Millions of people all around the world are asking “how do I get rid of rosacea”? If you’ve been diagnosed with this skin disorder, you’ll know that while it is harmless, it deeply affects the quality of life of the sufferers. It shows up as a deep reddish tinge, often in the form of acne-like sores, on various areas of the face including nose, eyes, cheeks and forehead. Also, it is not consistent as it keeps appearing and disappearing at frequent intervals.

As far as its causes are concerned, medical researchers still haven’t been able to agree on the exact cause of this skin disorder but it has been observed that various climatic and environmental conditions trigger rosacea symptoms. Certain medications, spicy foods, hot beverages as well as certain food additives, skincare items, cosmetics, alcohol and stress may also be lead to flare-up of rosacea symptoms.

Thankfully, there are several ways to help you get rid of rosacea symptoms. Here is a list of some of the highly effective ways to get rid of rosacea.

How to Get Rid of Rosacea

Turmeric

Turmeric is an excellent anti-inflammatory herb and it is widely used as part of traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of skin disorders as well as various other diseases. It helps in speeding up healing of wounds and it also gets rid of toxins in the liver that promotes healthier internal environment.  

In addition, it stimulates blood circulation, strengthens blood vessels and reduces swelling of the skin. Turmeric powder should be mixed with water and applied on the skin to help calm down the skin irritation. If it irritates you, you may also mix equal amounts of sandalwood powder and turmeric powder to apply on the affected areas.

Laser Treatment

Intense pulse light has been found to be highly effective for treatment of this skin condition. It helps with skin rejuvenation as well as treatment of rosacea symptoms. In this treatment, a big spectrum of light is used for treating the affected parts of the skin. A number of research studies have shown the effectiveness of this treatment.

Blue light therapy has also been found to an effective way to get rid of rosacea. In this treatment, a photo sensitizing agent (usually a drug) is applied to the affected skin. In the second step, the affected skin is exposed to the light in which activates the drug. While it is mainly used for treatment of skin cancer, it is also effective for treatment of mild to moderate rosacea.

Aspirin

Though it is normally prescribed for alleviating fever, headache and other such ailments, it is also usually prescribed by doctors for treatment of rosacea due to its anti-inflammatory property. However, it is important that you check with your dermatologist before using aspirin for rosacea treatment.

Dietary Changes

Diet plays a major role in flare-up of rosacea symptoms and a few dietary changes may help in keeping the symptoms at bay. Drinking 8 to 10 glasses of alkaline water is recommended as the water is essential for bringing various nutrients to the skin. Some people have also benefited by limiting the intake of carbohydrates as some intestinal bacteria that may play a role in rosacea proliferate on carbohydrates.

Similarly, you should avoid spicy food, hot beverages, red wine, chocolates, yeast, soy, caffeine, citrus fruits, bananas, avocados and various other such foods that are known triggers for rosacea . Some people may also need to avoid dairy products. In saying this, it should be noted that you may not need to give up all of these. The foods and drinks that trigger rosacea are different for each individual – so you only need to identify which ones affect you.

It is also recommended to keep a food diary wherein you note down everything you eat during the day. It may help you in identifying certain foods that trigger your symptoms.

Limit Exposure to Sunlight

One of the most common triggers of this skin condition is exposure to sunlight. It is recommended to use sunscreen with minimum SPF 15 before you go out to protect your skin.

Over The Counter Topical

There are a number of over the counter topical creams and lotions available in the market that have proven to be effective for some sufferers. One that dermatologists are currently recommending, is Soolantra – because it attacks the demodex mites which are considered responsible for inflammation of the pores, without drying out the skin. However, all topical creams and lotions do not work for everyone and therefore, you may need to try several products before you may find one that works for you.

Overall, these are some of the things that will help you get rid of rosacea and its embarrassing affects. Do not forget to wear sunscreen when you go out and try to avoid foods that trigger your symptoms.

Rosacea is a common condition which affects a large percentage of women, and some men too. It is incurable, and it is characterized by redness of the skin and acne-like pimples, as well as flushing and a ‘hot sensation’ in the skin, focused around the cheeks and nose.

Rosacea tends to go through periods of remission before flaring up again, but the periods between flair ups can vary – some people are lucky and go long periods without problems, others find that the condition can be triggered by almost anything – hot or cold weather, stress, alcohol, spicy foods, certain cosmetics or exercise, for example. Rosacea tends to get steadily worse if it is left untreated, and can go from being just ‘mild flushing’ to very severe acne-like sores that can become disfiguring. 

