Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects over three million Canadians. That being said, no two cases are completely the same, as Rosacea can appear differently on everyone. While it is possible to have multiple physical symptoms at one time, Rosacea always includes at least one of the following symptoms:
Flushing: Many people who have rosacea have a history of frequent flushing. The facial redness, which might come and go, is often the earliest sign of the disorder.
Persistent redness: Persistent facial redness might resemble a blush or sunburn that does not go away.
Bumps and pimples: Small red solid bumps or pus-filled pimples often develop. Sometimes the bumps might resemble acne, but blackheads are absent. Burning or stinging might be present.
Visible blood vessels/Telangiectasia: Small blood vessels become visible on the skin of many people who have rosacea.
Who Gets Rosacea
The root of the problem for most patients with Rosacea is large oil glands. Adults with fair skin, over the age of 30 are more likely to be affected, although rosacea does occur in skin of colour and is often missed because the redness can be harder to detect. Having a family history of rosacea also increases the likelihood of the inheriting the disorder. Rosacea dappears more often among women, but men tend to have the more severe symptoms. The reason for this is not completely known, however because men are more likely to delay seeking out treatment for their skin concerns, the condition may be further advanced at the time of diagnosis.
Trigger Warning - You Need To Manage Them
One of the most important factors involved in minimizing skin flare-ups for people with Rosacea is learning to identify and manage your triggers. This may involve you needing to keep a journal or electronic record of your skin's appearance over the period of several weeks (and different times of the year) to understand what your personal triggers are. While triggers can vary person to person, some of the most common include:
Sun/wind exposure.
Oil based skincare products.
Emotional stress.
Hot/cold weather.
Heavy exercise.
Alcohol consumption.
Hot baths/beverages.
Beauty/haircare products
Spicy foods
Treating Your Rosacea
There is a common misconception that oily skin ages slower, but the reality is that sebum is inflammatory, and leads to skin irritation and sensitivity. Treating your Rosacea involves a multi-modality/multi-disciplinary approach. At Skin Worthy, the first step in treatment is often aimed at normalizing the skin with our ZO Skin Health Anti-Redness/Normalizing Kit. The Normalizing Kit includes our Getting Skin Ready essentials, along with Daily Power Defense and Rozatrol to help to balance the skin's PH, restore your skin barrier and reduce redness. After a few months on a regimented skin care program, adding in a retinol to your skin care routine will help to improve cell turnover. While not necessary for all patients, many will benefit from prescriptions like Accutane or Apprilon. This will be discussed at your initial consultation.
Dermal Infusions are exceptional treatments to tackle pimples and pustules and our laser treatments like our package of 6 Clear + Bright (Dermal Infusion and BBL) combination treatments that can help to calm acne, target and eliminate bacteria as well as even out skin tone. The Halo laser is another great option to address redness, uneven skin tone and pore size. This can be done in a series of 3 or done annually to help maintain your results.
Living With Rosacea
While there is no cure for Rosacea, people can successfully manage this condition with consistent professional guidance. If you need living proof, Dr. Hemsworth is one of those 3 million Canadians who has it. If you suspect that you have Rosacea, it is essential that you make an appointment with your doctor or provider so you can work together to create a plan that will minimize your symptoms and help you maintain your results.