Your Guide on Understanding and Managing Rosacea

As April marks Rosacea Awareness Month, it is an opportune time to shed light on a prevalent skin condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Rosacea, while common, often goes undiagnosed, leaving many to navigate its challenges without proper understanding or management. This lack of awareness can significantly impact an individual's self-esteem and overall quality of life. At Evolutionary Skin, we believe in empowering our community with the knowledge and solutions necessary to achieve healthy, comfortable skin.

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a common, chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by periods of flare-ups and remissions. While the exact cause remains unknown, it typically affects the central areas of the face, including the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. Commonly observed symptoms of rosacea include:

• Frequent Facial Flushing that can get worse over time

• Small, visible blood vessels on the skin's surface, known as telangiectasia or spider veins, particularly around the nose and cheeks

• The appearance of small, red, solid bumps (papules) and pus-filled pimples (pustules) is also characteristic of rosacea and can often lead to confusion with acne. A key distinguishing factor is that rosacea lesions typically do not present with blackheads (comedones), which are common in acne.

• Burning/Stinging Sensations and Skin Sensitivity

• Eye Issues (Ocular Rosacea) like dryness, grittiness, blurriness

• In Severe cases, thickening of the skin called Rhynophyma

To better understand the varying ways rosacea can manifest, the National Rosacea Society (NRS) has classified the condition into four main subtypes.

Minor Rosacea

The beginnings of rosacea can often look like ruddy, dull skin, minor redness around the nose and cheeks and chin, and open pores. You may experience more dryness and skin irritation than usual.

Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (Subtype 1)

primarily characterized by persistent facial redness (erythema) and a tendency to flush easily. Visible small blood vessels (telangiectasia) are often present, and individuals may report experiencing burning or stinging sensations along with increased skin sensitivity.

Papulopustular rosacea (Subtype 2)

Distinguished by persistent central facial redness accompanied by the eruption of transient, acne-like bumps (papules) and pus-filled pimples (pustules). Swelling (edema) in the affected areas may also be observed.

Phymatous rosacea (Subtype 3)

Involves a noticeable thickening of the skin and the development of irregular surface nodularities, with the nose being the most commonly affected area (rhinophyma), leading to its characteristic enlarged and bulbous appearance. This subtype is more frequently seen in male individuals.

Finding Your Triggers

Since there is no cure for Rosacea, managing it is essential to control it - and the best way to do this is through prevention by knowing what triggers your flare ups. It's important to recognize that these triggers can be highly individual, meaning that what causes a reaction in one person with rosacea may not affect another. Becoming attuned to your personal triggers is a significant step towards minimizing the frequency and severity of rosacea symptoms.

Pay Attention to How Your Skin Does After:

• Extreme Weather, like very cold, hot, or windy days

• Experiencing Stress and Anxiety

• Physical Exertion / Exercise

• Alcohol Consumption

• Spicy Foods

• Smoking

• Hot Baths/Showers

• Exposure to Fragrance/Essential Oils

If any of these activities lead to increases symptoms, it may be best to avoid them entirely or limit them. Given the personalized nature of rosacea triggers, it is highly recommended that individuals take an active role in identifying their own specific triggers by keeping a detailed rosacea diary. Tracking your daily activities, diet, the environment, and any subsequent skin reactions can provide valuable insights into what might be exacerbating your rosacea.

Taking Care of Your Skin

At Home Maintenance is essential for clearer skin. Here are some of my favorite at home tips:

• Ice your face in the morning instead of washing it. Too much cleansing can strip the already sensitized skin - leave it for the evening and ice your skin to constrict blood vessels and aid in de-inflammation of the skin. You can ice your skin any time you experience a flare up, such as after exercise or a hot shower.

• Keep a Food Diary to identify specific triggers! Everyone is different with their triggers.

• Stay Consistent with skin care (and sun care!) and focus on soothing, hydrating products instead of active resurfacing products.

• Use mineral only sunscreen (like Colorescience!)

Essentials for Managing Rosacea at Home:

DMK Beta Gel

The Beta Gel from DMK contains Beta-Glucan, known for its ability to stimulate the skin's immune and reparative functions, making it an excellent aid for red, inflamed, or irritated skin, including rosacea.

