Do You Have Rosacea?

April is Rosacea Awareness Month. If your skin has increased redness, visible blood vessels, acne like breakouts or a bumpy texture you may have rosacea. This condition is inflammatory and typically chronic but there are things we can do to help minimize symptoms.

Rosacea is a reaction to known triggers, most commonly stress, alcohol, extreme hot or cold, spicy foods, and wind. Some people also react to certain cosmetic products, particularly those with high concentrations of glycolic, salicylic or retinoic acid. Limiting exposure to triggers is helpful at minimizing redness and inflammation. 

If you feel you have Rosacea see a dermatologist or skincare specialist, we often prescribe anti-parasitic agents or topical creams that contain azaleic acid, these have both proven to be helpful.

Laser treatments such as IPL are useful in minimizing redness. There are also specific anti-redness and skin rejuventating chemical peels designed to help rosacea prone skin. 

A disrupted skin microbiome, where good bacteria are overrun by trouble-making bacteria, can result in increased inflammation and skin irritation. There is a rise in pre- and probiotic skincare that helps to restore the skin barrier and reboot the biome. My personal favorite is BioJuve. This line contains C.acnes, a living "good" bacteria that has proven benefits for skin health. C. acnes helps maintain a normal pH that leads to increased hydration, decreased redness and increased elastin. 

Just like rebooting our skin microbiome is important, pairing that a  a cleanse to restore your gut health will improve rosacea and any other inflammatory condition. Incorporating celery juice in your diet can help. Also adding supplements, particularly L-lysine, EPA and DHA (fish-free), chaga mushrooms, B12, Vit C and Zinc. 

Find out more about rosacea at www.rosacea.org

Emily Weibel, APRN