Rosacea is a common, chronic, light-sensitive, inflammatory skin disease of unknown origin. Some research has shown that higher peroxide levels (a measure of free-radical dam­age), and lower levels of antioxidants in skin may trigger rosacea or at the very least make it worse. Using products that restore antioxidants to the skin, along with barrier-repair ingre­dients […]

I feel strongly that anecdotal information is correct when it points to the benefits of using a gentle toner or moisturizer that contains 1% to 2% salicylic acid (BHA) in a base with a pH of 3 to 4 for rosacea as well as other skin types. Salicylic acid is an exfoliant that helps to […]

Redness, irritation, and skin sensitivities are part and parcel of rosacea. Anything that exacerbates inflammation in the skin will cause more problems. Gentle cleansers, a sooth­ing toner with anti-irritants, plus application of antioxidants, skin-identical ingredients, and cell-communicating ingredients in a lightweight base at night, and a sunscreen during the day are the basics. The National […]

Rosacea is much like any other pervasive skin disorder, from breakouts to eczema, because there are no easy answers. Cosmetics companies looking for your money have a penchant for claiming that their line has the answer to your problems, yet these products—such as exfoliants, anti-irritants, antifungal ingredients, antioxidants, and so on—often have no relation to […]

Ocular rosacea refers to a condition where rosacea affects the eye and, according to an item in the March 2001 issue of Cosmetic Dermatology, it is significantly underdiagnosed and untreated. They note that “an estimated 13 million U. S. adults [with rosacea],… indicated they also experienced discomfort or redness of the eyes in varying degrees.” […]

For years rosacea was referred to as “acne rosacea.” That only added to the confusion, because rosacea is not acne. Yet because the papules and pustules that can accompany rosacea look like acne, many doctors misdiagnose it and end up prescribing medications that make matters worse instead of better. The right medication is crucial for […]

The National Rosacea Society Expert Committee on the Classification and Staging of Rosacea identified four types of rosacea (Source: Journal of the American Academy of Der­matology, April 2002, pages 584-587): Papulopustular: Papules and pustules are often seen, with persistent facial redness and some swelling. Phymatous: Thickening of the skin occurs with enlarged pores and surface […]

Rosacea is no fun. It is a stubborn skin disorder that is frustrating and extremely difficult to treat. Thought to afflict at least 30% to 50% of the Caucasian population, it is frequently misdiagnosed by dermatologists and physicians. Rosacea develops over a long period of time, starting with what at first seems like a tendency […]

As if the issues surrounding skin type (normal, oily, sun-damaged, blemish-prone), skin sensitivities, and allergic reactions weren’t enough, a large percentage of the population deals with various strange medical conditions that primarily show up on the face adding to their skin-care concerns. These problems make selecting the appropriate skin-care routine extremely tricky. It becomes a […]