Rosacea is frustrating, irritating skin condition that’s often mistaken for “sensitive skin.” Rosacea is much more than that a simple sensitivity. What we call “rosacea” is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that affects the face. Treating rosacea is critical, and the condition will worsen without treatment.
Different Types and Symptoms of Rosacea
Before we get into the specifics how how to treat rosacea, it’s important to go over the symptoms and different types of rosacea. Fair-skinned people seem to be more prone to rosacea, with facial flushing a primary symptom. This occurs when the capillaries under the skin become over-reactive. Scientists don’t fully understand the causes for rosacea, but several treatments are very effective in relieving symptoms. The pattern of symptoms is different for everyone. There are the four types of rosacea:
Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea (ETR)
Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea (ETR) is associated with facial redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels. The symptoms of ETR include:
- Flushing and redness in the center of your face
- Visible broken blood vessels
- Swollen skin
- Sensitive skin
- Stinging and burning skin
- Dry, rough, and scaly skin
Papulopustular Rosacea
Papulopustular Rosacea is a type of rosacea that looks more like acne breakouts than the other types. Papulopustular Rosacea often affects middle-aged women and symptoms include:
- Acne-like breakouts and very red skin
- Oily skin
- Sensitive skin
- Broken blood vessels that are visible
Rhinophyma Rosacea
Rhinophyma Rosacea involves the nose tip, with thicker, reddish skin, prominent blood vessels and pitting due to prominent pores and scarring. This type of rosacea is most commonly characterized by:
- Bumpy skin texture
- Thick skin on nose
- Thick skin on chin, forehead, cheeks, and ears
- Large pores
- Visible broken blood vessels
Ocular Rosacea
Ocular Rosacea involves the eyelid and front of eye. Ocular Rosacea is caused by bacteria or eyelid/hair follicle mites that affect the eye’s protective tear film, causing itching, burning, increased tears, light sensitivity, dry eye and red eye. Symptoms of this type of rosacea include:
- Bloodshot and watery eyes
- Eyes that feel gritty, dry, itchy
- Burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Broken blood vessels on eyelids
How To Treat Rosacea
While it’s unfortunately if you’re suffering from one of these types of rosacea, the good news is that there are treatment options. In addition to anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and oral retinoids, there are several facial treatments that can help minimize the symptoms of rosacea. Several cosmetic therapies are also very helpful in improving skin’s appearance.
Photofacial For Rosacea
A photofacial refers to a set of skin treatments that use a form of light-based technology to help treat broken capillaries that are causing skin redness, and assist in boosting collagen in the skin. There are two types of light technology that are used in photofacials. At True Med Spa in Downtown Scottsdale, we use Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL, photofacial.
What is a photofacial? IPL is a popular skincare treatment for both men and woman. IPL is used by men and women with light or fair complexions who are looking to treat their rosacea and improve the overall look and tone of the skin.
IPL is an advance over rosacea laser treatment, as Intense Pulsed Light technology delivers hundreds of wavelengths of light (or color). These different wavelengths/light color are selectively absorbed by different tissue allowing a multitude of skin conditions to be treated with IPL technology.
Dermaplaning Treatment for Rosacea
Dermaplaning is an exfoliating treatment that can be used to remove facial hair in patients rosacea. Dermaplaning provides an alternative to chemical peels or microdermabrasion and is a good choice for anyone who has facial hair as well as extremely sensitive skin, redness or rosacea, or visible facial veins. The dermaplaning treatment is done by our experienced aestheticians who use a blade to gently exfoliate the outer layer of dead skin cells to remove peach fuzz on the face. A noticeable improvement is immediate with smoother texture and fresh skin appearance. In addition to the smoother texture and fresh skin appearance, your skin care products will penetrate the skin with greater ease thus providing optimum results.
Lifestyle Changes for Rosacea
Facial treatments are effective in treating rosacea, but if you want to have even better results, lifestyle changes may be required including:
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Use wear sunscreen
- Cleanse skin with gentle cleansers and oil-free, water-based skin-care products.
- Avoid products that contain: alcohol, menthol , witch hazel, and exfoliating agents
- Avoid eating spicy foods
- Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages
If you’re looking for help treating your rosacea, schedule an appointment today.