Rosacea and Beautiful Skin

Rosacea is a type of acne. It affects women more often than men. People between 30 and 60 will be afflicted with rosacea. It is also known as adult acne. Untreated, it will only get worse. Though the cause is unknown, it is believed that rosacea is caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental triggers

Identifying the cause of flare-ups combined with treatment from a health care professional is the most effective way to treat rosacea and maintain beautiful blemish free skin.
Possible causes of flare-ups:

• Exposure to the sun-be sure to wear sunscreen all the time. Moisturizers and makeup with sunscreen make it easy to incorporate it into daily skin care routine.
• Cold weather and wind-during winter months wear a scarf or ski mask to protect the skin from the cold air and wind.
• Minimize touching face with hands, cleanser pads, and washcloths.
• When using topical medication, allow to completely dry before applying make-up, sunscreen, or moisturizer.
• Use noncomedogenic products that won’t clog pores and interfere with oil and sweat gland functions.
• Green or yellow tinted foundations and powders will counter the red appearance of skin.
• Avoid alcohol consumption.

The following may increase the risk of a rosacea flare-up:

• Beverages and foods that are hot in temperature
• Spicy foods
• Temperature extremes in the environment
• Stressful or embarrassing situations
• Feelings of anger
• Anything that dilates blood vessels (medications, alcohol)
• Exercise that is strenuous
• Corticosteroids
• Hot humid environments like saunas and hot baths

Prescription can provide relief from rosacea. The newest medication available is Oracea. The advantage of this medication is that it works effectively with a very low dose of the antibiotic, doxycycline. It also has very few if any side effects.