ROSACEA

Understanding your skin

Rosacea

Rosacea is a common and complex inflammatory skin condition with numerous symptoms and different levels of diagnosis. Symptoms can range from mild flushing to swelling, burning and stinging, sometimes accompanied by bumps and pimples. It normally affects the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead.

Rosacea tends to flare when aggravated. Common triggers include alcohol, UV exposure, cold and wind, stress, strenuous exercise, spicy foods and hot drinks. It is more common in women, although it often affects men more severely.

The cause of rosacea is not fully understood. Theories include inherited factors, frequent blushing and the Demodex mite, a parasite that lives in the follicle and feeds on sebum. Whatever the cause, a suitable homecare plan and professional salon treatments can help manage the condition.

Treatment for rosacea

Treatment includes homecare designed to repair the skin's natural barrier and protect it from the environment. SPF is critical for rosacea-prone skin because UV exposure is one of the main triggers.

Clinic treatments such as LED phototherapy can offer a gentle, non-stimulating anti-inflammatory and healing effect. A course of two treatments per week for six weeks may be recommended for best results.

As rosacea is complex, homecare recommendations vary from person to person and depend on the type and symptoms present.

What you can do

• Change to a good-quality mineral make-up with fewer ingredients.
• Avoid extreme temperatures and direct heat.
• Always wear SPF, as UV exposure is a major trigger.
• Keep skincare gentle. Choose calming ingredients that support the skin's natural barrier, and avoid fragrances, parabens, mineral oils, sulphates and denatured alcohol.
• Eat a balanced diet and take care with foods and drinks that cause flushing, such as alcohol and spicy foods.
• Less is more: keep products to a minimum and avoid harsh exfoliation.
• Use Dermalogica UltraCalming Mist throughout the day to calm and hydrate the skin.

What we can do

• Mesotherapy
• Laser targeted treatments
• Dermalux LED light therapy
• ProSkin 30 or 60
• Dermalogica UltraCalming range
• Hypo21