At Wellspring Skincare, we understand the challenges faced when treating and managing the symptoms of rosacea. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by facial redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels. Although there is no cure for rosacea, individuals can effectively manage it by using the right treatments and preventative plan. We commit to helping you achieve healthier, more even-toned skin.
Understanding Rosacea:
Rosacea is a chronic skin conditions affecting skin on the face, but can also be present in the eyes. The most common skin symptoms are facial redness, flushing, visible blood vessels, rosacea flare, and acne-like bumps.
We do not fully understand the cause of rosacea. However, potential triggers include genetics, immune system, facial biology, and environmental factors. Managing rosacea focuses on identifying triggers and minimizing flare-ups.
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Genetics: Patients with a family history of rosacea may be more likely to develop the skin condition. Studies link rosacea to many genetic defects.
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Immune system: Dysfunction of the immune system can play a role in the development of rosacea. Specifically, immune systems effecting blood vessel diameter and inflammation can lead to the development of rosacea.
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Facial biome: All healthy skin has a biome made up of various strains and concentrations of bacteria and Demodex mites. These tiny organisms are what we consider the skin flora. Sometimes the levels of these organisms can become abnormal and concentrated, which can lead to rosacea.
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Environmental factors: Factors including sun exposure and frequent, prolonged flushing can lead to rosacea. The precise reason why this occurs is unclear.
General Treatment Recommendations
Non drug interventions may be useful on their own or have a compounding effects with other treatments. Interventions include avoiding skin flushing, gentle skin care, sun protection, and using cosmetic products to cover symptoms.
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Avoidance of flushing: Potential triggers that can lead to flushing are extreme temperatures, UV exposure, alcohol, spicy foods and psychological stressors. Using a cool compresses may help if flushing is occurs. There are also prescription strength oral medications used off label however their efficacy is limited and inconsistent. Laser treatments are also good at preventing flushing.
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Gentle skincare: Often patients with rosacea will have sensitive skin and need to take be careful with the products. Some general principles to follow include frequent skin moisturizing with emollients, gentle skin cleansing, and avoiding irritating products. Products like toners or chemical cleansing agents may exacerbate the problem.
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Aggressive sun protection: UV light and heat can exacerbate flushing. Being aggressive with sun protection including physical and topical sun screens can help prevent worsening of rosacea symptoms.
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Cosmetic camouflage: Green-tinted facial powder or foundation is a great way to hide redness and skin issues.
IPL Laser Treatment
IPL lasers, like the Sciton BBL are light-based technologies targeting visible blood vessels and redness. As these are are the hallmark of rosacea, IPL treatments can be very effective. The ultimate treatment result is reducing the visibility of blood vessels and redness. The strength of the treatment is individual to each patient.
Patients can except minimal to no downtime from IPL treatments. Results can lead to a more even skin tone, improved flushing, reduced skin sensitivity, and skin texture. IPL lasers generally require multiple treatments spaced a few weeks apart to achieve long lasting results and maintenance.
Medications for facial redness and flushing
There are numerous topical and oral medications used to control rosacea. The strongest evidence involves a topical medications called brimonidine or oxymetazoline. These prescription-based medications come with side effects. Generally, people turn to prescription medication when other treatments fail.
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Brimonidine: A topical medication that works to constrict the blood vessels leading to reduced redness and flushing. People tolerate the topical gel well. The most common side effects include flushing, erythema, skin burning and irritation.
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Oxymetazoline: A topical medication that blocks receptors to constrict blood vessels, leading to reduced redness. The side effects include inflammation of the skin, worsening of rosacea infmalation, pain, itching and redness.
If acne like bumps ar einvolved, then effective topical therapies are oral antibiotics and azelaic acid.
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Metronidazole: The exact mechanism of action is unknown however it may include antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, or antioxidant properties. The improvement in inflammation may occur as soon as two to four weeks after the start of therapy. People usually need to use it long term. The most common side effects are irritation, dryness, and stinging.
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Azelaic acid: This naturally occurring acid works by reducing inflammation and working as an antioxidant. Best results occur around 3 to 4 months of after therapy. The most frequent side effects include discomfort after application.
Rosacea Management with Wellspring Skincare:
Many people inquire about a facial for treating rosacea. However, these have not proven effective. Along with a consistent skin care routine, we recommend a laser treatment for rosacea. Laser therapy for rosacea and skin care products are your best course.
Rosacea management is complex and can take many treatments to control the symptoms. At Wellspring Skincare, we take a comprehensive skin assessment and identify triggers to develop a personalized treatment plan. We have topical treatments and two laser platforms to improve skin health and manage symptoms effectively. We offer ongoing support and monitoring to ensure optimal results and lasting improvement.
Take control of your skin and regain your confidence – schedule a consultation with us today to discover the Wellspring Skincare difference.
Rosacea Summary
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that can be quite challenging to manage. Facial redness, flushing, visible blood vessels, and acne-like bumps all characterize rosacea. While there is no cure for rosacea, individuals can effectively manage the symptoms with the right treatments and preventative plan. This is where Wellspring Skincare comes in.
At Wellspring Skincare, we understand the difficulties faced by those with rosacea. We recognize that it can be frustrating and disheartening to deal with the persistent redness and other symptoms. That's why we are committed to helping our clients achieve healthier, more even-toned skin.
Managing rosacea requires a comprehensive approach. It involves identifying triggers and minimizing flare-ups. Potential triggers can include genetics, immune system dysfunction, facial biology, and environmental factors. Our team at Wellspring Skincare takes the time to understand each person's unique situation and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Treatment recommendations for rosacea include both non-drug interventions and medications. Non-drug interventions can be useful on their own or in combination with other treatments. To reduce flushing, avoid triggers, take care of your skin, use sunscreen, and use makeup to hide symptoms.
Doctors can prescribe medications, both topical and oral, to control facial redness and flushing. These medications can cause side effects and doctors usually prescribe them when other treatments have not been successful.
At Wellspring Skincare, we offer a range of treatments to manage rosacea effectively. One of the treatments we provide is IPL laser treatment, which targets visible blood vessels and redness. IPL treatments can help reduce blood vessels and redness, resulting in smoother skin and less flushing. We also offer topical treatments and have two laser platforms to improve skin health and manage symptoms.
Controlling rosacea is complex. But with support and treatment, we can manage symptoms together and skin health can improve. Let Wellspring be your partners in skin care.