January 18, 2022
Understanding Rosacea
Rosacea is a common skin condition estimated to affect 415 million people worldwide. It is a chronic condition that occurs on the face and eyes and occasionally other areas. It most regularly begins between the ages of 30 and 60 with symptoms including redness, pimples and broken blood vessels. Increasingly, it is also affecting younger women. Depending on the frequency and severity of the symptoms Rosacea is classified as mild, moderate or severe. The prevalence of Rosacea varies depending on reporting methods but global incidence of the disease is estimated to be between 2 and 10% and increasing.
Roseacea affects both men and women although women are 3 to 4 times more likely to develop the condition. The occurance and type of symptoms can be hormonally influenced and women often begin to experience red flushing during menopause. Men often have a symptom characterised by large, bumpy red nose known as rhinophyma.
The disease affects all ethnic skin types but is most prominent is fair skinned people.
The link below shows some examples of how Rosacea can appear
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rosacea/
Rosacea commonly causes recurrent episodes of flushing, redness and papules and can negatively impact self esteem and well being. In a recent study of 860 Rosacea patients 79% of patients reported it had negatively impacted their lives. Patients often report feeling embarrassed, emotionally distressed and wanting to avoid social situations. These affects of the disease can be very debilitating and lead to increased chances of developing depression and anxiety.
The exact cause of Rosacea is poorly understood. Several theories have emerged as to the possible causes:
1. Genetics
Researchers at Stanford University have identified a genetic basis for some types of rosacea. People with a family history of Rosacea are more likely to develop it.
https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2015/03/genetic-basis-of-rosacea-identified-by-researchers.html
2. Microscopic Organisms
The health of the skin microbiome also play a very important role in the development of Rosacea. A balance skin microbiome is vital for the immune function of the skin. An eyelash mite known as Demodex is 10 times more present in the skin microbiome of Rosacea suffers. Although the exact cause of Rosacea is unknown these mites are known to play a role in its development. Studies also indicate the other organisms such as Staphlococcus Epidermas and certain gut bacteria may also have a role to play.
Researchers at Stanford University have identified a genetic basis for some types of rosacea. People with a family history of Rosacea are more likely to develop it.
https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2015/03/genetic-basis-of-rosacea-identified-by-researchers.html
2. Microscopic Organisms
The health of the skin microbiome also play a very important role in the development of Rosacea. A balance skin microbiome is vital for the immune function of the skin. An eyelash mite known as Demodex is 10 times more present in the skin microbiome of Rosacea suffers. Although the exact cause of Rosacea is unknown these mites are known to play a role in its development. Studies also indicate the other organisms such as Staphlococcus Epidermas and certain gut bacteria may also have a role to play.
3. Immune System
This theory suggest that the protective function of the immune system is not functioning correctly in Rosacea patients.
4. Environmental Triggers
Research suggests that environmental triggers such as UV radiation, changes in temperature, alcohol and exposure to skin irritants stimulate the sensory nervous system triggering rosacea symptoms.
The infographic below shows a breakdown of the common environmental triggers for rosacea
For rosacea suffers keeping a record of the severity and the types of triggers for symptoms can be a useful tool for helping to manage the outbreaks.
Although there is no single cure for Rosacea there are easy skincare tips that can help in the management of the flare ups.
- Always remove eye make up before bed. Cleanse the eye area really well as the Demodex likes to inhabit the eyelash area
- Cleanse twice a day
- Use a sunscreen
- Moisturise daily
- Avoid harsh chemicals on the skin
- Patch test products before applying to face
Look out for ingredients in your skin care that will help with the flare ups
- Ingredients with anti inflammatory and calming properties – eg ginger, bisabolool. Anti inflammatory ingredients do a wonderful job of calming the skin. They work to soothe the skin by fighting free radical damage and help stop damaging reactions.
- Ceremide rich oils such as argan, Abyssinian, Macademia , Borage and Rosehip. People with Rosacea prone skin have lower levels of ceremides. Ceremides lipids make up 50% of the skins natural protective barrier. They help to protect the skin barrier and increase protection from environmental factors and make the skin less dry.
- Hylauronic acid is a natural component of the skin that helps retain moisture. It is vital for healthy skin. It helps to improve the tone, elastiscity and cell metabolism easing the dry symptoms for Rosacea suffers.
- Algae extracts which are anti inflammatory and high in antioxidants. They help boost the synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid and help to reduce the potential for dryness in the skin.
- Probiotic minerals – Magnesium, Iron and Zinc can really help to balance the skins microbiome. Minerals also play vital roles in the skin metabolic reactions and keeping the skin healthy.
Recommend routine from the Nourish Range to help with symptoms:
AM
- Cleanse with Kale 3D Cleanse
- Apply Radiance Firming Facial Oil
- Apply Relax Calming Moisturiser
PM
- Cleanse with Skin Renew Cleanser
- Apply Argan Skin Rescue
- Apply a thick layer of Probiotic Multi-mineral Repair Mask and leave on overnight