Rosacea

April 4, 2022

Do you have more tendency to blush or flush than other people? 

If yes, then you might be dealing with early symptoms of Rosacea. It is an inflammatory condition that causes redness, acne-like breakouts and visible blood vessels (telangiectasias). 

It is often underdiagnosed and if left untreated, it can potentially become severe causing swelling and thickening of the skin with pustules. 

According to the U.S. government, nearly 14 million American people suffer from Rosacea. It typically affects women more than men, most commonly between the age 30-50. 

What causes Rosacea?

Precise cause  of rosacea has not been completely elucidated,  however, research indicates that most people with acne-like rosacea react to a bacterium called bacillus oleronius, which can lead to local inflammation by activating the immune system.  There is another bacteria, called H. Pylori that is often present in patients with rosacea however, direct association has not been established. 

According to a study published in 2018  in Annals of Dermatology, an antimicrobial peptide (AMP),cathelicidin, was increased in patients with rosacea.  Cathelicidin is a pro-inflammatory peptide that mediates immune response. Also noted in this study that patients with rosacea had lower levels of vitamin D compared to healthy individuals. 

Other factors that often worsen the symptoms of rosacea - spicy foods, emotional stress, hot beverages, high environmental temperatures, exercise, alcohol consumption, menopause, and sun exposure. 

How to treat Rosacea naturally?

Traditional treatment options include both topical and oral antibiotics. Goal is to individualize the treatment based on the most prominent symptoms that need attention - redness, dilation of blood vessels, papules or pustules. 

There are several natural remedies that help minimize the symptoms of rosacea and offer an option for those who prefer to avoid prescription medications and antibiotics. These natural remedies provide hydration, soothing and calming effect while reducing inflammation - green tea, turmeric, niacinamide, feverfew, oatmeal, raw honey, aloe vera, coconut oil, chamomile and mushroom extracts. 

While addressing symptoms of rosacea, the aim is also to focus heavily on preventing sun exposure. UVA rays are particularly harmful for rosacea

patients.  Using SPF 30 or greater can not only help with rosacea but also many other skin conditions such as eczema, sunburn and also reduce risk of skin cancer. 

How gentle exfoliation can help people with rosacea?

Healthy skin turnover is affected with age and rosacea leading to dull and thick skin. Regular exfoliation improves tone and texture as well as hydration and prepares skin to absorb micronutrients from vitamins and botanicals. This is a very important step in the skincare routine and helps reduce pore size, prevents breakouts and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

People with sensitive skin and rosacea, AHA (Alpha Hydroxyacids - glycolic, lactic acids) can improve skin cell turnover resulting in healthy, glowing youthful appearing skin. UVB radiation from the sun plays a major role in series of events in regulating series of biochemical responses in skin cells - activation of inflammatory cascade, accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell apoptosis and DNA fragmentation. According to a study published in April 2018 in Molecules, AHA application on skin can potentially offer both therapeutic and cosmetic benefits and serve as a both physical and immunological barrier to external stressors. 

What products may help in patients with rosacea?

Luvanya’s Exfoliating Elixir - This is a nightly face serum that containsGlycolic Acid & Fruit Enzyme Complex that gently and effectively exfoliates skin and reduces appearance of age spots and pore size. Peptide Syn®-Ake minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera & Algae Extract provides superior moisture and hydration. Guava Fruit Extract, Broccoli Seed Oil and Mushroom Extracts improve tone and texture of skin, while brightening and combatting signs of premature aging from environmental stressors. It contains Mushroom Extract, Aloe Vera and Niacinamide which helps with Rosacea. 

Luvanya’s High Performance Hydrator -  This anti-aging moisturizer contains combinations of Green Tea, Turmeric and CoQ10 provide antioxidant effects to boost radiance and combat signs of aging. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Vitamin C and Kakadu Plum minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  Powerful combination of Squalane, Mango Butter and Sodium Hyaluronate soothes and provides superior moisture and hydration. Guava Fruit Extract, Niacinamide, Broccoli Seed Oil and Kojic Acid improve the appearance of skin tone, texture and pores. It contains Turmeric and Green Tea which helps rosacea.