ROSACEA
Sensitive, Red, Sore or Flushed? Treat and Control Your Rosacea
Rosacea Treatments
Are you suffering from skin that flushes easily (especially when touched), has obvious red spider vein blood vessels (telangiectasia) and has a smattering of black and whitehead-free pimples appearing on your cheeks and nose?
Or is your face red without makeup?
Chances are you are suffering from Rosacea
It’s time to find and reveal your beautiful skin
For most people, a flushed face is a standard reaction to emotions ranging from excitement to embarrassment, to anger. Yet for many, facial redness is a manifestation of rosacea: an often unrecognised and misunderstood skin disorder. Perhaps it’s time to seek professional Rosacea treatment.
To put it in the most basic terms, Rosacea is an inflammation that comes back again and again and again. Essentially, anyone who has this chronic disease will relapse from time to time while going through weeks, months or even years without a single symptom. There is no cure at this time, but our web page sets out to focus on Rosacea Treatments in which each form of Rosacea can be treated and controlled.
Rosacea is a disorder that mainly affects the skin on the face. It causes redness on the nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead. Over time, the redness can become more intense, taking on a ruddy appearance. Blood vessels may become visible.
In some cases, Rosacea appears on the chest, back, or neck. It can affect the eyes, causing you to feel irritated and to appear bloodshot or watery. People with Rosacea can also develop red solid bumps and pus-filled pimples. The disorder can cause the nose to take on a bulbous, swollen appearance called rhinophyma.
“Self-esteem, embarrassment and frustration”
Even though rosacea is not a life-threatening condition, its effect on appearance can often leave you feeling embarrassed, frustrated, anxious, and lacking in self-confidence.
Patients who are well informed about rosacea tend to cope better because they are prepared to deal with complications or recurrences.
Emotional health is generally restored when symptoms are successfully addressed. This is more likely to happen if individuals comply with long-term medical therapy and take measures such as professional rosacea treatments to minimise the factors that aggravate the condition.
It is important for individuals to talk to a doctor if they experience intense feelings of distress, embarrassment, or frustration.
Rosacea does not cause scarring. It is a chronic disorder, rather than a short-term condition, and is often characterised by relapses and remissions. It can be caused by inherent defects in the body’s immune system. Rosacea Treatment is generally directed toward symptomatic control and disease prevention.
At Nascent Skin and Beauty, we offer several modalities that can be effective at reducing and controlling Rosacea and its associated flare-ups. We can reduce skin redness and reveal your beautiful fair skin by using the latest IPL Photorejuvenation treatments, MDerma Skin Micro Needling, medical-grade LED Phototherapy and Advanced Cosmeceutical Corrective Facials, as well as providing you with effective post-treatment care.
Before undertaking your first *clinical skin treatment for your rosacea (*IPL Laser Photorejuvenation or LED Light Phototherapy) we will require you to undertake a Skin Consultation with our highly trained Skin Specialist who can identify the extent of rosacea you may be suffering from and recommend the best course of action. All consultations and treatments are conducted in our well equipped, safe, private, comfortable and stylish clinic where our Skin Specialists are able to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
During the consultation, a detailed assessment will be conducted, along with a patch test where required if you are undertaking IPL Laser Photorejuvenation. A personal programme will be developed to suit your skin requirements. Following the consultation and a successful patch test (where necessary), you will be able to start your course of prescribed treatments.
Rosacea
What Causes Rosacea?
Rosacea (ro-zay-sha) is a common, acne-like benign inflammatory skin disease of adults.
Rosacea, or acne rosacea as it is incorrectly but often referred to, is a non-contagious skin inflammation that exclusively affects the face. The small surface blood vessels (capillaries) of the skin enlarge (dilate), giving the appearance of a permanent flush. The forehead, cheeks and chin may develop yellow-headed pimples. Unlike acne, rosacea does not scar.
Rosacea occurs predominantly in fair-skinned adults, 30 to 50 years of age and persists, becoming chronic with age. It occurs more frequently in females, but when it occurs in males it is usually more severe. One in ten patients with Rosacea has a family history of the condition.
Frequent flushing or blushing is commonly the first sign. Over time, permanent redness (erythema) may develop as the capillaries enlarge and pustules begin to form. In men, severe rosacea can cause the nose to become reddened and enlarged (rhinophyma). The symptoms tend to worsen with advancing age.
The actual cause of rosacea at present is unknown and there is no permanent cure.
