April is Rosacea Awareness Month! Let’s take a deep dive into what Rosacea is and how we can help reduce its symptoms.
So, what exactly is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a skin condition that usually affects the face. It can cause the skin to appear red or flushed, it can cause small pus-filled bumps, enlarged blood vessels, and thicker skin. Rosacea symptoms can flare up and decrease on their own however these flare ups can lasts for weeks or months at a time.
There are four main subtypes of rosacea. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea:
- Presents as persistent redness (erythema) and visible blood vessels (telangiectasia).
- Swollen, sensitive, stinging, burning, dry, rough, or scaly skin are also possible with this type of rosacea.
Papulopustular Rosacea:
- This type of rosacea has a similar appearance to acne. It can often look like pustules (pus-filled pimples), and papules (red pimples with no pus)
- It can also present as raised red patches on the skin.
Phymatous Rosacea:
- This type of rosacea is usually seen through the skin becoming thicker and harder, which often leads to a rougher skin texture.
- The nose, chin, forehead, cheeks, and ears are the areas most affected by Phymatous Rosacea.
Ocular Rosacea:
- Symptoms are present in and around the eye area, which leads to redness and inflammations
- Bloodshot eyes, styes, swelling, and watery/burning/irritated eyes are common symptoms of Ocular Rosacea.
- It is even the case sometimes that people will experience a dry gritty feeling, increased eye sensitivity, blurred vision, and photosensitivity with this type of rosacea.
The exact cause of rosacea is still unknown. Studies have shown that it is a very complicated condition. It is believed to be influenced by a number of factors such as genetics, environment, and the immune system. For a lot of people, Rosacea can become flared up when exposed to the sun, when under stress, when consuming certain foods, and when consuming alcohol.
Because of the complexity of rosacea there is no cure. There are however many ways to decrease symptoms and help soothe flare ups! That’s where we come in 🙋♀️
At Spectrum we have a wide variety of facials and products that help with many different skin concerns and conditions. Including Rosacea!
Our Redness Recovery facial is perfect for anyone struggling with redness or rosacea. This facial uses products with ingredients specifically geared towards sensitive, red, and inflamed skin. Let’s take a look at what products we use in this facial and how they help to reduce the look and feel of a rosacea flare up:
✨Hydraflora Probiotic Essence ✨
This toner is a fan favourite amongst our sensitive, red, and congested clients! It is rich in antioxidant botanicals that help your skin look calm, clear, and youthful. Hydraflora has Gotu Kola in it which is a botanical that provides anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as probiotics to help maintain balance in your complexion. These are great ingredients for those with rosacea as it will help calm down any inflammation and leave your skin feeling much calmer and less irritated. Hydrflora also contains Brassica Sprout Extracts which reduce inflammation and even help protect from UV damage (bonus!!) Hydraflora is also available in the retail section for at home use.
✨Blueberry Peel✨
While this peel is for professional use only, and therefore not available for purchase for at home use, it is a fantastic one for gentle rejuvenation. It was designed with the most sensitive skin types in mind. This peel has a 2.5% Mandelic Acid. Mandelic acid has larger molecules making it a gentle AHA because the larger molecules make the acid only able to work within the top layers of skin, allowing for rejuvenation on the surface level without triggering the cells in the lower levels, and therefore without triggering inflammation . It helps to address acne, reduce inflammation, and boost hydration. Blueberry peel also contains a peptide called Neutrazen. This peptide is also anti-inflammatory. It is specifically designed to reduce redness and swelling. It works by limiting cytokine reaction that cause inflammation. Cytokines are signaling proteins that help control inflammation in your body.
✨Rejuvenating Mask✨
This mask is a calming and detoxifying mask. It is designed to help restore sensitive or sensitized skin, reduce visible redness, and reduce, heat, itching, and irritation. Just like the blueberry peel, this mask contains the anti-inflammatory, redness reducing peptide Neutrazen. It also contains Montmorillonite which is a cooling blend of clays that help releasing heat from the skin, making it ideal for people with rosacea as it will help calm down that warm flushed feeling that often occurs. Rejuvenating Mask is also available for at home use!
✨Soothing Serum✨
Soothing serum contains calming peptides and soothing botanicals for redness repair and relief. Soothing serums has a peptide called Telangyn that inhibits hyper-inflammatory response by reducing the release of interlukins which are cytokines that regulate the inflammatory response in your skin. It also contains Arnica which reduces swelling and decreases pain. Soothing serum is also available for at home use!
For the month of April in honour of Rosacea Awareness Month we have our Redness Recovery Facial on sale for $110 plus hst (regular $130 plus hst) when you book within this month!