Enbioment System (including Cleanser, Mist, and Serum)

This system formulated to work in harmony with the skin's microbiome, helping to remove excess harmful bacteria without stripping the skin of beneficial bacteria. This helps to control Demodex Mite activity and reduce skin sensitivity.

DMK Red Vein Creme

DMK Red Vein Creme acts as a vasodilator to increase blood flow, strengthen capillary walls, and support the skin's barrier function. One of the only products on the market that actually helps to rebuild damaged blood vessels.

All Calm Clinical Redness Corrector SPF 50

The award-winning All Calm® Clinical Redness Corrector SPF 50 is a 3-in-1 formula that neutralizes redness, soothes sensitive skin, and provides mineral-based SPF 50 protection. Its key ingredients include niacinamide, ginger root extract, bisabolol, and the BioSolace™ complex, which work to calm and protect the skin. It is a treatment and suncreen at the same time.

DMK Betagen Creme

DMK Betagen Creme is formulated to boost the skin's immune defenses and reduce swelling, redness, and inflammation, making it suitable for sensitive, irritated skin and conditions like rosacea.

The Rejuvenator

The Rejuvenator series (Mild, Medium, Ultra) utilizes advanced RNF-1 peptides to support proper cell turnover and promote healthier, more youthful-looking skin. It also has flushing capabilities to keep healthy blood flow going on in the skin. It’s a great alternative to typical retinoids that can make the skin extra dry and sensitive.

How Evolutionary Skin Can Help Manage Your Rosacea in Reseda and Virtually

We believe in a personalized approach to skincare. Kira conducts thorough and detailed skin assessments to gain a deep understanding of each client's unique rosacea presentation, identifying their specific symptoms, potential triggers, and individual skincare goals. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, we develop customized treatment plans tailored to address your specific needs and recommend the most suitable products from our trusted partner brands to help you achieve optimal results. Evolutionary Skin offers specialized rosacea-focused treatments and comprehensive recovery programs designed to calm inflammation, strengthen the skin barrier, and restore balance and radiance to your complexion.

Our Favorite Treatments for Rosacea:

• Customized Dmk Enzyme Therapy

  DMK Enzyme Therapy (Renew and Rebuild Treatments) is the main treatment focused in our Rosacea Bootcamp Program, as it helps to flush the skin on a cellular and vascular level, rebuilding the skin and blood vessels from the inside out. It can help to repair the skin’s functionality that can be lost after skin damage caused by Rosacea.

• Revise (DMK Alkaline Wash)

  DMK Alkaline Wash is an innovative treatment designed to elevate the skin's pH, effectively softening and removing excess skin cells. This advanced process significantly reduces inflammation and diminishes bacteria commonly associated with rosacea, promoting healthier skin. Additionally, it specifically targets Demodex mites, which are often underlying contributors to rosacea, addressing a critical factor that can compromise skin health. By managing the presence of these mites, DMK Alkaline Wash helps mitigate their adverse effects, resulting in a more balanced and even complexion. Regular use of this treatment can lead to noticeable improvements in skin texture and clarity, enhancing your overall appearance.

• Restore (BioRePeelCL3)

  BioRePeel (Restore) offers a valuable solution for managing rosacea, particularly due to its efficacy in enhancing skin texture and minimizing redness. This treatment gently exfoliates the upper layer of skin, promotes new cell regeneration, and may alleviate inflammation, which often exacerbates rosacea symptoms.
  In addition to addressing rosacea, it can improve conditions such as acne, uneven skin tone, and fine lines. Furthermore, by reducing inflammation and fostering overall skin health, BioRePeel plays a crucial role in diminishing the redness commonly associated with rosacea.

While a definitive cure for rosacea remains elusive, it is essential to remember that this is a highly manageable condition. By taking a proactive approach that includes understanding your individual triggers, implementing a consistent and gentle at-home skincare routine, and seeking guidance from experienced skincare professionals, you can achieve significant control over your rosacea symptoms and improve the health and appearance of your skin.

Reach out to us and find out how we can help you either in person, or virtually!