Rosacea is virtually incurable; you cannot completely get rid of it unless you get laser surgery to kill off the affected capillaries – and even then there is a chance that the capillaries will grow back. What you can do, however, is find ways to manage the condition and to get rid of the acne spots that crop up during outbreaks.

It is common for doctors and pharmacists to recommend steroid treatments for certain skin conditions – it is not a good idea to use steroids if you have rosacea, though, because they can thin the skin that can therefore make the rosacea itself more visible.

Recommended Rosacea Acne Treatment

Rosacea papulopustular (acne-like) spots are best treated with mild antibiotics. My dermatologist recommends minocycline, which she claims is the best available for rosacea. You can also reduce the appearance of rosacea by cooling the skin or by sucking on an ice-cube if you feel that an outbreak is about to happen. Minocycline taken in conjunction with Soolantra cream is a great combination, but you’ll need a medical prescription for both. If you can’t get to see a dermatologist, ask your doctor about them.

The best treatement for rosacea and the associated acne, however, is to try to figure out what causes your outbreaks and then avoid those triggers. Try to cover your skin if yhou are going out in the cold and know that cold weather is a trigger. Keep a food diary and avoid the foods that you know are likely to make your condition flare up. If exercise causes you to flare up, see about finding exercises that will still keep you fit, but that maybe operate in a less intense heart rate zone – gentle, low intensity exercise may work better than higher intensity exercises for keeping you out of the ‘flare up’ zone where your skin starts to flush and you trigger.

Try to avoid excessive sun exposure, and wear sunscreen when you go outside. Use mild soaps to clean your skin, and moisturize with something unscented. Try to avoid very hot drinks and spicy foods, and if you are taking medication, ask your doctor if you think that there is a possibility the medication could be making the condition worse – this is unusual, but it can happen with some medications such as calcium channel blockers.

If you get spots or cysts, do not pick or squeeze them. Use a topical antibiotic that can help to get rid of the spots, as a rosacea acne treatment if you have just one or two of them. If you have a lot of them, then you may find that getting prescription antibiotics could be better. You will need to take the antibiotics for up to 12 weeks to completely get rid of acne outbreaks – a lot of people stop taking them too soon, and that’s why they fail. Some people us topical creams to keep their skin clear after they have gotten rid of the acne outbreak. Not everyone can tolerate using azelaic acid on their skin in the long term, because it can dry the skin out and make it itchy. There are other options for bringing down rosacea-related inflammation; talk to your doctor about those options if you are interested in finding ways to clear out your skin in the long term. This is the best rosacea acne treatment.

Anyone can get rosacea, but rosacea acne treatment is possible – the condition affects people from all walks of life and it is not a sign of alcohol abuse or poor hygiene. Don’t worry about the condition, just talk to a doctor or dermatologist and try to find ways to manage it to prevent the outbreaks from becoming more severe, or having lasting damage to your skin.

When it comes to Rosacea makeup ingredients to avoid, a recent study by the National Rosacea Society in the USA found that the most commonly avoided ingredient that rosacea patients look for when inspecting products that they consider buying, is alcohol.

This study was conducted using a sample of 771 rosacea patients and of them, 90 percent indicated that they read the ingredients of skin care and cosmetic products before purchasing them. Of those, 77 percent claim that they limit the use of products containing alcohol.

It was also found that 64 percent of respondents steer clear of products containing fragrances, while 42 percent avoid anything that includes dies and pigments. A further 41 percent were sensitive to menthol and about one-third weren’t happy if the product contained witch hazel, sulfates, citrus juice or oils, or paraben preservatives.

Moreover, 30 percent of survey subjects who answered the questionnaire about which rosacea makeup ingredients to avoid, had an aversion to anything containing alpha hydroxy or mint.

How They Decided Which Rosacea Makeup Ingredients to Avoid

In this survey, 66 percent indicated that the decision process involved first trying a product and then noting whether it had any negative affect on their skin. Using a process of elimination, the respondents would decide against any products which they found irritating or that resulted in rosacea outbreaks or flare ups.

Others were more interested in reading about the subject, which is probably why you’re here right  now. Some took on board advice that they received from their physician.

