Understanding Rosacea: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatment Options
Rosacea is an inflammation skin disease which is also known as acne rosacea, redness and irritation that appears mainly on the face especially face skin. Although still unknown what causes this disease, genetic factor is believed to be involved in the development of this disease. In this article, you will get to know the signs, what may lead to the outbreak, and how to manage it including whether it is safe to use retinol for rosacea treatment.
Rosacea is?
Rosacea is a skin condition that is also known as acne rosacea which is a chronic skin condition that is characterized by redness and irritation of the skin especially on the face. While these bumps are characteristic of rosacea, they are not cysts or whiteheads, that is, they are not formed due to blockage of the hair follicle. It usually develop on the face of adult between the age of 30 and 50 years and can appear on any part of the body but is common in people who have fair skin especially if they have a family history of this condition.
Though it can be persistent and may change from time to time, rosacea is a condition that can be well managed with good care and some change in the lifestyle. Learning how rosacea looks like and how one can manage the symptoms is the first step to dealing with this skin problem.
What does Rosacea look like?
Rosacea symptoms may be different from person to person and some people may not have all of them. However, the most common symptoms include:
The hallmark symptom of rosacea is persistent redness on the central part of the face, such as the cheeks, nose, and forehead. This redness may come and go, but over time, it may become more persistent.
Visible Superficial Blood Vessels
Some of the signs of rosacea area with rosacea will get red vessels on the nose or the cheeks and these will show through the skin. These small blood vessels become enlarged and more noticeable over time.
Pus-Filled Bumps
Rosacea can also lead to formation of small come do like papules or pustules but in contrast to acne, they are not due to blockage of hair follicle by keratinized cells. These bumps can be confused with acne but they are actually a consequence of rosacea.
Other Common Triggers:
There are many factors that can cause or worsen rosacea symptoms, these include;
Rapid change in temperature or environment
Extended exposure to sun rays
Consumption of spicy foods or alcohol
Psychological stress or physical activity
How to Regulate Rosacea?
Rosacea is a skin condition that needs a specific skin care regimen to help decrease inflammation and thus reduce the redness of the skin. Some effective ways to control rosacea symptoms include:
Use Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients
When it comes to selecting skin care products, it is advisable to go for products with anti-inflammatory properties such as niacinamide or azelaic acid. These ingredients can help to soothe inflammation and redness of the skin as they are soothing to the skin. Niacinamide, for instance, is a potent ingredient that can help to strengthen the skin’s barrier and reduce the look of redness while azelaic acid is effective at reducing inflammation as well as improving the skin’s texture.
Choose Gentle Skincare Products
Do not use products on the skin which can harm it in some way, for instance those which contain alcohol, fragrances or other chemicals that may be irritating. Choose skin creams and cleansers that do not irritate the skin and help to keep it in good condition.
Sun Protection
One of the most common causes of rosacea flare ups is sun exposure. When going outdoors, always put on sun screen with at least SPF 30 and preferably take shelter during the hottest part of the day. Mineral sunscreens are also advisable as they do not easily cause irritation to the skin especially the sensitive areas.
Using Retinol with Rosacea: Is It Safe?
Retinol is known to be a powerful product that is used in the prevention of acne and reduction of wrinkles. In light of rosacea, however, retinol is a two edged sword. It can be useful for certain issues while at the same time, it can lead to sensitivity, irritation and inflammation on the skin that is prone to rosacea.
Key Guidelines for Using Retinol with Rosacea
If you have rosacea and want to incorporate retinol into your skin care regimen then there are certain guidelines that you should follow in order to prevent skin irritation:If you have rosacea and are considering using retinol then there are some guidelines that you should follow:
Consult a Skincare Specialist
It is therefore recommended that you visit your dermatologist or skincare specialist to determine if you can use retinol. They can assess your skin and suggest the most appropriate way of using it without causing irritation.
Start with the Lowest Concentration
If the dermatologist allows you to use retinol then start with the lowest concentration of retinol that is available in the market. Such concentration will tend to cause more irritation and worsen the symptoms of rosacea.
Limit Use
If you have rosacea, use retinol only once a week or less. This allows the skin to get used to the product while at the same time reducing the chances of it irritating the skin.
Apply Retinol Only When Skin is Calm
This product should only be applied on the skin when it is normal or when it does not have active symptoms of rosacea. Applying it during flare-ups may lead to more severe irritation and redness.
Can Retinol Help with Rosacea?
Retinol is not safe for all those who suffer from rosacea, but if used wisely it can have positive effect. It is also effective in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles although used over a long period. But it is very important to use it sparsely and with great care.
Conclusion
Rosacea is one of the most frequent skin diseases which is not that difficult to treat if detected and treated properly. Knowing the symptoms and how to prevent the flare-ups is a good way to ensure that one has good skin. In case you have rosacea and you want to use retinol, it is advisable to seek the advice of a skincare expert before using it. Thus, avoiding strong cosmetics, protecting the skin from the sun, and using only the ingredients that have an effect anti-inflammatory on the skin, it is possible to keep rosacea under control and have healthy skin.
If you want to get professional advice on skin care products for rosacea and other skin issues, Bonito Beauty Bar provides professional consultations and treatments which are suitable for your skin type.