Regardless of age or gender, rosacea can impact anyone at pretty much any time during their life. A surprisingly common condition, rosacea is known to affect more than 415 million people worldwide. As with most issues affecting the health and appearance of the skin, the key to effectively combating rosacea lies in first building an understanding of its causes and effects.
Today, the vast majority of cases of rosacea – even those of a more severe nature – can be treated quickly, safely and effectively with non-surgical technologies. If rosacea is making it difficult for you to take pride in your appearance, choosing the right treatment option could help restore your confidence and self-esteem.
If you would like to learn more about effective treatment methods for rosacea or have questions or concerns about your beauty goals – our team is here to support you every step of the way. Call Body Works Clinic anytime, or email us and we’ll get back to you as promptly as possible.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that primarily affects the facial area. It’s characterised by persistent redness, visible blood vessels and in some cases, pimples or bumps that resemble acne.
Individuals with rosacea may also experience a burning or stinging sensation on their skin. While the exact cause of rosacea is not fully understood, various factors are believed to contribute to its development.
What Causes Rosacea to Manifest?
Even today, exactly what causes rosacea to manifest in the first place is something of a mystery. But what we do know is that a combination of genetic and environmental factors plays a role in a person’s likelihood of being affected by the condition.
Triggers such as hot beverages, spicy foods, alcohol consumption and extreme weather conditions can exacerbate symptoms. Additionally, certain skin mites and bacteria might contribute to the development of rosacea. However, these factors are known to vary significantly from person to person.
Does Rosacea Go Away On Its Own?
Unfortunately, rosacea is a chronic condition which rarely goes away without intervention of some kind.
Effective treatment and management can quickly and permanently reverse most cases of rosacea, particularly with intervention at the earliest possible stage.
Will Rosacea Fade or Worsen with Time?
The progression of rosacea varies significantly from one case and individual to the next. Though in most instances, rosacea is more likely to get worse than better with time, unless it is treated and managed appropriately.
Left to its own devices, even a potentially mild case of rosacea can gradually lead to more pronounced redness, visible blood vessels and skin thickening.
What Risk Factors Influence a Person’s Likelihood of Getting Rosacea?
There are several known risk factors that can increase the likelihood of an individual developing rosacea, which include:
- Fair Skin: People with fair skin are more prone to rosacea due to increased skin sensitivity.
- Family History: A family history of rosacea can increase your risk. If it’s a condition that runs in your family, you have a higher likelihood of developing it yourself.
- Age: Rosacea has a tendency to be most common in individuals between 30 and 50 years old – men and women alike.
- Gender: While both men and women can develop rosacea, women are more likely to be affected by the condition.
- Sun Exposure: Prolonged sun exposure can trigger or worsen symptoms – one of many reasons to always wear a high-factor sunscreen.
- Certain Health Conditions: Conditions like hypertension and high cholesterol may be linked to rosacea.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: Some gastrointestinal disorders are also known to be a risk factor in rosacea development.
- Certain Medications: Research has drawn links between the prolonged use of some types of medications and increased rosacea risk, but this varies significantly from one individual to the next.
It’s important to note that none of these factors guarantee the development of rosacea, but in all instances can contribute to the likelihood of its occurrence.
Is Rosacea Dangerous?
The condition itself is not dangerous, but can nonetheless have a detrimental impact on quality of life and self-esteem. Its visual effect on the skin is not considered particularly attractive, making it difficult for those affected to take pride in their appearance.
If you suspect you have rosacea, seeking professional advice is crucial to ensure that the condition is diagnosed and to begin the appropriate course of treatment as early as possible.
Is Rosacea Caused Or Exacerbated By Stress?
While stress doesn’t directly cause rosacea, it can trigger flare-ups in people who already have the condition.
Heightened stress levels and anxiety can lead to hormonal imbalances, which can have a detrimental effect on the skin’s health. Issues with stress and anxiety should always be discussed with a qualified practitioner.
Is It True That OTC Topicals Can Effectively Treat Rosacea?
Over-the-counter (OTC) topicals may provide some relief for mild cases of rosacea. However, for more severe or persistent symptoms, it’s recommended to consult with a dermatologist.
Prescription medications and targeted non-surgical treatments can offer better results and long-term management.
Can You Wear Makeup Over Rosacea?
Yes, you can wear makeup over rosacea, but it is important to stick with gentle, non-comedogenic products that won’t irritate your skin.
Your dermatologist or cosmetic practitioner will provide their own recommendations on which types of products to use, typically those formulated specifically for sensitive skin.
What Can You Do To Prevent Rosacea From Occurring?
While it is not possible to completely eliminate the prospect of rosacea occurring, proactive steps can be taken to reduce your own risk level. Examples of which include:
- Protecting your skin from sun exposure with sunscreen and protective clothing.
- Identifying and avoiding triggers that worsen your symptoms, such as certain foods or beverages.
- Practicing a gentle and consistent skincare routine using mild, non-irritating products.
- Managing stress through relaxation techniques and regular exercise.
- Consulting with a qualified practitioner at the first sign of skin abnormalities.
Living a generally healthy lifestyle can also lower a person’s risk of developing rosacea – minimising alcohol consumption, avoiding tobacco, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and so on.
What Non-Surgical Treatments Are Available For Rosacea?
Consulting with a qualified practitioner is the best way to determine the most appropriate and potentially effective course of treatment for any case of rosacea. Depending on the nature and extent of the issue, a combination of treatments and complementary therapies may be recommended, in order to ensure its permanent eradication.
Some of the most effective non-surgical treatment options for rosacea are as follows:
- Laser Therapy
Using precise wavelengths of light, laser therapy targets the problematic blood vessels responsible for rosacea, causing them to shrink and become less noticeable. This promotes a more even skin tone and reduces the overall redness associated with rosacea. It is also a painless procedure that involves no downtime for most patients.
The longevity of results varies, but many patients experience significant improvements that can last for months to years. Multiple sessions might be needed for optimal outcomes.
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
IPL, similar to laser therapy, uses light energy to target and diminish visible blood vessels with pinpoint precision, significantly reducing redness. It’s a versatile treatment that also helps improve skin texture and tone. During an IPL session, short bursts of light are delivered to the skin’s surface, gently targeting the problematic vessels.
IPL is less intense than traditional laser therapy, making it suitable for patients with more sensitive skin.
- Topical Medications
Prescription creams or gels containing active ingredients like metronidazole or azelaic acid can assist in managing rosacea symptoms, reducing inflammation and redness.
It typically takes several weeks for the results of such medications to become noticeable, though the long-term effects will rarely be as pronounced as those of laser or IPL therapy.
- Oral Medications
For more severe cases of rosacea, oral medications (antibiotics or anti-inflammatories) may be prescribed. These medications work to address the underlying inflammation and help manage symptoms like redness and bumps.
Oral medications can provide relief over an extended period, although results might not be as immediate as with some other treatments.
Contact Body Work Clinic
As a leading specialist in the treatment of rosacea, Body Work Clinic offers a complete range of non-surgical treatment options to suit all requirements and skin types. Whether you are concerned about a suspected case of rosacea in its early stages or would like to discuss treatment options for a more prolonged case, we would be delighted to provide you with an obligation-free consultation at your convenience.
Call today for a chat with a member of our team, or email us anytime and we’ll get back to you as promptly as possible.