April is Rosacea Awareness Month

Rosacea is a chronic condition that cannot be cured. But treatments can keep the symptoms under control. It most commonly starts as rosy cheeks and nose. Sometimes there are tiny vesicles that should not be extracted. While it can appear at any point in life, it often first shows up in the 30s.

To know if your rosy cheeks are rosacea, you should have it diagnosed by a doctor. Estheticians can help you keep it under control, but diagnosis is the scope of the physician. Sometimes the doctor will prescribe an oral product. Be sure to let him know of any side effects. Pair this with good professional skin care treatments.

There are several different levels of rosacea. If it is ignored, rosacea can worsen. Rosy flushed cheeks with some tiny vesicles is the mildest form. Papules and nodules along with the redness is more severe. Occasionally, it can affect an eye. The most severe form causes reddening and enlarging of the nose.

Once you know you have rosacea the best way to control it is to learn what your triggers are. Triggers are the things that cause it to flare up. It could be stress, heat, spicy or hot foods and many other things. 

A journal can be your friend. If you note your face feels hotter, redder or breaks out pause. Think about what you have done in the last few hours or previous day. Note this in your journal.

• If you had four cups of coffee instead of your normal two and you are more flushed... that could be a trigger.
• Spent the day on the mountains or at the beach... sun/heat could be a trigger.
• More problems in the summer? Heat could be a trigger.

There are an almost endless list of possible triggers, so learning what yours are can be invaluable.

Scientists are still debating the causes behind rosacea. Bacteria, skin inflammation, vaso-dilation, fair skin and genetics are all contributing factors.

Look for skin care for chronically sensitive skins. Avoid perfumes, harsh stripping ingredients strong chemical peels or abrasive treatments.

Think calm, sooth, heal.

• Anti-inflammatories or anti-redness formulas help reduce the red appearance.
• Calming and soothing ingredients help make your skin more comfortable.
• Anti-bacterial ingredients help those with combination or oilier skins.
•  Studies have shown rosemary helps control the demodex mite.

·         Hot humid climates can worsen the condition. Be sure to have those calming soothing products on hand.

• Treat your skin gently. 
• Avoid extreme heat, showers or saunas. 
• Learn your triggers and avoid them. 
• Learn stress management techniques to keep stress levels down. 
• Work with a skin professional experienced with rosacea to find what works for you. 

It may take a little practice but those symptoms can be kept at bay and your skin look and feel its best.