April is rosacea awareness month

Although the latest 2010 research from the National Rosacea Society suggest that rosacea affects nearly 16 million Americans, a large majority of those affected have no knowledge of the condition or how to treat it. As rosacea awareness month, April is a great time to take that extra time to educate your patients about this chronic condition.

Some important facts about rosacea:

• it is seen more in women aged 30-50, although it typically affect men more destructively.
• people with rosacea tend to get red more easily and remain red longer when exercising, in heat or under stress.
• dry skin and barrier dysfunction are common, and if not addressed in conjunction with the redness the symptoms will usually worsen.
• rosacea will continue to worsen if left untreated.

Common triggers for rosacea:

• drinking alcoholic beverages

• using alcohol-based products topically

• eating spicy foods

• drinking hot beverages such as coffee and tea

• leading a stressful lifestyle

• saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs

• exercise

• extremes in temperature

• aggressive mechanical exfoliation of the skin (e.g. loofahs, nut-based scrubs)

Currently, rosacea cannot be cured. It is usally best controlled using a combination of prescriptions, cosmeceuticals and lifestyle considerations. Two PCA SKIN products that are highly effective in the treatment of rosacea are Anti-Redness Serum and Hydrating Serum. These products work to reduce the microcapillary dilation and leaking as well as provide intercellular moisture and improved barrier function.

Feel free to contact us or visit pcaskin.com for more information about rosacea, and the products and treatments available for its treatment.

 

Is your skin really sensitive or just sensitized?

More than 40 percent of Americans consider their skin sensitive. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, many people that think they have sensitive skin because they experience stinging, burning, redness or tightness after exposure to a topical irritant.  This misconception is common.  The definition of sensitive skin varies based on who you ask. Some common conditions fall under the umbrella of ‘sensitive skin’ like rosacea and dermatitis (eczema). Typically, sensitive skinned patients experience bumps, redness and inflammation. It is unclear what specific factors lead to a person having truly sensitive skin.  It can be a combination of genetics, age and race.

Even if you don’t have clinically sensitive skin, it can still become sensitized as a result of over-exposure to harsh topical ingredients or climate. Some common irritants that contribute to this sensitization are:

• fragrances
• lanolin
• formaldehyde
• latex
• menthol

Additionally, aggressive use of chemical and mechanical exfoliants can increase the response to these and other irritants by impairing the natural barrier function of the skin.

Treating skin gently and avoiding the use of know topical sensitizers and irritants can help most avoid sensitization.  Patients that have truly sensitive skin usually need to seek additional assistance from a licensed professional or their dermatologist for product recommendations.