How You Should Decide Which Rosacea Makeup Ingredients to Avoid

Everyone is different – and different people are more sensitive to different ingredients than others. So really, in addition to educating yourself about potentially irritating ingredients in makeup products, the bottom line is, that for you, it’s really just a matter of trial and error. But next time you go shopping, try to keep in mind the results of the above survey and take notice whether any of the ingredients mentioned above mean unhappy results for your skin.

If you’re struggling with acne Rosacea and have oily skin, then you may wish to exchange any oil based foundation or concealers for mineral powder makeup – and apply it using an antibacterial brush.

At-home exfoliants and peels or microdermabrasion products may also be a no-no. It may be preferable to visit a spa and enjoy some professional treatments there. You could also consider asking the attendant about the ingredients in the products they are using. Many of the better beauty professionals will be aware of rosacea and be informed on how best to treat you.

Other Rosacea Makeup Ingredients to Avoid

According to Cosmetics Cop, rosaceans may also be sensitive to numerous other ingredients, including acetone, bentonite, bergamot, camphor, chamomile, cinnamon, clove, cocoa butter, cornstarch, fennel, horsetail, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, marjoram, mint, papaya, phenol, sandalwood oil, thyme, wintergreen and ylang-ylang. The ingredients sodium C14-16 olefin sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate and TEA-lauryl sulfate can also irritate rosacea-prone skin.

To get the best skin care for rosacea, you first want to make sure that you’re sure that this is what you have – and that it’s not something else like eczema or psoriasis. Rosacea is a discouraging skin condition that slowly begins with a steady appearance of some redness along the nose and cheeks. The skin tends to flush easily especially when it is touched and a small amount of blackhead-free pimples may also tend to appear around your nose and cheeks. If you do have rosacea, it tends to be chronic and recurring (unlike allergy based skin conditions, for example).

This is a common problem, so if you happen to see the symptoms mentioned above you may need to visit a dermatologist or other medical professional for a diagnosis. Dermatologists have the professional ability to guide you on how to get the best skin care for rosacea.

However, if your rosacea is not severe there are some things you can do to control it. There is some controversy about the root cause of Rosacea, but it is generally agreed that there are a few lifestyle decisions that can trigger Rosacea. Stress, some foods and beverages and even excessive weather conditions can are also known to be rosacea triggers.

How to know it really is Rosacea

Rosacea is a skin condition that appears like acne around your nose and cheek region. It is mostly common in women aged between 30 to 50 years. The three symptoms that confirm it really is Rosacea are permanently enlarged blood vessels, red pimples and pus-filled pimples and increased flushing. If the three appear together then it is quite likely that you’ve got Rosacea.

If only one of the above three symptoms are presenting then it is probably just a common acne breakout. Other signs you can look for just to be sure you are dealing with Rosacea may include extreme skin sensitivity, flaky skin that at times comes with oily skin, dry skin and skin discolorations. When all these symptoms appear at the same time you can be fairly certain that you’re looking at Rosacea.

Why you need to treat Rosacea

When Rosacea is not treated it only gets worse, this means more red pimples, more pus-filled pimples and more enlarged blood vessels. If your Rosacea is not persistent you can use over the counter products for your condition but for persistent Rosacea you must visit a dermatologist.

Best Skin Care for Rosacea When Symptoms are Mild

Mild Rosacea means just a few pimples around your nose and cheeks and lightly enlarged blood vessels. Over the counter products like acne medications that contain sulfur can help in controlling the pimples.

Ensure that you avoid over the counter medications that contain benzoyl peroxide. It is however recommended that you get a prescription from a dermatologist for topical antibiotic metronidazole which comes in a cream called Noritate.

Regularly using topical antibiotics for Rosacea helps clear the condition in just a matter of weeks. It is however advisable to consult your dermatologist on how long you will use the topical products since some people are unfortunate to have Rosacea as a life-long challenge.

Best Skin Care for Rosacea – Severe Symptoms

Severe Rosacea means an abundance of acne-like inflammations, a significant red region around your nose and cheeks and enlarged blood vessels that at times even tend to turn purple.

For severe Rosacea you may need to have a topical antibiotic (i.e. a cream applied to the affected area) prescription in conjunction with an oral antibiotic. Medications  which include tetracycline, doxycycline or minocycline are common examples. They facilitate in reducing the  inflammation as well. If the acne rosacea symptoms subside you can quit the oral antibiotic (which is not good for you in the long term anyway) and continue using only the topical antibiotics.

