Rosacea is a skin disease that presents itself as red, inflamed skin that often has pustules and acne and sometimes thickening skin associated with it. It has a rash-like appearance and mainly affects the face and other locations on the upper body. Rosacea can be accompanied by pain and swelling, particularly when topical products such as sunscreen and cosmetics are applied to the affected areas. Rosacea is a chronic condition that currently has no cure. According to MedlinePlus, the causes of this condition, which is most common in women, are unknown, and symptoms usually start to develop between 30 and 60 years of age.
Topicals
Topical medications can be purchased over the counter at drugstores or other retailers. Each case of rosacea can respond differently to different ingredients in these medications, and often trial and error is necessary to find products that work effectively. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, products containing azelaic acid, metronidazole and sulfur reduce inflammation and are effective at minimizing some symptoms of rosacea. Retinoids also accomplish this, and they can help to heal the skin as well. These medications are often produced in cream or gel forms for topical skin use.
Sunscreen
Rosacea sufferers are extremely sensitive to the sun and its rays. Daily sunscreen use should begin as soon as rosacea is diagnosed and continue indefinitely. Doing so can reduce redness, inflammation and sunburn symptoms.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid can be used as an OTC therapy for rosacea. This product is available in liquid, cream or gel form and can be used as a wash, leave-in treatment or peel. It helps to exfoliate the dead skin at the surface and also treat acne or pustules associated with rosacea. Depending on its form, glycolic acid should be used with caution as described on packaging, as burning, irritation, itchiness and stinging are common side effects, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion, a skin resurfacing technique, can be used to treat rosacea by using a hand-held device that can be purchased at drugstores and department stores. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, after using this technique, new skin cells are visible at the skin's surface and can improve skin's appearance. According to a 2009 article in "Facial Plastic Surgery," microdermabrasion only removes the uppermost layer of the epidermis, accelerating the natural process of exfoliation.
References
- National Institute of Arthritis Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Rosacea
- MedlinePlus: Rosacea
- "Facial Plastic Surgery"; Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion; December 2009
- American Academy of Dermatologists: Rosacea Thickening Skin Treatment
- American Academy of Dermatologists: Rosacea Redness Treatment
