pus-filled bumps. These bumps can get worse over weeks or months, and then improve and disappear for some time. Rosacea is often mistaken for acne or other skin care problems.
What are the signs of rosacea?
Typically, the first appearance of rosacea is a redness across the cheeks, forehead and nose.
Clients often describe a burning or stinging sensation when using water or certain skincare products. They may have dry, swollen skin with patches of discolouration and acne-like breakouts resistant to typical acne treatment.
What causes rosacea?
There is no clear cause of rosacea, however there are several theories of the cause, including genetic factors, environmental, blood vessel disorders and inflammatory conditions.
What to avoid
Some clients find there are some triggers to their rosacea, including alcohol, sun exposure, spicy foods, cheese, coffee and exercise.
How is rosacea diagnosed?
If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it’s important to find out if you have rosacea. Often a clinician can make a diagnosis of rosacea by an examination alone. However, in cases of uncertainty, a small tissue sample can be taken as a biopsy to confirm the condition.
Rosacea treatments
Whilst rosacea cannot be cured, treatment can help control the symptoms, reduce flare-ups and prevent rosacea from worsening. Let's take a look at a few of the most common ways to treat rosacea.
Where possible, factors that trigger rosacea should be avoided. This may include avoiding oil-based face cream and switching, instead, to water-based skincare and make-up depending on the skin needs . Proper skincare is essential to reduce inflammation, and moisturisers are key in improving the barrier function of the skin. Sun protection is essential, and again oil-free sunscreens are helpful. Our skin barrier can be disrupted due to many possible reasons. When it’s damaged the tight junctions between the skin cells are lost. This allows external irritants to get in our skin a lot easier and lead to more water leaving our skin, leading to a dry tight feeling. Damaged skin barrier is characterised by an easily irritated, dehydrated and flaky skin, red skin. Improving the skin barrier function can significantly reduce symptoms, plus reduce inflammation. Up to 30% of rosacea sufferers have a family history of the condition leading researchers to believe it involves as yet unidentified genes, and for some, this is an inherited condition.
Other possible causes:
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Researchers continue to examine areas such as the vascular system of the face for answers to the flushing symptoms of rosacea.
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The nervous system is another area of research. The skin of rosacea sufferers has a significantly lower heat-pain threshold compared to normal skin.
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Microscopic Demodex mites present in human skin have been thought to be implicated in causing rosacea in some people since sufferers have a higher prevalence of these mites than normal. People with rosacea are noted to have a greater number of these mites which is thought to aggravate rosacea rather than be the cause of it.
Rosacea needs more research:
- Researchers continue to examine areas such as the vascular system of the face for answers to the flushing symptoms of rosacea.
- The nervous system is another area of research. The skin of rosacea sufferers has a significantly lower heat-pain threshold compared to normal skin.
The most likely cause is a Compromised Skin barrier.
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The outer layer of our skin forms a natural barrier that helps prevent irritation and infection (keeps out bacteria and dirt), while retaining its moisture.
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Researchers believe the skin’s protective barrier is faulty in those with rosacea. This explains why rosacea sufferers often have sensitive skin that is easily irritated (burns, stings, reddens) and tends to be dry.
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The facial skin of rosacea sufferers is seen to be more sensitive to irritation and prone to dryness compared to normal facial skin.
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Keep your skincare simple. Avoid harsh products or active products for a couple of weeks to allow your skin time to heal.
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Avoid products with astringents, like alcohol and witch hazel. Niacinamide is a good ingredient to try – it boosts ceramide production, thereby improving lipid barrier function. Ceramides make up 50% of the uppermost layer of the skin and are fatty acids that maintain the skin barrier and retain moisture, keeping the skin hydrated. They are critical for an effective skin barrier function. So, in simple terms, niacinamide is a friend to the skin barrier as it increases the production of ceramides. Niacinamide has anti-acne and anti-ageing benefits as it has an anti-inflammatory action.
Other helpful tips.
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Essential fatty acids or omegas can be taken as a supplement, too. They’re anti-inflammatory, so help calm skin or soothe aggravating conditions from the inside out, omega-rich foods such as cold-water fish, flax seed and walnuts; when you eat well, those omegas benefit the surface of the skin.
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Hyaluronic acid is another product that helps the skin to heal. It is non oily so can be used on all skin types.
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Be careful with physical exfoliation – avoid sonic brushes and harsh cleansing cloths.
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Avoid oils on your skin until it heals.
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As everyone’s skin is different and the root cause is also individual – the treatment to resolve the skin condition may also require individual advice.
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Use a sun protection daily suited to your skin type. A mineral SPF may be the best option for you.
Expert online Consultations
We offer expert on line consultations where we can advise the best course of action to assist you with your skin. Check out our home page on our website to see link to on line consultation form www.nualawoulfe.ie
In Clinic Treatments
LED or Phototherapy is a non-invasive facial treatment that uses narrow band, non-thermal LED light energy to trigger your body’s natural cell processes to accelerate rejuvenation and repair of the skin. It’s recommended for skin rejuvenation, rosacea, and any inflammatory skin conditions, wound healing and scarring as well as anyone looking to restore skin’s radiance.
IPL - Small linear blood vessels (telangiectasia) may be successfully improved with vascular laser or intense pulse light (IPL) treatment.
https://www.nualawoulfe.ie/blogs/latest-news/ipl-or-intense-pulsed-light
Skin peels
Lactic acid is widely used for the treatment of pigmentation; although it is beneficial in the treatment of acne particularly acne rosacea and treatment. It treats fine line’s and will brighten the skin. Lactic acid is derived from sour milk and is a member of the alpha hydroxyl family. It works by loosening the chemical bonds that hold the skin together which leaves the skin lighter, brighter and clearer.
The benefits of having a lactic treatment are:
- It lightens pigmentation giving clarity to the tone of your skin.
- Rejuvenates treats fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating the production of collagen.
- Suitable for sensitive skin making it a great treatment for Acne Rosacea
Read more on Rosacea via @
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324838883_Improvement_of_dermal_parameters_in_aged_skin_after_oral_use_of_a_nutrient_supplement
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/rosacea/
Link to products suited to Sensitive reactive skin .
Gentle Cleanser https://www.nualawoulfe.ie/collections/skinceuticals/products/skinceuticals-gentle-cleanser-250ml
Hydrating B5 - hyaluronic acid (not a true acid) serum. Gel https://www.nualawoulfe.ie/collections/skinceuticals/products/skinceuticals-hydrating-b5-30ml
Redness Neutraliser is a lightweight soothing gel cream formulated with the patent-pending NeuroMed Complex, a unique combination of biomimetic neuropeptides and natural ingredients.https://www.nualawoulfe.ie/collections/skinceuticals/products/skinceuticals-redness-neutralizer-50ml
Correct the early signs of skin ageing with SkinCeuticals Niacinamide Metacell Renewal - The daily formula is developed with a high concentration of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), firming tripeptide concentrate and Glycerine to help tackle early signs of photo-ageing. The lightweight solution effectively renews and resurfaces the appearance of skin to improve clarity and tone while strengthening the natural barrier. Wrinkles and loss of elasticity are addressed, and dark spots and blotchiness appear to disappear. Skin is left feeling smoother, firmer and intensely hydrated without stickiness.
https://www.nualawoulfe.ie/collections/skinceuticals/products/skinceuticals-metacell-renewal-b3-50ml