What to do after your Rosacea clears

Once your Rosacea outbreaks clear you may notice some visible blood vessels and some redness on your nose and cheeks, or chin. If these happen to be a bother then there are mineral make-up products that you can use to help cover up the redness. You want the best skin care for rosacea so be selective and choose a mineral based makeup. The main advantage of these make-ups is that they are less likely to irritate the skin and since they are applied using a brush they also provide good coverage.

Common Rosacea Triggers you Should Avoid

· Extreme weather conditions like strong winds, too much sun and too much cold.

· Extreme temperature conditions like from really hot baths and saunas.

· Emotional challenges like stress can trigger Rosacea ensure that if you feel your stress levels rise you try relaxing. Relaxing can effectively be achieved by deep breathing or attending a stress reducing yoga session.

· Some foods can also trigger Rosacea for example avocados, bananas, dairy, soy sauce, chocolate, vinegar, vanilla and eggplant.

· Hot beverages like coffee, hot chocolate and tea can also be triggers.

· Alcoholic beverages like champagne, red wine, gin, beer, vodka and bourbon can also be triggers.

However, when it comes to the foods and beverages that trigger Rosacea just remember the golden rule – “all things in moderation”. A moderate consumption of some of the above may not cause you any problems.

Skin-care ingredients that can worsen your Rosacea

Before you purchase any skin-care products you need to look out for the following ingredients since they can worsen your Rosacea instead of improving your condition

· Avoid synthetic fragrances

· Avoid products made from fragrant plants extracts like rosemary, rose, lavender and cinnamon.

· Avoid products made from alcohol in most cases it is listed as alcohol denatured or SD alcohol.

· Avoid products made from lime, menthol, lemon, cedar, pine and peppermint.

· Avoid witch hazel

· Avoid all essential oils which only tend to be added fragrance.

Products you Should Eliminate if you Have Rosacea

To ensure that you are getting the best skin care for rosacea, there are some products that you should avoid. These products will only exacerbate your skin condition and worsen the inflammation.

You need to avoid:

· Homemade facial peels.

· Harsh facial cleansers like cleansing scrubs bar cleansers and basically all bar soaps.

· Lotion cleansers.

· Facial brushes and those rough face towels.

· Toners that contain alcohol and fragrance as well.

· Rough facial scrubs

· Using many products on your face at the same time.

Anyone can have Rosacea, even men. However when it comes to men they tend to have quite noticeable symptoms. Regardless of whether you’re male or female, topical prescription medications and the best skin care for rosacea can help in controlling and even preventing it from worsening.

A good Rosacea topical treatment can make all the difference to managing the often embarrassing symptoms that come with this chronic skin condition. You just need to find the one that is right for you – and that may depend on the type of rosacea that you have. First, let’s define “topical”. This means something that is applied to the skin and only used externally – like a cream or a gel.

There are three primary types of rosacea that are suitable for topical applications, each with their own set of characteristic symptoms. The first is known from its hallmark features, being a red flushed appearance on the face and sometimes with blood capilliaries becoming visible (called “spider veins”). This facial redness is called erythematotelangiectatic rosacea and is not often effectively treated with medications. For this reason, a rosacea topical treatment is normally reserved for the second and third types of rosacea, these being:

• papulopustular rosacea (often called “äcne rosacea”) and
• phymatous rosacea (enlarged lumpy nose)

There is a fourth type, called Ocular Rosacea (rosacea of the eyes) but applying creams to the eyes is not recommended.

While often used in conjunction with other treatment options (oral medication for the papulopustular type, laser surgery for phymatous rosacea), a good topical application is a safe and often effective way of managing rosacea.

Before continuing our recommendations for rosacea topical treatment methods, it is important to emphasize the word “treatment”. At this point, there is no known cure for rosacea, a condition which can cause sufferers to go through depression brought on by severe embarrassment due to redness and acne-like pustules that cover various areas of the face. It’s also important to remember that when using a cream or gel as treatment for rosacea, results will typically not be seen for several weeks. There is no “magic cream” that will eradicate your symptoms in a day.

There are several rosacea topical treatment methods which will be discussed here in some detail. These can be divided into two categories: preventative and medical.

