Rosacea/Facial Redness

What Is It?

Rosacea is a chronic rash usually involving the centre of the face. It is common in those with fair skin and blue eyes.

It is characterised by flushing, papules, pustules and broken capillaries. There may be red patches, scaling and swelling.

Other characteristics include:

• Flushing and blushing
• Red looking complexion
• Red papules and pustules on the nose, forehead, cheeks and chin
• Dry, thickened and flaky skin
• Aggravated by sun, heat, hot and spicy food, alcohol
• Sensitivity - burning and stinging from makeup, skincare and facial creams
• Red, sore, gritty eyelid margins or sore and tired eyes
• Enlarged nose with prominent pores and thickening
• Swelling of other facial areas including the eyelids

What Causes It?

Rosacea has many causes, including those that are genetic, environmental or vascular, as well as inflammation.

An important factor is the skin’s immune defense, which promotes the blood vessels to dilate causing redness, swelling and inflammation.

Enzymes that remodel normal tissue and aid wound healing have also been found in high numbers in rosacea skins. This can result in thickened and hardened skin.

Sometimes a hair follicle mite called dermodex has been observed, creating an immune response which can lead to inflammation.

There has been an association seen between rosacea and autoimmune conditions, most noticeable in females — some evidence has shown a link between rosacea and digestive issues such as H.pylori, SIBO, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, IBS and coeliac disease.

Rosacea can be aggravated by facial creams or oils that trap heat in the skin, and especially by topical steroids.

Causes of inflammation in the body that may affect the skin:

• Leaky gut syndrome, which allows harmful substances to enter the bloodstream leading to inflammation
• Stress — high cortisol affects the integrity of the gut
• Food allergies and intolerances
• Medications
• Alcohol consumption
• Lack of sleep
• Hormone imbalances — inflammation can be a byproduct of an imbalance in hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Imbalances can alter the level of cortisol, a hormone that helps to keep the immune system balanced and inflammation in check
• Age — inflammation naturally increases with age and may be a factor in chronic health conditions that develop later in life
• Poor diet — refined carbohydrates, processed foods and sugar are linked to inflammation
• Chemical exposure

What Can I Do To Help It?

It can be beneficial to reduce inflammation through diet changes. Try increasing your natural food sources, healthy fats, protein sources and carbohydrates, as well as eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables.

Avoid spicy foods or drinks which can trigger heat in the skin.

Undergoing a digestive cleanse and then using a good quality probiotic such as the BePure Two can be very beneficial.

Look at nutrient deficiencies that impact inflammation and skin health such as zinc, Vitamin D and omega three fish oils.

Treatments To Try

A course of Environ TCA Peels. This is a six-week course consisting of weekly peels done in salon and using a set homecare routine over the course of treatments to boost results.
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IPL to reduce redness and flushing in the skin and to treat broken capillaries.
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LED Light Therapy can help to heal infections, reduce inflammation and revitalise damaged tissue.
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Environ Facial Treatments where we can apply a cooling alginate mask over targeted serums.
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Microneedling increases epidermal growth factors and the density of the skin. 
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