Rosacea can be tough to live with, especially because it’s persistent. Symptoms of rosacea can be challenging, and it can seem like nothing works. Treating rosacea is no easy feat, but our cosmetic physicians at Reflections Center for Cosmetic Medicine can help you explore the latest and most effective treatments available.
The Four Types of Rosacea
We tend to talk about rosacea as if it’s a single condition, but it actually comes in four different types. It’s even possible to experience more than one type of rosacea at a time. These include:
Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea
This is what we typically mean when we say rosacea. It’s marked by persistent facial redness and visible blood vessels, typically appearing on areas like the cheeks and nose in people with fair skin.
Papulopustular Rosacea
This type of rosacea produces swelling and bumps that resemble acne, along with skin redness – in fact, it can often be mistaken for a more severe breakout.
Phymatous Rosacea
Phymatous rosacea causes bumpy, thickened skin around the nose. It produces noticeable texture and even facial swelling.
Ocular Rosacea
Ocular rosacea affects the eyelids, possibly even irritating the eyes. It can cause burning and itching, drying out the eyes and affecting vision.
Treatment Options to Reduce Redness
Every case of rosacea is unique, and our cosmetic physicians can help you find a personalized treatment plan that helps alleviate symptoms of rosacea.
Topical Treatments
Some of the most common topical treatments are:
- Brimonidine Gel: This option is effective at shrinking blood vessels and reducing redness.
- Metronidazole: This medication is an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory agent. It can help manage swelling and breakouts.
- Azelaic Acid: This active ingredient can reduce blemishes and redness. Although you can find it in over-the-counter skin products, prescription strengths are available that can be more effective.
- Retinoids: These can be ideal for blemish-prone rosacea. It can promote skin cell turnover and reduce breakouts, alleviating one frustrating symptom of rosacea.
Oral Medications
Oral medications are sometimes used to treat rosacea and its underlying mechanism. Oral doxycycline and minocycline can help inflammatory papules and pustules. They come in extended-release capsules that you take every day. Your cosmetic physician might combine these options with a topical medication depending on the severity of your symptoms.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is a growing area for rosacea treatment. Technologies like the Vbeam Laser can specifically target redness and flushing, as well as remove visible blood vessels. These treatments come with minimal downtime and can produce noticeable results.
Managing Triggers
Learning what triggers your rosacea can help you effectively manage it. Keeping a journal can help you see what factors might be contributing, and our cosmetic physicians can help you learn more about some of the more common ones.
Managing Rosacea as Summer Approaches
Summer can be an especially difficult season if you have rosacea. Heat, humidity, and sunlight are some of the top triggers for rosacea, meaning you’re much more likely to experience flare-ups during this time of year. Here are some ways to manage your rosacea this summer and keep away redness:
- Wear sunscreen with SPF 30+ daily. Chemical sunscreens can be irritating to rosacea, so we recommend a mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium oxide, two ingredients that are generally regarded as safe and effective by the FDA to block UV rays.
- Apply your sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours, especially if you’re sweating or getting wet.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, SPF lip balm, and sun-protective clothing
- Seek shade or go inside during the high points of the day, specifically 10am to 2pm. This is when the sun is at its strongest.
- Drink plenty of water and use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
- Stay away from alcohol, citrus, spicy foods, and other foods that might trigger your rosacea. Make sure to work with your cosmetic physician to figure out what your personal triggers are.
- Schedule your exercise for the cooler parts of the day or exercise indoors. Make sure to take breaks to avoid overheating.
Rosacea Treatment at Reflections Center for Cosmetic Medicine
We know rosacea can be frustrating, especially when you just want to enjoy your summer. Our award-winning cosmetic physicians can help you get some relief and feel more confident in your skin. Schedule a free consultation at our Bridgewater and Livingston locations today.