Preventative Rosacea Topical Treatment

What is preventative treatment? Quite simply, this refers to using products that go on the skin that help prevent rosacea outbreaks. These are not intended to treat rosacea, but rather to prevent it from manifesting on your skin in the first place.

Methods include: using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, using water-based make-up and lotions and applying camouflage make-up.

Medical Treatments

A medical rosacea topical treatment involves the use of prescribed medication to combat rosacea and will be our primary focus. It is important to note here that treatment for rosacea is not the same as treatment for acne, despite the visible similarity of the two conditions. Treating rosacea as if it were acne can actually cause the condition to worsen. Rosacea differs from person to person, so the only effective way to have your condition diagnosed and treated is to see a dermatologist and follow a carefully planned and prescribed treatment method.

The following medications are currently used as topical medications for treating rosacea:

• Metronidazole
• Azelaic acids
• Alpha-2 Brimonidine (Mirvaso)
• Topical Ivermectin (Soolantra Cream, 1{950de5e870313faf4c5db3a7d190801ab62f662c92458036dbe5490915c0acf5})
• Tretnoin
• Erythromycin
• Sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur

Each of the above medications has a different level of effectiveness and not all treat the same problems associated with rosacea. Perhaps it will help to delve a little more into each one to learn about the possible benefits.

By far the most commonly prescribed topical medications are Metronidazole and Azelaic acids. Whereas azelaic acids have been shown to be more effective in treating rosacea, they also have a higher reported incidence rate of side-effects, including a burning or stinging sensation, dry skin, and skin irritation. Both medications along with most of the medications on the above list are used to deal with the inflammation and pustules that result due to rosacea.

One notable exception is Mirvaso, a drug approved by the FDA back in August 2013 and created by Galderma Laboratories based in Fort Worth, Texas. Mirvaso was created to treat erythema (facial redness). Previously, laser treatment was the only way to get rid of (or at least reduce) erythema. Tretnoin, which is a retinoid, is used to treat mild cases of rosacea and has one of the longest wait times before results become noticeable, namely 8-12 weeks.

Implementing Your Rosacea Topical Treatment Plan

When following a rosacea treatment plan, it is important not to deviate from the schedule set forth by your dermatologist. Also, keep in mind that results will not happen overnight, with most medications taking up to a month or just under before any results are seen. In order use topical creams or gels effectively against rosacea, follow these simple steps:

1) Clean the affected area. The best way to do this is to use mild or soap-less cleaner and then pat the area dry.

2) Wait before applying medication. Your dermatologist will tell you exactly for how long you need to wait before applying your cream or gel, but usually it will be between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the particular medication.

3). Apply medication carefully. Follow directions exactly. Failing to apply rosacea topical treatment medication as instructed by your physician can result in treatment having no effect or worse, the condition becoming exacerbated.

In some cases, a prescribed rosacea topical treatment plan may not be enough and a patient may have to use oral medication, laser treatment – or in rare cases – surgery. Make sure you discuss your options with your doctor first.

Listen to This Dermatologist Talk About Her Rosacea Topical Treatment Product

More information regarding rosacea and treatment options can be found at the following links:

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/rosacea-treatment-and-you
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1071429-medication
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Rosacea/Pages/Treatment.aspx

Put simply, the best foods to eat for rosacea are those that support a healthy gut. The relationship between the gut and your skin has been well established by clinical trials, so the bottom line is, that a healthy gut means clearer skin.

A 2008 controlled study involving 120 dermatology patients in Genoa, Italy, found that a significant number of rosacea patients had small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO. The researchers gave the rosacea patients antibiotics to eradicate the bad bacteria, after which, about 70 percent of subjects’ skin cleared up entirely. Of the remaining 30 percent, 20 percent experienced a dramatic improvement. Those who were given a placebo pill didn’t improve at all, but later when given the real antibiotic treatment, they improved. This study was published in the Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology journal and a followup was done after 9 months that showed that 96 percent of these patients remained in remission.

Best Foods to Eat for Rosacea

You should be consuming foods that support a healthy intestinal tract and avoid those foods that will compromise it. There are certain foods that encourage the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, fungus and other organisms in your gut and among these, alcohol, high calorie carbohydrates such as pastas, breads and sugars, stand out. Also, artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, food colorings, MSG and preservatives, should be avoided, along with processed foods laden with Omega 6 fatty acids – found in many fast food products.

The best foods to eat for rosacea are those that are unprocessed, high in fibre and rich in nutrients. So you need to say goodbye to the cake and ice cream and “hello” to leafy greens, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds and fresh fruits and vegetables. If you can supplement these with a good probiotic formula, it will both cleanse your gut and inject it with a supply of ‘good bacteria’ which ultimately, will be reflected in your skin.

Here is a list of some of the best foods to eat for Rosacea:

• Fresh vegetables
• Chicken
• Whole grains
• Seeds, especially Chia Flax seeds which are high in Omega 3.
• Nuts – raw
• Tofu
• Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acid supplements such as Fish Oil, OR
• Cold water fish, such as salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines and halibut

Since rosacea is an inflammatory condition, rosacea sufferers are best suited to an anti-inflammatory diet. Some have suggested that this is very close to the Mediterranean Diet and includes the following:

• Plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Minimize saturated and trans fats.
• Avoid refined foods and processed foods.
• Watch your intake of refined carbohydrates such as pasta and white rice.
• Eat a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish or fish oil supplements and walnuts.
• Eat lean protein sources such as chicken; cut back on red meat and full-fat dairy foods.
• Eat plenty of whole grains such as brown rice and bulgur wheat.
• Add spices:- Ginger, curry, turmeric and other spices can have an anti-inflammatory effect.

You could start your day with a breakfast of toasted oatmeal with fresh berries mixed with yoghurt, and green tea to drink. For lunch, you could enjoy a tuna salad with multi-grain bread and a fruit or vegetable smoothie to wash it down. If you need a snack, try a little dark chocolate and a few nuts. The evening meal could be something like a spinach salad, laced with olive or coconut oil, which includes chicken or turkey meat, or some almonds or walnuts and a few herbs or spices to flavour it.

One of the positive spin-offs from an anti-inflammatory diet, is that it’s very likely you will lose weight if you need to – and improve your general health and wellbeing as well.

Some people on forums have also reported success from similar foods to eat for rosacea, such as those in the Paleo Diet. This diet is popular among endurance athletes and has been noted for improving acne, rosacea and joint pain. The Paleo Diet is a low-carb diet which has been described as “the kind of diet that cavement ate before the advent of fire”. It excludes sugars, processed grains, all dairy products and legumes and includes unlimited amounts of animal protein, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds.

Whatever your choice of foods to eat for rosacea, at the end of the day it has to be something that you feel confident you can stick with because you’ll enjoy them. Food intake should not be your only approach to curing your rosacea symptoms but something you do along with other remedies and products that can be applied externally. In summary, take care of your gut and it will take care of your skin.

Intense Pulsed Light Rosacea treatment (IPL) may well be one of your best options – for certain types of rosacea. While being a form of laser therapy, IPL should be distinguished from other vascular laser treatments such as Pulsed Dye Laser, where wavelengths of powerful light destroy targeted blood vessels without affecting surrounding facial tissue, or the Ablative Laser, which acts as a type of cauterising procedure to shave off the bulbous lumps that come with phymatous rosacea.

Instense pulsed light rosacea therapy on the other hand, is a relatively new form of laser treatment which is being regularly used to reduce the symptoms of visible blood vessels and the general redness and flushing that comes with rosacea. But it’s different from the pulsed dye laser in that the lasers are a broader spectrum of light and therefore are designed to treat a broader area of facial tissue. It’s primary aim is to heat up the offending blood vessels and seal them off but IPL treatment also serves to stimulate new collagen growth, thus improving skin texture.

Intense Pulsed Light is not only effective for rosacea, but is also applied for ageing spots, sun damaged skin, birthmarks, broken capilliaries and even freckles.

The Intense Pulsed Light Rosacea Procedure

Should you choose to undergo IPL treatment, here’s what you can expect from a typical dermatologist:

Once you’ve checked in and are sitting comfortably in the doctor’s chair, some protective eyewear will be given to you and they should offer some anaesthetic gel to apply to the treatment area for added comfort. This is optional. A cooling gel will then be applied to reduce discomfort from the laser waves and it’s even possible that cold air may be blown on your skin for the same purpose. It is recommended that you accept all offers designed to reduce discomfort, as some have complained that it can be a painful experience.

The intense pulsed light rosacea equipment is a hand held device with a smooth glass surface, which is placed directly over the affected area. From this device, the precisely calibrated light waves will be emitted. These vary in intensity according to the type of skin you have and the depth of penetration necessary to treat your rosacea symptoms. A typical treatment involves passing the device over the affected area with a series of brief, even passes. This should go on for about 30-40 minutes, after which the session is complete.

After Effects of IPL Treatment and Followup

After your intense pulsed light rosacea treatment, you can expect some redness in the treated area, but within the next day this should pass and your complexion should improve. The following images show a “before and after shot” of patients who have undergone IPL treatment so that you can get some idea what to expect.

Studies undertaken by the National Institute of Medicine in the USA have indicated that intense pulsed light treatment for rosacea has a 75{950de5e870313faf4c5db3a7d190801ab62f662c92458036dbe5490915c0acf5} success rate for patients experiencing poor skin texture and facial flushing, while 64{950de5e870313faf4c5db3a7d190801ab62f662c92458036dbe5490915c0acf5} of acne rosacea patients displayed fewer breakouts.

You may need followup treatments at 3-4 week intervals, depending on how severe your rosacea symptoms are. After this, your complexion should be clear of discoloration, spots and other visible symptoms. It should be noted that this procedure is not a cure for rosacea, only a treatment. You may need to do it all over again in about a year’s time, but in the meantime can expect to enjoy the benefits of a much healthier looking complexion and the social confidence that comes with it.

Enjoy This Video Presentation About Intense Pulsed Light Rosacea Treatment

Understanding how to treat rosacea is of course, the number one question people ask once their symptoms are diagnosed. The answer however, depends on a few things, including what symptoms you are presenting with, what triggers those symptoms and what your preferred philosophy is on health care. Although there is no cure for rosacea, it is most certainly manageable. By “manageable” we mean that with the right approach (for you), you can totally eliminate the symptoms.

We’re going to explore some of these now.

How To Treat Rosacea – Options the Medical Profession Might Suggest

If you’ve been to your doctor or dermatologist and been diagnosed with rosacea, then depending on the particular subcategory that your condition fits into, they may recommend one or more of the following:

Antibiotics – these include doxycycline or minocycline. Your physician will usually give you a prescription with 5 or so repeats. This is because these antibiotics only begin to work after about 3-4 week and generally take 6 weeks to clear up your rosacea. Antibiotics can be an excellent short term solution and studies have shown that about two-thirds of patients experience remission of their symptoms for quite some time after a single course of antibiotics. However, the other third relapse within a few months. The other thing about antibiotics is, that they kill off the “good bacteria” in your gut – and this good bacteria is partly reponsible for ongoing rosacea prevention. So if you’re taking antibiotics, make sure you include some probiotics in your diet as well. Probiotics are present in natural yoghurt but you can also get them in capsules as well.

Creams and Gels – these will usually be in the form of topical antibiotics which you apply to the skin affected area. The most common ingredient in these is metronidazole. It has been found effective, but it will depend on what type of rosacea you have. It works best for Papulopustular Rosacea – the type that’s most often mistaken for acne.

Diathermy – this is a small device that generates heat and is applied to the damaged blood vessels. This treatment is usually prescribed for Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea – the type where visible blood vessels are close to the skin’s surface and you get that continual “rosy cheeks” look.

Laser Surgery – in the case where large capillaries are visible, laser surgery can remove them. The procedure can be painful though, but worth it.

Other Surgery – if your rosacea type involves lumps on your nose because of skin thickening (Phymatous Rosacea) then a type of surgery known as rhynoplasty can remove these disfigurements.

How to Treat Rosacea Naturally

Not everyone’s into pharmaceutical solutions for their health issues, or even if you are, you might still be interested in some ways to eliminate your rosacea symptoms using totally natural products. The beauty of natural solutions is, that they are not only much cheaper, but side effects and other complications are virtually non existent.

Internal Treatments

The first thing we should mention is, that you should avoid consuming any food or beverages that you know will trigger your rosacea symptoms. There’s not much point treating the skin if what’s going on underneath it is sabotaging your efforts. Everyone has a different rosacea trigger, but patient surveys have been taken and a number of common triggers identified. Top of the list is red wine, followed by other alcoholic drinks to a lesser extent. You should also try to avoid stress if possible. For some people, hot drinks containing caffeine do it. It’s a good idea to keep a diary of foods that you eat, along with your rosacea flare ups. What may do it for you might not be a problem for others.

