Preventing Rosacea Flare Ups with Treatments and the Right Home Care

17 Apr

Rosacea is one of the most common conditions that I see in my clients’ skin. It is definitely more common in women than in men and in clients with lighter skin.

This common inflammatory skin disorder can cause redness, dryness, flaky skin, persistent red flush, thickening of the skin, and lesions. Rosacea flareups often start at the nose and butterfly out to the cheeks, forehead, and chin. Other symptoms can be burning sensation on the skin (heat weals) or visible thread-like capillaries radiating out from the center of the face.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for rosacea, but it is possible to manage rosacea flare-up symptoms!

The first step is to make sure acne is not mistaken for rosacea. Confirm your rosacea by having a consultation with a skincare specialist! The symptoms can be similar, but they require different treatment plans.

Some of these factors can be linked to rosacea:

Impaired acid mantle (using the wrong skincare)
Sun damage
Sluggish lymphatic system
Gut health (imbalance in your gut flora)
Excessive amounts of microscopic demodex folliculorum mites
Immune system
Liver toxicity
Genetics
Hormonal changes
Emotional trauma

Let's have a look at controlling the rosacea so that you can get on with life.

Avoid possible triggers

Too much UV exposure or extreme temperatures can produce stress on the capillaries from constant dilating and constricting.

Avoid alcohol (especially red wine), hot drinks, sugar, gluten, caffeine, MSG, and spicy foods.

Vitamin deficiencies can also be a trigger, especially a lack of vitamin B and essential fatty acids. Stress and smoking can be a big trigger too!

If you have rosacea, you want to avoid skincare products that contain alcohol or astringents. Using harsh, granular exfoliants and cleansing brushes can cause friction and can aggravate rosacea. Certain medications and hormonal changes can also be a trigger. I often see women in their 30’s or 40’s going through hormonal changes with severe flare-ups!

Treatment advice and home care

Microneedling creates micro-channels, which activate the skin’s self-rejuvenation function.As your skin heals, it promotes the production of collagen to re-densify the skin, making it more resilient. Redness becomes visibly reduced and the complexion feels more balanced and less reactive.

Capillaries are strengthened and their networks more regulated, which makes the skin visibly less red.

I may also use glycolic acid peels to accelerate the control of rosacea. Peels are performed every 2 to 4 weeks. In general, I use lower concentrations of the peeling agent (20% to 40%) to prevent excessive irritation.

We know that trying out different lotions and creams on your skin is a risky business when you have rosacea. As rosacea is a long-term, inflammatory skin condition, it is important to support the skin with home care products to reinforce protection by protecting the natural barrier function.

You want to use a gentle cleanser, a balm, milk, or an oil. You don’t want to use anything that breaks down your natural acid mantle.

Triphase Cleanser contains a soothing blend of grape seed and rice bran oil, which gently removes the environmental build-up and stubborn makeup without stripping the acid mantle. It transitions from balm to gel and then milk with the addition of water, so it washes off easily.

Pollution, UV, and temperature can trigger your rosacea, but you can put up a barrier against environmental factors with an appropriate serum. Antioxidant cocktail from DP is perfect for rosacea, rich in niacinamide to soothe red and irritated skin.

Vitamin Rich Repair helps with barrier protection from free radical exposure. It helps to visibly strengthen vulnerable complexions.

Retinal Active, a vitamin A anti-aging night cream your skin tolerates, helps to regenerate your skin.

Skin Veneer repairs that barrier helps keep out irritants and allergens that may cause flare-ups.

I created Kat's Calming and Repairing Organic Face Oil for rosacea skin if your skin needs some TLC. It’s regenerating, soothing, hydrating and protective for your skin!

Finally, I often prescribe a low concentration of glycolic acid washes and lotions. Nimue Spf 40 Sunscreen and avoiding the sun is essential.

Rosacea is a frustrating skin condition that often requires ongoing management. I am here to support you!