Are you seeing red when you look in the mirror? You’re not alone. Every year, an estimated 16 million Americans suffer from a condition called rosacea. It is most common in fair-skinned women over 30 but can affect women and men of all ages and skin types.
It can cause redness on your nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead – sometimes leaving unsightly red bumps and pimples. Not only can rosacea flare-ups be uncomfortable, but they also keep many people from feeling confident at work or in social situations.
If you suffer from rosacea, there are several measures you can take to minimize redness, reduce stinging and burning, and put your best face forward.
What causes rosacea?
Rosacea is caused when the facial blood vessels dilate easily – the increased blood near the skin surface makes the skin appear red and flushed. Acne-like bumps may appear, often in the redder area of the central face. This may be related to blood flow, irritation of follicles, sun damage of the connective tissue under the skin, an abnormal immune or inflammatory response, or psychological factors.
Laser treatment
If you want to lessen the visibility of rosacea flare-ups, laser treatment is a long-lasting solution. The laser removes visible blood vessels and reduces extensive redness. Cole Aesthetic Center offers BroadBand Light (BBL) laser treatments, which can be used to treat rosacea and many other skin conditions. Each treatment is safe, comfortable, and only lasts 20-30 minutes. At Plastic Surgery Seattle, your treatment plan will be tailored to your unique skin type and desired results.
Avoiding triggers
Various lifestyle and environmental influences increase this redness response. The first step in reducing flare-ups should be to learn what triggers your rosacea and avoid these factors. Try keeping a diary of what you were eating, drinking, and doing on days that the rosacea appears. Common triggers include sun exposure, emotional stress, hot or cold weather, wind, alcohol, spicy foods, or heavy exercise.
Skincare
In addition to avoiding triggers, another important step is to take good care of your skin with a structured facial care routine. Start out by gently cleansing your face with a mild soap that is not grainy or abrasive, and spread it with your fingertips. A soft pad or washcloth can also be used, but avoid rough washcloths, loofahs, brushes or sponges.
Next, rinse your face with lukewarm water several times and blot it dry with a thick cotton towel. Let your face air dry for several minutes before applying a calming skin product and allowing it to soak in for an additional five or 10 minutes before using any makeup or other skincare products.
Your face tells the story of who you are – so don’t hide behind rosacea flare-ups. Make the call to set up your appointment today, and say hello to softer, smoother, more radiant skin.
Ready to say goodbye to uneven skin tone? Fill out the contact form below, or give us a call to schedule your consultation today.
(360) 865 – 4941