The symptoms of rosacea, the flushing and redness, the pimples and pustules, the sensitivity and soreness, can however be effectively treated using Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). IPL uses controlled light in specific wavelengths to alleviate the inflammation, redness, pimples and uneven skin tones caused by the condition. IPL offers a gentle, long-lasting reduction of external symptoms for those suffering from rosacea by providing a gradual and natural improvement to the skin’s appearance.
Before you can treat your rosacea, you need to know what type of rosacea you have. Our Skin Specialist will identify the type for you during your skin consultation and analysis.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) for treatment
The use of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Lasers can correct many of the obvious symptoms of rosacea with no downtime, creating clearer, more vibrant and youthful skin through a process called Photo-Rejuvenation.
IPL Laser can be used effectively on all areas of the body, and has been shown to be an effective treatment for; freckles, sunspots and other hyperpigmented areas; acne (the light energy destroys bacteria colonising your skin); UV sun damage, age spots, discoloured skin areas and/or redness; broken capillaries & rosacea; and lacklustre skin texture.
IPL technology emits multiple wavelengths of light into the skin, which are absorbed by the blood vessel when treating the vascular lesions associated with rosacea, effectively cauterizing them. The damaged vessel is then removed by the body’s natural processes or forced to the skin surface appearing as micro crusting which is easily sloughed off when exfoliating. IPL treatments can provide dramatic improvements in the appearance of age spots, sun spots, sun damage, freckles, rosacea and more.
Photorejuvenation treatments stimulate the body’s natural healing process to assist in the removal of treated pigmentation and blood vessels, while also promoting the natural production of collagen, which leaves skin smoother and more evenly toned, firms the skin and reduces skin pore size, and results in more youthful-looking skin.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Laser Skin Rejuvenation – often better known as IPL Photorejuvenation, IPL Laser Photofacial or IPL Foto Facial – is a state of the art technology, and with a trained and skilled skin therapist, can deliver world-class results. IPL Photorejuvenation is a non-invasive treatment performed in-clinic, with a medical-grade Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology system.
Skin Analysis and Consultation
A Skin Consultation, as well as a *Patch Test, is necessary before you can undertake your first skin treatment (be that IPL Laser Photorejuvenation; DermaFrac Skin Needling; or Chemical Skin Peel). Each of these treatments has specific contraindications that may prevent you from undertaking the treatment owing to safety concerns or circumstances that would prevent the treatment from being effective. As a Registered Practitioner and Licensed Therapist, we require the consultation to be carried out prior to your first treatment only. After the initial Skin Analysis, you will be entitled to ongoing free skin analysis during your course of treatments which will allow you to monitor your skin treatment progress and for your Skin Specialist to monitor or alter your skincare plan if needed to optimise your skin results.
All consultations and treatments are conducted in our well equipped, safe, private, comfortable and stylish clinic where our Skin Specialists are able to answer any questions or concerns you may have. It’s important when coming to us for treatments to address your rosacea skin, that you meticulously follow the treatment plan we provide, otherwise, your desired results are unlikely to be achieved. Skin disorders and conditions don’t develop overnight and neither should you expect that a single treatment will rectify the disorder or condition. Similar to a physician prescribing you a pharmaceutical product, you will be expected to follow the recommended treatment plan for the prescribed period to repair and rejuvenate your skin.
A Patch Test will also be conducted to assess your skin suitability to IPL Laser treatment. A personal program will be developed to suit your skin requirements. Following the consultation and results of your patch test (usually 1 – 2 days to assess suitability), you will be able to start your course of prescribed IPL Rosacea Rejuvenation treatments.
Treatments for rosacea must be tailored to the individual and take into account your skin ethnicity, the cause of the rosacea, and your desired outcome.
IPL Rosacea Treatments for Skin Rejuvenation, when done properly, almost always consists of a series of three (3) to five (5) treatments, usually one treatment every two (2) to four (4) weeks. The benefits of IPL Photorejuvenation treatments are achieved with little discomfort and minimal risk. IPL Photorejuvenation can be tailored to your individual condition and skin type, providing superior cosmetic results and high satisfaction.
NOTE: For all IPL treatments – exposure to the sun for long periods (10+ mins constant), for a total of four (4) weeks before and four (4) weeks after any IPL treatment must be avoided
*Patch Test: When applying treatment using lasers or IPLs, we need to perform a patch test of the intended treatment on part of the treatment area to assess if any adverse reaction may result from treatment. This simply means performing a first “zap” or treating a very small area. As part of the assessment, a reasonable amount of time needs to be allowed in order to be confident that no adverse reactions will occur. This will give both you and the treatment provider an indication of the effect of treatment on that area. If undesired outcomes occur, the treatment should not go forward as planned.
