Rosecea is a challenging skin condition to treat and often goes undiagnosed for many years. Within Australia current estimates show that approximately 5 – 10% of the population have some form of rosacea (not including those that are undiagnosed or more mild cases).
Rosecea can be categorised into 4 different subtypes, each with their own set of signs and symptoms, through Subtype 1 & 2 tend to be the most common.
Subtype 1 – Facial Redness (erythematotelangiectatic rosacea) (ETR) – Flushing and persistent redness is the common denominator here. For some, they will notice small blood vessels more visible or more rarely; stinging, burning, swelling or roughness.
Subtype 2 – Acne Rosacea (Papulopustular) – Persistent redness is seen in addition to bumps (in the form of papeles or pustules). Middle-age women tend to be the typical sufferer of this type.
Subtype 3 – Phymatous Rosacea (enlargement of the nose)
Subtype 4 – Ocular Rosacea (irritation of the eye)
Most commonly rosacea sufferers have a combination of type 1 (facial redness with visible capillaries) and type 2 (redness with bumps).
To target visible capillaries (subtype 1) try incorporating Skinstitut Vitamin C 100% into your clients’ regime. This helps to strengthen the capillary walls. Start gradually and slowing increase the daily use, mixing a rice grain with Moisture Defence. Be sure to assess their skin prior and ensure they are not showing signs of a compromised barrier or excess skin sensitivity.
To reduce the burning and uncomfortable sensation in the skin Skinstitut Laser Aid can be used as a daily moisturiser. The cooling effect felt upon application provides relief plus the anti-inflammatory action offsets the underlying stress within the skin.
Know your Ingredients
A question we get asked at Skinstitut HQ frequently the customers is “is it possible prevent rosacea with topical products?”
We know it’s difficult to prevent rosacea from occurring, however you can incorporate topical solutions for red, sensitised or inflamed skin that work to de-stress and strengthen thereby improving the appearance of rosacea.
Some of our rosacea hero’s include:
B Vitamins – (B3 & B5) assist in reducing redness, inflammation and sensitivity. B3 (niacinamide) assists to strengthen the skins barrier function and the skins immune defence. Skinstitut Enzymatic Micro Peel & Multi-Active Mist are both loaded with B vitamins.
Vitamin C – is a powerful antioxidant vitamin that helps to strengthen the skin and capillary walls, useful when vascularity is prominent. Multi-Active Mist contains a gentle form of Vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate) that is suitable for all types of rosacea and rosacea prone skins.
Canadian Willowherb – boasts a powerful anti-inflammatory action. This plant extract possesses anti-bacterial and antioxidant activity plus also assists to reduce redness and heat within the skin. You can find Canadian willow herb in Skinstitut Laser Aid & Moisture Defence Normal Skin.
Cucumber seed oil – nourishes and hydrates the epidermis while providing soothing action for the skin. Skinstitut Gentle Cleanser & Laser Aid use cucumber seed oil.
Clinical treatments for rosacea
AHA Enzyme Peel – Subtype 1 & 2 (mild cases)
This is a great peel for those clients who have more reactive and sensitive skin, it can be used ongoing to gently exfoliate and nourish the complexion. Designed to renew and restore skin’s radiance while gently soothing, hydrating and micro exfoliating the skin.
The proteolytic enzymes used in the treatment are selective and extremely unlikely to cause irritation.
Please note that redness and mild peeling may occur in the days following, especially if the skin is not prepped. Prepping is not required but may improve outcomes for rosacea prone skin.
Micro Needling – Subtype 1
Micro needling with the wireless pen can work to increase in the availability of nutrients and antioxidants delivered into the skin, thereby helping to strengthen.
When performing the treatment we produce epidermal growth factor, this encourages density of the epidermis so vessels beneath the skin and overall redness are not as obvious after a course of treatments.
As we stimulate collagen production, both the vessel walls and connective tissue are strengthened, assisting to further strengthen the skin. Another benefit to the treatment is the release of interleukin 10 (anti-inflammatory cytokine), as part of the would healing response.
Be sure to watch needle depth and speed when performing your needling on a rosacea prone individual, as their skin will be responsive.
5 a-day Calming Facial – Subtype 1
This nourishing traditional facial is ideal to help overcome sensitive and reactive skin to reveal a strengthened and balanced complexion. Best results would be achieved when combined with AHA Enzyme Peel and Micro Needling in a treatment plan.
Considerations: LED light therapy is also a fantastic inclusion for client treatment plans when experiencing rosacea.