Facial Redness Management
Facial Redness
What causes facial redness? Is it something I should worry about?
Facial redness or Rosacea is a common skin condition characterized by flushing, swelling, and acne-like bumps around the nose, cheeks, chin, forehead, and ears. The cause of rosacea is unknown, but some researchers believe it has a genetic component. Rosacea tends to run in families, and women tend to get it more often than men.
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disease of the face. It usually starts between 30 and 50 years old, although it can start at any age. There are two types of Rosacea: erythematotelangiectatic (ETR) and papulopustular (PPR). ETR Rosacea is characterized by persistent redness, burning, stinging, and itching. PPR Rosacea is characterized mainly by small, raised bumps. Both forms of Rosacea can affect the eyes, lips, nose, mouth, scalp, neck, chest, back, buttocks, thighs, knees, hands, feet, and genitals.
Rosacea is a long-lasting skin condition that mostly affects facial skin. It's most often seen in women and those with light complexions and sensitive skin.
Symptoms & Adverse Effects
The cause of Rosacea isn't fully understood, but it's thought to be linked to changes in visible blood vessels under the skin. This triggers inflammation and causes the skin to become inflamed. We also do know that genetics play a role. And some studies suggest that hormones could trigger flareups.
The most common symptom is flushing, which happens because blood vessels under the surface of your skin dilate. This makes your face look flushed. You may also feel warm or even hot. Some people describe having "hot flashes."
Other signs, symptoms and adverse effects of Rosacea include:
- A sore throat
- Dry skin
- Eye irritation
- Red bumps on your nose
- Pimples
- A stinging sensation
People tend not to recognise Rosacea because it develops gradually. They begin to think they just flush easily, or that they're having periodic acne attacks. After a while, they start to notice redness on the face, especially around the eyes, nose, or mouth. Over time, the redness can spread over the entire face.
In addition to being unsightly, Rosacea can cause discomfort and pain. Some people experience burning, stinging, tingling, itching, or even throbbing. This can make everyday activities like eating, drinking, talking, or sleeping difficult. Sometimes, the pain becomes severe enough to require medical attention.
What Causes Rosacea?
Although there are many theories regarding what causes rosacea, no single theory explains everything. However, scientists do know that certain factors play a role. These include genetics and family history, hormones, environmental triggers, stress, diet, and lifestyle choices.
Other triggers for Rosacea can include:
- Alcohol - especially beer
- Spicy foods
- Particularly hot peppers, chilies, and curry
- Hot drinks
- Hot baths
- Cheese – such as feta, blue cheese, and Parmesan
- Caffeine – coffee, tea, colas, chocolate, and energy drinks
Facial Redness & Genetics
According to the National Rosacea Society in America, up to 60% of cases of Rosacea are hereditary. However, this isn't always true. A person can develop Rosacea without passing it down to his or her children. Importantly, your genes influence whether or not you develop Rosacea. If someone in your immediate family has had Rosacea, you have an increased chance of developing it too. Studies show that if both parents have Rosacea, their children have a 60% chance of getting it. But if only one parent has Rosacea, then the risk drops significantly to 15%.
External Link: http://www.rosacea.org/rr/2008/spring/article_3.php
Time of the Year
Facial redness occurs most often during the summer months, especially in hot weather. This is due to heat dilating blood vessels and prolonged sun and wind exposure can cause irritation, burning, or even blisters. Facial redness can also occur during periods of high activity such as running, swimming, or strenuous workouts. In addition, it can happen during times of extreme emotional stress.
Facial Redness Treatments
Treatment for Rosacea includes topical therapy treatments such as creams and serums, oral antibiotics, laser treatment and light therapy.
It is suggested to avoid hot showers and saunas because heat can trigger a flare up. Use cool water to wash your face. Try to avoid facial products containing ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate, fragrance, preservatives, and parabens. These chemicals irritate the skin, causing inflammation.
If you experience severe symptoms, see your doctor. Your dermatologist might recommend treatment with topical medications, oral antibiotics, laser treatments, or surgery.
Genova Skincare have created a fomulation which can help to reduce the appearance of Rosacea. Genova’s Red Active Serum is a highly concentrated and effective formula which helps to reduce the appearance of facial redness, associated with sensitive skin. This serum improves the skin’s natural barrier function. By improving the skin’s barrier function, this nourishing serum helps to combat all types of redness, including flare-ups caused by day-to-day environmental stress, irritants, and dryness. Genova’s Red Active Serum has been dermatologically tested for skin sensitivity, meaning that it will not cause a rash or any skin irritation. You may notice dramatic improvement within 6 weeks of application. Click here for more information.
Conclusion
Rosacea is a common skin condition, particularly in females. This is a long-lasting skin condition that mostly affects facial skin. It's most often seen in women and those with light complexions and sensitive skin. Rosacea symptoms appear in an array of forms, but have a wide variety of treatment options, such as topical medications, laser therapy, oral antibiotics and creams and serums. Finding a complete cure or treatment for Rosacea is not entirely possible, but it is always recommended that you seek medical advice first before beginning any improvement program.