Rosacea: What is this & what you need to know about it?

Experts provide a comprehensive overview of the symptoms, signs, and treatment options for rosacea. 

 

What symptoms suggest rosacea?

Symptoms of rosacea include visible small capillaries and vascular networks, tendency to swelling in the cheek and nose areas, frequent facial redness, especially around the nose and cheeks, small facial rash, appearance of papules and pustules resembling acne, and a pronounced sensation of burning in the cheek areas.

Dermatologists describe symptoms that are important not to miss in the early stages of the disease:
  • Redness and thickening of the skin;
  • Short-term (and later permanent) facial redness is one of the main primary symptoms of rosacea;
  • Increased sensitivity: reactivity to cosmetic products and external irritants such as cold, wind or heat, spices, red wine;
  • Appearance of nodules and rashes (especially on the nose);
  • Eye itching. Rosacea can spread to the eyes, resulting in dryness, itching and irritation.

 

How is rosacea diagnosed?

Experienced dermatologists use several criteria to diagnose rosacea:

  • Collection of anamnesis.
  • Establishing when or what period of life hyperactivity occurred, and what trigger factors the skin reacted to.
  • Dermatoscopic examination allows identification of inflammation of the vascular network and primary or secondary signs of rosacea manifestation.

 

What salon procedures are prohibited in rosacea skin care?

When caring for skin affected by rosacea, certain salon procedures should be avoided to prevent exacerbating the condition. These procedures include:

  • Chemical Peels: These can be too harsh and may cause irritation and flare-ups in sensitive rosacea-prone skin.
  • Microdermabrasion: This procedure involves exfoliating the skin with a mechanical device, which can be too abrasive for individuals with rosacea.
  • Laser Treatments: While some specific laser treatments can help with rosacea, many laser procedures, especially non-targeted ones, can aggravate the condition if not done properly.
  • Hot Waxing: The heat from hot waxing can increase redness and irritation in rosacea-affected areas.
  • Steam Facials: Exposure to steam can dilate blood vessels and increase redness and flushing, which are common issues in rosacea.
  • Excessive Exfoliation: Both physical and chemical exfoliants can strip the skin's barrier, leading to increased sensitivity and irritation.


It's important for individuals with rosacea to consult with a dermatologist before undergoing any salon procedures to ensure that they choose treatments that are safe and suitable for their skin condition.

 

What components to look for in products for rosacea skin care?

First of all, these are components that have a soothing effect, such as plant bioextracts like centella asiatica, aloe, chamomile. Experts add that for reducing redness and vascular manifestations, hyaluronic acid, vitamins A, C, E, azelaic acid will help.

All therapeutic products, including proper home care, should be individually selected by a dermatologist or cosmetologist.

Dermatologists recommend care products that do not irritate the skin and protect it from sun exposure (UVA / UVB protection with SPF 30 or higher).

It is better to choose non-chemical (mineral) sunscreens based on zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

 

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What taboos exist in rosacea skin care?

Experts warn against the use of products with alcohols, AHA / BHA acids, scrubs with abrasive particles, chemical peels, micellar water without proper washing, incorrectly selected derivatives of vitamin A. Ask your esthetician to get the right products for your skin type specifically.

 

What is the treatment for rosacea?

Despite the fact that rosacea is a chronic condition, correct diagnosis and effective treatment can alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Rosacea can be challenging for those who face it, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, its impact on life can be significantly reduced. Here are treatment options:

  1. Medications that improve the tone of the vascular network, usually of plant origin: horse chestnut extracts, holly, birch, rutin, agents containing vitamins C, E, A, F;
  2. Diet and lifestyle: to exclude trigger factors, it is recommended to review diet and lifestyle as some foods (spicy, hot drinks, alcohol) and stress reaction may exacerbate symptoms;
  3. Sun protection: mandatory use of products with mineral SPF filters;
  4. Local therapy. It is worth choosing cosmetic care that reduces skin sensitivity and normalizes the microflora: light cream-like cleansers without sulfates, fragrances and phthalates, tonics with soothing and moisturizing properties to restore skin microbiome and hydration;
  5. Laser therapy. Laser procedures can help reduce rashes and nodules, remove vascular stars, but they always have only a short-term effect.
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If nothing is done about rosacea, will it go away?

Rosacea requires monitoring and therapy, without which it will progress and lead to the appearance of pronounced severe symptoms. The disease can be brought into remission, during which there will be no deterioration of the skin. However, in the absence of proper care and treatment, rosacea has a high tendency to exacerbation, severe course and transition to further stages.

Partly Material: Vogue.ua
May 15, 2024