Rosacea
Rosacea is a vascular disorder of the skin more common in light-skinned people. It is characterized by sudden dilation of capillaries along with heat (flushing), redness, and sometimes papules. Often accompanied by areas of broken veins. Though Rosacea normally affects people over the age of 30, it can appear as early as the 20’s or as late as the 70’s or 80’s.
Due to the flushing of the facial skin, the sebaceous glands are stimulated and follicles irritated which causes red papules and pustules on the chin, cheek and nose areas. This sudden flushing of blood to the face triggers a release of a biochemical in the skin Vascular Growth Factor which triggers the growth of new blood vessels, especially in the skin. This further increases the chance of flushing.
Rosacea first appears as chronically red cheeks and/or nose. The flushing occurs from a number of trigger factors varying from person to person including exercise, hot or spicy foods and beverages, alcohol consumption, skin care products, sun exposure, extreme warm or cold temperatures and emotional stress.
What Causes Rosacea?
It is not known why Rosacea occurs. It appears to be hereditary with 40 percent of those with rosacea having a relative with rosacea. Among the unfounded theories for the causes of Rosacea are the presence of a mite on the skin, excessive presence of yeast on the skin, abnormal inflammatory response and an intestinal bacteria (h.pylori) found in some gastric ulcer patients. Management of the symptoms is the only option. A Dermatologist should diagnose Rosacea as the appearance can be similar to other more serious medical conditions.
Rosacea Treatment
Since there is no cure for rosacea, medications are prescribed to treat symptoms. Common rosacea medications include oral antibiotics but these are used for their anti-inflammatory effect rather than antibacterial effect. Intense Pulsed Light Treatment can be used to reduce redness by disintegrating the visible vessels under the skin. A recent study has suggested that zinc supplements may be beneficial however due to the risk of potential severe side effects these should only be prescribed by your GP or a Dermatologist. However a diet which includes zinc rich foods may be beneficial.
Skin Care for Rosacea
Ingredients that increase blood flow in the skin like Peppermint, menthol and isopropyl alcohol, should be avoided. The skin should be treated as sensitive and dehydrated as it fails to retain its own moisture. Since all skin types and conditions vary from person to person, we highly encourage you to discuss your particular skin type and degree of rosacea with a skin specialists so we can recommend the best combination of products to give you the best results.
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Facts and Tips
- Rosacea has no known cause and no known cure. Treatment and minimizing the symptoms are the only options.
- Only a dermatologist can diagnose rosacea.
- Avoiding trigger factors which vary from person to person is to reduce flushing and flare-ups. Extremes in temperature, spicy foods, alcoholic beverages and emotional stress are the major trigger factors in rosacea sufferers.
- Gentle skin care products containing soothing ingredients are effective for those who suffer frequent flushing and flare-ups. Priori AHA Barrier Repair Complex.
- Every person with rosacea has different sensitivity levels. It is advised to start off with very mild products and work your way up, particularly when it involves products containing alpha hydroxy acids.
- Avoiding exfoliating scrubs, rub-off peels, and alcohol or peppermint skin care products.
- Rubbing the skin during cleansing or using rough sponges on the face should be avoided.
- Use caution when getting facials, waxing or any beauty treatments on the face. Communicate your skin condition with your therapist so that only mild products and gentle treatments are used.
- Mineral Make up should be used to help conceal the reddened areas . The pure minerals will help to soothe the irritated skin.
- Coffeeberry mineral makeup may help as the additional Coffeeberry will help to protect and moisturise the skin.
An SPF of at least 15 should be used at all times this is probably bettter in the form of mineral makeup as it will not contain any chemicals which may cause a reaction.
Are you constantly checking your make-up?
You don’t have to try to cover your Rosacea anymore. Ellipse uses short, safe bursts of light emitted from a flash-lamp to quickly remove diffuse redness from your face.
How does Ellipse laser treatment for rosacea work?
The diffuse redness of Rosacea consists of small blood vessels near the surface of the skin. The Ellipse operator guides the visible light from the flash-lamp to the blood vessels needing treatment. The unique Ellipse I2PL system carefully filters this light in two ways to ensure that only light with the correct characteristics (wavelengths) is allowed to reach your skin.
Blood contains haemoglobin that absorbs the light and converts it into heat. This heat destroys the protein in the wall of the thread vein. As a result the veins will gradually, and safely, disappear after treatment.
To ensure optimal light transmission to the blood vessel, a thin layer of gel is applied to your skin before treatment.
Can all Rosacea be treated?
It is important that Rosacea has been diagnosed by a dermatologist in order to eliminate other conditions with similar presentations. Ellipse has pre-programmed settings for different skin colours that deliver the correct energy output for your complexion.
How long does an Ellipse laser treatment for rosacea take?
The treatment time depends on the area to be covered and the number of distinct vessels to be treated. A single session typically lasts 10-20 minutes.
Does it hurt?
Tolerance of pain is very individual from person to person. No anaesthetics are required, and most people describe the sensation as slightly sharp on the skin, followed by a warm sensation lasting several minutes. You may find it comforting to cool the skin after treatment.
Do I need to take special precautions before or after treatment?
The light used is completely safe, visible light. The unique Ellipse Dual Mode Filtering system removes unwanted wavelengths.
Since tanning takes place by accumulation of pigment (melanin) in the skin, it is, however, important to avoid tanning (sun, solarium or self-tanning cream) for 60 days before the treatment period. Otherwise your tanned skin will absorb more light, which makes treatment unsuitable.
You may benefit from using a soothing cream such as aloe vera gel for a few days after treatment. We recommend you limit sun exposure and use a sunscreen (SPF 30) for 60 days following treatment.
How many Ellipse treatments do I need?
The number of treatments depends on the body site and the severity of the redness. Clinical studies have confirmed that 1-4 treatments usually are needed, and these are timed about one month apart.
How can I be sure Ellipse is safe and effective?
Clinical trials documenting Ellipse's safety and effectiveness are carried out by leading doctors prior to the release of the product.