What Is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic skin inflammation that primarily affects the face; mostly around the cheeks, nose and between the brow. Most sufferers notice a combination of dilated surface capillaries, a constant red or flush appearance, and small pimples or lumps. Other symptoms of Rosacea can include skin sensitivity, constant burning or stinging sensations and, in very severe cases, some can present with Rhinophyma or Phymatous Rosacea, which causes the skin to thicken across the nose along with enlarged pores and oily skin.
What Causes Rosacea?
While the exact cause of Rosacea is not known it is however quite common, affecting 1 in 20 people and is most prevalent in women and those with fair skin. However, not all those with redness or broken capillaries have Rosacea. Some experience broken vessels, constant static redness and/or may flush easily due to lifestyle factors (such as spicy food, alcohol and excess heat), without experiencing the pustules, burning or sensitivity of someone with Rosacea. This is classed as diffused redness and is caused by dilated capillaries under the skin which create a general facial redness. Diffused facial redness can occur because of genetics, ageing, prolonged sun exposure, pregnancy/childbirth, oral contraceptives, and oestrogen replacement therapy.
While Rosacea and Diffused Redness are primarily caused by genetics, there are certain triggers that can aggravate the symptoms:
- Direct Sunlight or UV exposure
- Extremes in temperature
- Heavy Physical Exercise
- Spicy Foods
- Alcohol
- Caffeine/Hot Drinks
- Emotional Stress
- Histamine (yoghurt, cheeses)
- Perfume/Perfume based products
- Aggressive skin care products (e.g Alcohol based products)
- Menopause/Hot Flushes
How To Treat Redness & Rosacea?
While Rosacea and Diffused Redness cannot be completely cured, VC Dermal Clinics offer many treatment and skin care options which, along with trigger avoidance, can help manage and reduce the symptoms including the reduction of pustules and lumps, broken capillary removal and reducing the appearance of redness.
AHA peels
AHA peels are extremely gentle and work to exfoliate the superficial layers of the skin, aid in hydration and remove dull or lifeless skin. AHA acids such as Lactic or Glycolic acid can often have an anti-inflammatory effect and there is usually little or no peeling involved post peel.
For skin with Rosacea, AHA peels can have widely different results, as it is dependent on the skin’s thickness, dryness or dehydration levels and the level of sensitivity in the skin. AHA peels, if performed appropriately, can help to thicken the epidermis, strengthen the skin, reduce redness, remove pustules and pimples and help smooth and refine skin texture. Peels can be undertaken fortnightly or monthly to keep your skin looking fresh. A skin analysis will be performed to determine your treatment plan for maximum results.
Vascular Laser Treatments
Using the Candela Gentlemax Pro device, we are able to instantly pulse away unwanted vascular lesions within seconds. Using Nd:YAG 1064 nm wavelength technology, we are able to specifically target haemoglobin (blood supply) for both broken capillaries and diffused general redness. The laser light is absorbed as heat, which gently seals off the vessels resulting in their removal and a clearer complexion. Vascular treatment may successfully treat redness, certain forms of rosacea and dilated or broken capillaries. A skin analysis will be performed to determine your ideal treatment plan for maximum results.
LILT
Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) utilises 3B cold laser technology, which stimulates cell production by emitting various light wavelengths, triggering a variety of healing, regenerating, stimulating and corrective responses that can stabilise and normalise skin function with no heat, discomfort or downtime. For those with rosacea, LILT aims to reduce inflammation, redness and remove or reduce burning or stinging sensations, whilst working to strengthen the skin and prevent flare-ups.
OMNILUX LED Red Light Treatment
Omnilux is a non-invasive, non-thermal light therapy, which uses 1800 narrow banded LED lights to flood the skin with specific wavelengths of light. Light Receptors within your skin absorb the light which activates mitochondria (ATP energy cell), and stimulates cell signalling within the body. Depending on the light of wavelength used, different skin conditions and concerns are able to be targeted. For those with Rosacea skin, the use of the Red LED light (633 nm) is recommended as it is extremely anti-inflammatory, increases blood flow and aids in detoxification and collagen production. It is an extremely effective treatment for rosacea as this wavelength penetrates 2mm – 3mm into the dermis, however does not cause any trauma or heat to the skin and has no downtime post treatment. For best results a course of 9 treatments, every 48 hours, 3 times a week is required.
What Skincare Treats Rosacea?
LIRA PRO MYSTIQ iLuminating Cleanser with PSC
The LIRA PRO MYSTIQ iLuminating Cleanser helps reduce redness and calms inflamed or rosacea affected skin. The gentle but effective formula includes Mastiha, Orange Plant Stem Cells and botanicals. The Mystiq iLuminating Cleanser effectively removes makeup and dirt while brightening and soothing the skin.
LIRA PRO BIO Hydra C Serum with PSC
The LIRA PRO Bio Hydra C Serum with PSC lowers the skin’s sensitivity and reduces the appearance of redness and swelling which is associated with rosacea. This universal Vitamin C serum encourages skin hydration and repair while protecting against harmful free radicals with powerful antioxidants.
Physical Sunscreen
While chemical sunscreens are very irritating on sensitive or rosacea skin, physical sunscreens (those containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) are not. This is because chemical sunscreens are typically absorbed by the skin, causing blockages, irritation and aggravating the symptoms of rosacea. Physical Sunscreen, however, sits on and binds to the surface of the skin, creating an instant blanket like protection. Because of this, Physical Sunscreen is essential for those with a heat-activated skin like rosacea and diffused redness, as it deflects the heat given off from the sun. The heat and energy from sun exposure is why UV is a major trigger for those suffering with rosacea, so it is recommended an SPF be worn daily to prevent and reduce symptoms.
Mineral Makeup
Just like physical sunscreen, Mineral makeup’s main ingredient base is Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. Not only does it have the added benefit of extra sun protection, but mineral makeup also doesn’t penetrate the skin and thus does not cause blockages, congestions or cause irritation. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are also known to help soothe skin irritations. At VC Dermal Clinic, we stock Saint Minerals, a consciously created, cruelty-free, mineral make-up range, derived from highest quality, vegan friendly, no-nanotechnology minerals.