If your IPL Laser or Skin Clinic is not conducting Patch Tests or Comprehensive Skin Consultations prior to administering treatment…CHANGE to a Clinic that does. These tests and consultations are for your continued SAFETY.
Types of Rosacea
There are four (4) types of Rosacea. Each type has its own set of symptoms. It is possible to have more than one type at a time.
Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea (ETR)
Papulopustular Rosacea
Phymatous Rosacea
Ocular Rosacea
Rosacea trademarks are small, red, pus-filled bumps on the skin that are present during flare-ups. Typically, Rosacea affects only skin on your nose, cheeks and forehead.
Sub Type 1
FACIAL REDNESS – Flushing, Broken Capillaries, Visible Blood Vessels
SYMPTOMS
- Flushing & redness in the centre of the face
- Visible broken blood vessels (spider veins)
- Swollen skin
- Skin may become extremely sensitive
- Skin may sting and burn
- Dry skin, roughness or scaling
- A tendency to flush or blush more easily than most people
Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea (ETR) is the most basic type of Rosacea. It’s characterised by flushing and persistent redness, often in a butterfly pattern on a person’s nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin. Blood vessels under the skin may also be visible, and often are referred to as broken capillaries or spider veins. The affected skin may feel warmer than the surrounding skin, and often reacts strongly to stimuli.
Sub Type 2
BUMPS & PIMPLES – Acne Like Breakouts, Pustules, Lumps, Whiteheads, Soreness
SYMPTOMS
- Acne like breakouts where the skin is very red
- Acne breakouts tend to come and go
- Oily skin
- Skin may become extremely sensitive
- Skin may sting and burn
- Visible broken blood vessels (spider veins)
- Raised patches of skin called plaques
Papulopustular Rosacea is often defined with bumps and pimple-like eruptions in addition to redness, with some of the bumps becoming infected with acne-causing bacteria. Often incorrectly referred to as “Acne Rosacea” because of the pimple-like symptoms.
Sub Type 3
ENLARGEMENT OF THE NOSE – Thickening Skin, Broken Veins, Rough Gnarled Bulbous Texture
SYMPTOMS
- Thickening skin
- Skin that looks bumpy and red
- Thickening nose and nostrils
- It can also affect the cheeks, ears, and chin
Most common in men, this type of Rosacea involves a thickening of the skin and hyper-growth of facial blood vessels, a condition called rhinophyma (rie-no-FIE-mah), which can result in a bulbous nose from the excess growth of tissue in this area. Often, the thickening of the skin and tissue on the nose is referred to as “alcoholics’ nose” because it can look very similar to the enlargement, swelling, and broken blood vessels associated with excessive drinking, but in these circumstances it is not.
Sub Type 4
EYE IRRITATION – Redness, Swelling, Lumps, Cysts, In and Around the Eyes
SYMPTOMS
- Watery or bloodshot appearance of eyes
- Gritty, feels like sand in your eyes
- Eyes burn or sting
- Eyes are very dry and may itch
- Eyes are sensitive to light
- Blurry vision
- Visible broken blood vessels and/or cysts on eyelids
Ocular Rosacea symptoms are centred on the eye area. It has the potential to create vision loss. Ocular Rosacea often exists with another type of Rosacea, so you’re battling skin symptoms plus itchy, irritated eyes.
There’s something great behind the Red!
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Rosacea Care & Treatment Options
Rosacea is defined by persistent erythema (surface redness) of the central portion of the face lasting for at least three (3) months. Supporting criteria include flushing, papules, pustules, and telangiectasias on the convex surfaces. Secondary characteristics are burning and stinging, edema, plaques, a dry appearance, ocular manifestations, and phymatous changes. The prevalence of these findings designates the subclassification of the presentation and, additionally, the therapeutic options.
Options include:-
TRIGGER REDUCTION – identifying the cause of redness and avoiding or controlling that trigger – for flushing triggers are often exposure to extreme temperatures and/or wind; exposure to sunlight; drinking alcohol; eating spicy foods; increased stress levels; exercising; taking certain medications; or having hot flushes associated with menopause.
PROFESSIONAL SKIN TREATMENTS – seeking skin care treatments from a trained specialist that can deliver Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photorejuvenation; medical grade controlled LED Phototherapy (Blue Light to reduce toxins and bacteria; Red Light to soothe and heal) or Corrective Facial Treatments using cosmeceutical products and applications designed to address Rosacea.
