Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that usually involves recurring redness and dilated blood vessels on the face, especially in the cheeks, forehead, and chin areas. Acne can be a co-occurring condition. Rosacea symptoms can range from mild to severe, and this medical issue also leads to a quicker breakdown of the body’s collagen and can result in enlarged pores and patches of dry skin.
Although there is no full-fledged cure for rosacea, various solutions can minimize your symptoms for improved comfort and clearer skin. Consulting a board-certified dermatologist is especially helpful as they can help you tailor skin care products and treatments to your specific situation. When it comes to medical solutions, your provider may opt to try one at a time to check how you respond to it, or a combination of treatments.
Topical Products
Once your dermatologist has performed a thorough physical examination and reviewed your medical history, including any previous treatment you had for rosacea, they can create a treatment plan. It can include topical products to address specific symptoms. For example, they may prescribe brimonidine and oxymetazoline to reduce redness. Other possible prescriptions include azelaic acid and retinoids to treat rosacea blemishes. Your provider may also suggest antibiotics if your rosacea symptoms include pimples.
When it comes to your daily skin care habits, dermatologists usually recommend gentleness for both the type of ingredients you should use and how you wash your face. Depending on your age and other skin goals, your provider can discuss your current skin care routine and recommend how to fine-tune it to minimize your rosacea concerns and enjoy healthy skin. Avoiding certain ingredients like alcohol, fragrance, glycolic acid, or camphor, can make a significant difference in how your skin looks and feels.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are a minimally invasive method that involves the application of an acid-based agent to stimulate your body’s natural healing process and resurface your skin.
Both treatments require little to no downtime and offer the following benefits:
- Reduced redness
- Increased production of collagen and elastin
- Tightened skin
- Clearer skin
- Improved blood circulation
- Shrunk pores
Chemical peels also support healthy skin by addressing other concerns such as aging or acne.
IPL Photo Rejuvenation
Intense Pulsed Light photo rejuvenation uses different wavelengths of light to target specific skin concerns, including rosacea. This therapy can address uneven skin tone and redness to minimize flushing and reduce discoloration. This method can even improve the quality and health of your skin if you experience burning or irritation due to your condition.
The initial cycle of treatment can involve three to five sessions to maximize your results. Afterward, your dermatologist can recommend a specific maintenance schedule to manage your rosacea symptoms in the long term.
Laser Therapy
If other treatments have not resulted in a significant improvement of your condition, your dermatologist may recommend one or more types of laser therapy. Although ablative laser is a common choice, other laser solutions exist, and each has its specific qualities. Generally, laser therapy leverages the laser’s heat to alleviate various rosacea symptoms for a more flattering complexion and increased comfort.
Depending on the type of laser treatment your dermatologist uses, this solution can address:
- Visible blood vessels and redness
- Inflammation
- Enlarged pores
- Bumps
Laser therapy can also stimulate your natural production of collagen and result in smoother skin.
Lifestyle Habits
In addition to specific cosmetic and medical solutions, you can manage your rosacea symptoms with some lifestyle habits such as:
- Avoiding sugary or spicy foods
- Limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption
- Managing stress levels
- Staying away from the heat, including hot baths and sun exposure
- Wearing sunscreen year-round
- Refraining from rubbing or picking at the skin of your face
- Discontinuing the use of any makeup or skin care products that result in flare-ups
If you are not sure what can alleviate your rosacea symptoms, consult a reputable dermatologist to discuss your options, from day-to-day tips to targeted treatments.
Are you looking for professional rosacea treatment in Burbank? Call Advanced Dermatology Center today at (818) 284-4003 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation!