Rosacea...Typical Skin Care Routine

Now lets establish a healthy skin care routine for those of you who suffer from rosacea.

This regimen should include four steps: Gentle Cleansing or Double Cleansing, Serum or Topical Prescription Medication, Moisturizing, and Concealing of more noticeable areas, if necessary. When rosacea flare-ups occur, it is important to use appropriate skin care products and minimize the amout of products being used overall. Clients with rosacea, particularly those with the Erytheatolegangiectactc Subtype, may experience an increase level of sensitivity on their face. This, in turn, causes difficulty tolerating topical cosmetics, various skin care products, and topical medications. Because of the sensitive presentation of this disorder it is important to treat rosacea effectively and gently.

CLEANSING

A property skincare regime for rosacea begins with cleansing the face and neck with a gentle cleanser. For optimal cleansing, clients should employ use of a gentle synthetic detergent cleanser. Gentle cleansers formulated with Aloe, Green Tea, or Chamomile extract help soothe and calm the inflamed skin. In addition, clients should look for other active ingredients such as Ceramides, Glycopeptides, Hyaluronic Acids, and Retinols that help strengthen the skin. Peptides directly reduce redness and inflammation. Products whose key ingredients are alcohol-based should be avoided, as that puts the skin at risk for reactivity. A good way to optimize cleansing is by alternating between a gentle cleanser and medicated cleanser. Medicated cleansers contain two percent Pyrithione Zinc and Sodium Sulfacetamide, which aid in minimizing redness. Physical or mechanical exfoliators are not recommended in the management of rosacea as this may cause more damage to the skin and often leave it severely reddened. After all, the goal is to reduce redness.

MOISTURIZING

Once the skin is cleansed, follow up with the application of a light serum to problematic areas. If you have been prescribed topical medication, you should not use the serum, as ingredients in the the serum may be cross-reactive with the topical medication. Medical treatment is determined on a case-by-case basis. Prescribing medication such as oral or topical antibiotics, azelaic acid, or low-dose Retinol is typically reserved for moderate to serve cases. 

Some Key Ingredients to look for in your products:

• Dextran Sulfate - minimizes the appearance of swelling
• Ruscus - supports micro-exfoliation without vigorous activity
• Titanium Dioxide - provides broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays
• Zin Oxide - provides broad spectrum protection again UVA and UVB rays
• Vitamin E - antioxidant that destroys free radicals
• Green Tea - antioxidant that destroys free radicals
• Hyaluronic Acid - non-oily hydrating properties
• Glycerin - helps retain moisture.

Ingredients to avoid:

• Alpha Hydroxy Acid
• Beta Hydroxy Acids
• Vitamin C
• Alcohol
• Witch Hazel
• Eucalyptus Oil
• Peppermint Oil
• Clove Oil
• Salicylic Acid

These ingredients can potentially aggravate rosacea.