SKIN CARE – When it comes to Rosacea it’s probably best if we start with WHAT NOT to put on your skin.
Skincare products to avoid include astringents, toners, menthols, camphor and sodium lauryl sulfate products. Heavy foundations and cosmetics that are hard to remove such as oil-based facial creams are not recommended.
So, what skincare should you be using?
- Gentle Cleanser which restores epidermal health even if your skin feels oily and you have pimples
- Antioxidants to combat free radicals (inflammation)
- Serums containing growth factors, peptides and stem cells for repair and hydration
- Physical Broad Spectrum Sunscreen containing zinc and/or titanium oxide – every day (chemical based sunscreens are NOT recommended)
- Vitamin A – in a topical format, irritant free and able to penetrate to the deeper layers. This treats the vascular component by thickening the dermis, making blood vessels less visible, and it stimulates the production of new healthy and stronger dermal blood vessels resulting in decreased inflammation. It also reduces excess oil production which means fewer pimples
One of the earliest changes that occur in people afflicted by rosacea is an increased sensitivity to the elements and topical products both in daily routine and in skincare. Topical skincare treatments such as soap-free cleansers, gentle emollients and light foundations are recommended. The use of mineral based make-up and ensuring that your cosmetics and sunscreens contain silicones. Certain products that incorporate polymer technology help to absorb excess surface skin oils without causing skin dryness. Anti-oxidants and vitamin E fight free radical damage, promoting skin rejuvenation.
Professional skincare products recommended by us to treat and manage rosacea symptoms can be viewed on our Rosacea Skin Care page and are available for purchase in-clinic or from our onine shop where they can be delivered direct to your door.
SUN PROTECTION – Because exposure to sunlight is a very common trigger for Rosacea symptoms, using sun protection is a must. Not only does the warmth of the sunlight cause flushing flares, but the exposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause changes beneath the skin that worsen Rosacea. The best option for anyone with Rosacea is to use a broad spectrum sunblock of at least SPF 30 or higher. Additionally, it is a good idea to use sun protective clothing and to avoid midday sun. The best sunblock to use when you have Rosacea will be one that creates a silicone barrier, not those that are alcohol based, because the alcohol can further irritate the skin.
Our recommended broad spectrum SPF skin care products can be purchased in-clinic or from our online shop and delivered direct to your door.
COSMETIC CAMOUFLAGE – when Rosacea symptoms appear, one option is to cover the problem with cosmetics. Red patches and flushing can often be covered well enough that others will not notice. For women, it is best to start with a green-tinted concealer and finish with a proper flesh-coloured foundation. For men, it is best to use a green-tinted facial powder to reduce the redness. When choosing makeup, it is best to look for products that do not contain oil and are noncomedogenic (won’t block skin pores). Avoid products that contain alcohol, peppermint, menthol, clove oil, eucalyptus oil, salicylic acid, and hazel oil. All of these can irritate the skin and make symptoms much worse. We have a range of Aspect Minerals Makeup that can assist in this arena – speak with our Skin Specialist who can arrange for sample product application in our clinic to identify which works best for your condition.
Rosacea treatments can be effectively performed by our Skin Specialist using
- TGA approved medical grade IPL system providing IPL Photorejuvenation treatments,
- Medical Grade LED Phototherapy and/or
- Advanced Cosmeceutical Corrective Facial treatments to rid you of the embarrassing blush and constant redness typical of most Rosacea outbreaks.
- There are also several professional cosmeceutical skincare products containing ingredients that can calm the redness and reduce the associated soreness significantly as opposed to trying to hide it with layers of make-up.
Rosacea occurs predominantly in fair skinned adults, 30 to 50 years of age and persists, becoming chronic with age. It occurs more frequently in females, but when it occurs in males it is usually more severe. One in ten patients with Rosacea has a family history of the condition.
There are various forms of Rosacea depending on which skin appearance predominates – (including Rosacea affecting the nose and eyes) but as mentioned above, the most common types mainly cause flushing and telangiectasia or papules and pustules or a combination of both. Flushing may be provoked by many factors including heat, alcohol, sun, hot and spicy food and drinks, wind and excessive motion.
Most people with the disease may not even know they have Rosacea or that it is a diagnosable and treatable (though not a curable) condition.
Many people who have Rosacea may just assume they blush or flush easily or are just very sun sensitive. Those that suffer outbreaks of pustules and papules often believe they are suffering from acne, even later in life, and never consider it might be Rosacea.
