Flushing and redness, irritation, and acne-like bumps. The symptoms of rosacea can range from mild and annoying to painful, affecting your appearance and your self-confidence. The good news is, that you don’t have to live with red, irritated skin and flare-ups.
With the right lifestyle changes and treatments, rosacea can be managed and you can experience clear, healthy skin again. Remember, the team at Focus Aesthetics is here to help. Read on to learn more about this condition and then take our quiz: “Do I have Rosacea?”
What is Rosacea? Definition & Diagnosis
According to the National Rosacea Society, rosacea is a common, chronic inflammatory condition of the skin. It affects the center of your face, including the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin.
People with rosacea usually start to notice signs and symptoms around ages 30 to 60. But because it can look different from person to person, it can be confusing to spot on your own at home.
There are several different subtypes of rosacea. Most commonly, patients experience:
- Flushing (which may come and go)
- Persistent facial redness
- Bumps or acne-like pimples (known as papules and pustules)
- Visible blood vessels
Again, not all cases of rosacea are the same. Other possible symptoms include:
- Dryness
- Burning/stinging and irritation (especially when applying topical medications)
- Swelling
- Skin thickening
Keep in mind that rosacea affects both men and women and can affect all skin types.
If you think you may have rosacea, it’s important to get diagnosed by a medical provider. That way, you can receive the proper treatments and care you need. Don’t worry—diagnosis does not require blood tests or biopsies. The exam with your provider is painless and easy.
Rosacea Treatment Options
While there is no cure for rosacea, it is very treatable with different options to manage your symptoms. Your medical provider will work with you to develop the best treatment plan for you.
Treatments include prescriptive topical medications, oral prescriptions, and laser treatments that can reduce the appearance of blood vessels. Specifically, medications may feature ingredients like azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sodium sulfacetamide, and moisturizers with ceramides and/or emollients.
Lifestyle Management & Professional Recommendations
People with rosacea often have certain triggers that cause symptom flare-ups. That’s why lifestyle management is an important part of rosacea treatment in addition to medical therapy.
According to Ana Greenberger, NP, skin care specialist at Focus Aesthetics, top rosacea triggers to watch out for include:
- Sun exposure
- Heat exposure
- Stress
- Alcohol
- Exercise
- Severe climate conditions
- Spicy foods
- Hot food and beverages
- Certain skin care products, like astringents
Greenberger recommends that patients with rosacea take steps to avoid triggers in order to reduce flare-ups.
“Wear hats and use sunscreen—skin protection is crucial. Then, eat fewer inflammatory foods, like milk and processed foods, and limit drinks like alcohol and sugary beverages,” Greenberger says. “Another trick is to use yellow or green-tinted makeup if you are having symptoms. This helps camouflage any lingering redness.”
She also advises patients to consider their mental health as part of rosacea management, as clinical research has shown a correlation between anxiety, depression, and rosacea. “Make sure you are aware of your mental health and prioritize overall wellbeing.”
The Team at Focus Aesthetics is Here to Help
Rosacea can feel isolating, but you don’t have to face treatment alone. The team at Focus Aesthetics is ready to help you take the next steps to clear, healthy skin. Your specialist Ana Greenberger, a board-certified Nurse Practitioner, has been working to make patients feel their best for nearly a decade. When you work with Ana, you’ll leave feeling empowered and confident, inside and out. Book your consultation today.