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April is Rosacea Awareness Month which is geared to help raise awareness of this widespread yet often misunderstood chronic facial disorder. Rosacea affects approximately 16 millions Americans. Springtime is considered to be rosacea season due to the flareups that the change in weather causes. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that mainly affects the middle third of the face. Rosacea symptoms include flushing, persistent redness, bumps, and visible blood vessels. Rosacea can affect all segments of the population, individuals with fair skin who tend to flush or blush easily are believed to be at greatest risk. Rosacea is more commonly diagnosed in women, but men are also affected. It is believed that more severe symptoms are seen in men because they often delay seeking medical help until Rosacea reaches more advanced stages. Common Rosacea Triggers: Sun Exposure Emotional Stress Hot Weather Wind Exercise Alcohol Consumption Hot Baths Spicy Foods There is no cure for rosacea and the cause is unknown, products are available to control or reverse its signs and symptoms. “You play an important role in caring for your rosacea. Wash your face with a soap-free cleanser and lukewarm or cold water. Use a non-comedogenic, gentle moisturizer as well as a daily sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays.” - Dr. Mercedes Florez While medical therapy can address the underlying physical aspects of rosacea, these tips & tricks can help boost your self-confidence when it comes to your physical appearance. Proper use of skincare and cosmetics can help reduce the appearance of Rosacea symptoms. Clean & Moisturize your Face - Find a cleanser and moisturizer based on your skin type and apply gently without rubbing your skin. Always use an SPF - Daily use of SPF is essential in any skincare routine but especially so for anyone with Rosacea since sun exposure was named a top trigger in a National Rosacea Society survey. Spot-Test New Products First - Always test out a new product on your arm to make sure your skin doesn't have an adverse reaction to it. Choose an Oil-Free Foundation & Concealer - Avoid applying foundation and concealer with your fingertips as that could add unnecessary oil to the face. Use an anti-bacterial brush and always clean your brush between uses. Mineral Powder Makeup - Mineral makeup is a good choice for those with Rosacea since it does not contain potentially irritating ingredients and helps tone down the look of redness. Avoid Red Lip Shades - Red lip shades will draw out the redness in your skin. Stick to neutral shades close to your natural color to downplay the redness in your skin. Are you thinking you might be part of those 16 million Americans who have Rosacea - be proactive in your skin’s health. Schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. If you haven’t seen a medical professional yet and are self-treating your signs and symptoms, consider this April your motivation to seek proper diagnosis and treatment. Do you have any Rosacea tips & tricks?

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition, which involves facial erythema (redness) and vascular sensitivity. It affects upwards of 16 million people in the United States. While an exact cause and cure is unknown, Rosacea can be controlled.Symptoms include: Persistent and chronic redness that does not go away and is most commonly located across the forehead, chin, nose and cheeks. Flushing or facial redness that will come and go. This can be accompanied by a warm or hot sensation across the area affected. Pimples, bumps, blackheads and pustules may be visible. Visual blood vessels around the nostrils and across the cheeks. Hardening or thickening of the skin, often affecting the nose, called Rhinophyma. This mostly affects male rosacea patients. While the exact cause has not been officially pinpointed there are many theories surrounding the cause of rosacea including- an abnormal immune system, blood vessel disorder, parasites such as Demodex mites or H. Pylori bacteria, and fungus.Triggers that can bring on flushing or exacerbate the condition include: heat, stress, alcohol, cigarettes, spicy food, sun exposure and some skincare product ingredients.It is important to be under a physician’s care to alleviate rosacea symptoms. Common prescription medications may include: Accutane (a systemic vitamin A acne drug), Metrogel (a topical antibiotic), Ciclopirox (an anti-fungal medication), along with many others. In conjunction with professional medical treatment, patients may find relief utilizing services performed by a knowledgeable esthetician. This could include the use of colloidal oatmeal, green tea exacts and tea tree oil. If you do not suffer from rosacea it is important to be mindful and compassionate when interacting with those who have the condition. If someone is having an episode of skin flushing, it is important to not point it out. Remember they can feel the heat sensation that accompanies the flushing, therefore they are already aware and embarrassment only worsens it!Blog Written by askderm's in house Esthetician Chantal MoniqueChantal Monique is a NYS licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist. She has 7 years experience in skin care and makeup artistry. Her specialties include makeup application and facial treatments, her work has included upscale clientele, a private investigator undercover and independent film work. Chantal also has a background in the Fine Arts. With the unique combination of her education as well as the desire to help people feel beautiful, Chantal provides expert skin care knowledge for our customers as well as the must have ingredients and trending looks. With an ever growing portfolio and clientele askderm is excited to be teamed up with Chantal for future blogs, informational videos and skin care tips!