From a natural practitioner’s perspective, your skin is merely a barometer of your overall wellbeing. Some even call it “the third kidney” since it’s an alternative means that your body uses to purify itself from toxins – via sweating and other secretions. When you exercise, sweat and oil from the sebaceous glands can mix together and if not washed afterwards, create an infection causing cocktail. So it’s always a good idea to wash your face with a mild cleanser following exercise.

You Need to Detox

With the above in mind, keeping your body in balance is essential. Part of knowing how to treat rosacea means that you know how to help your blood stream as pure as possible. So you should drink plenty of water – even when it’s cold. Aim to consume at least 2 litres of clean filtered water each day, preferably in small quantities. Carry a bottle of water with you wherever you go and sip about half a glass worth from it at least once every half hour.

How to Treat Rosacea – Olive Leaf Extract

Olive Leaf Extract (OLE) is a very powerful internal cleanser and antioxidant. Among the causes of rosace, are a buildup of pathogens in your body which weaken your immune system. Olive leaf extract contains a powerful substance called Oleuropein which is what gives it its potency. Make sure that you only buy OLE capsules with a minimum 20-25{950de5e870313faf4c5db3a7d190801ab62f662c92458036dbe5490915c0acf5} of Oleuropein content (it should have it on the bottle). Take double the recommended dose for the first 6 weeks, before eating your food, then you can back off to the recommended dose after that. One of the positive spin offs from taking OLE is that you should notice an increase in your energy levels within about 2 weeks. Keep taking it for at least 4-6 months to allow it to complete its cleansing work. After that, you can reduce to a maintenance dose of just 2 capsules per day.

How to Treat Rosacea with Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) can be used in conjunction with OLE to provide a potent cleansing combination. Make sure you only buy the organic version with the “mother apple” included. Other types may be cheaper but a lot of the goodness has been processed out of them. Not only does organic ACV contain a multitude of vitamins and minerals, but it also serves to recolonize your digestive system with friendly bacteria. A healthy gut is most essential to eliminating rosacea breakouts. So if you’re taking antibiotics (as mentioned above) getting some apple cider vinegar to go along with it, is well worth considering.

Some people can’t handle the taste of apple cider vinegar – after all, it is vinegar! I’ve personally found that the best way to get it down, is to put a “shot glass” full of ACV into a glass, fill it with filtered water, then scull it down as quickly as possible. Do this 3 times a day. It works for me! But if you can’t deal with that, you can mix some honey with it for taste – or if you really need to, buy it in capsule form.

You can also use apple cider vinegar as an external application on the affected areas. Try diluting it with an equal portion of water first, then apply it with cotton wool. Some people report excellent results from using ACV externally, while others say it only irritates the condition. It may depend on what type of rosacea you suffer from, as to how well it works for you.

How to Treat Rosacea with Oils

If you have oily skin, you might be reading this and thinking that oil is part of the original problem so how can it be part of the solution? The fact is, that oil that comes OUT of your skin, is very different to the natural healing oils that you can put ONTO your skin. Different people report different combinations of oils that have worked for them, but the most common are castor oil and coconut oil.

Castor oil has excellent anti microbial and anti-viral properties and it also penetrates deep into the skin more than most other oils. You will often read about it as being an excellent cure for warts. But it’s also a great skin cleanser in general. The only trouble is, when used alone it can irritate your skin due to its acidic properties. I’ve personally found that after using castor oil mixed with baking soda, my skin will be quite red and inflamed looking after a few hours. It will also begin to flake, like I’ve been sunburnt or something. So using castor oil on its own is not a good idea.

So . . . how to treat rosacea using castor oil? Mix it with some coconut oil – about 25{950de5e870313faf4c5db3a7d190801ab62f662c92458036dbe5490915c0acf5} castor and the rest coconut oil should do it. Add some baking soda to the mixture if you don’t need to go out and want to enhance the effects. The castor oil will provide the penetration while the coconut oil will both soothe and cleanse your skin. Coconut oil also has great cleansing properties – and it smells good too!

So I hope the above information has given you a good overall summary of how to treat rosacea effectively and wholistically. First, make sure that it’s rosacea and not acne or some other skin condition that you have – then choose which treatment, or combination of treatments, is best for you. All the best!

Doctor’s Video on How to Treat Rosacea