April is Rosacea Awareness Month

Just because you have pink cheeks doesn’t mean you have rosacea.

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic disorder that is estimated to affect the lives of millions of Americans. Rosacea causes areas of the skin to appear red, inflamed and sometimes bumpy. It primarily affects facial skin but has also been known to flare up on the neck, chest, scalp or ears. While rosacea is characterized by red flare-ups and remission, left untreated it can lead to a buildup of tissue that causes areas to appear “swollen.”

This condition is most common in adults over the age of 30. Those with pale skin who flush easily are more susceptible to this skin disorder however people of all ages and skin types can be affected. There are four sub-types of rosacea that are characterized by the following symptoms:

• Subtype 1 - Constant and persistent redness or flushed skin which can include visible blood vessels.
• Subtype 2 - Constant and persistent redness with pimples and bumps.
• Subtype 3 - Enlargement of the nose due to skin thickening and an excess of tissue.
• Subtype 4 - Occasional or persistent tearing or burning of the eyes as wells as constant dry eyes or swollen eyelids

It is possible to develop multiple characteristics from each subtype and it is very important to consult with a doctor if your symptoms start to cause pain or alter everyday functions of your life.

What can you do about your rosacea?

With symptoms ranging from mild redness to severe discoloration, our goal is to help build awareness, educate and offer manageable treatment solutions by answering common questions about Rosacea and by sharing numerous tips on camouflaging, treating and soothing the symptoms of Rosacea.

To kick-start this month long Rosacea focus we are highlighting several gloTherapeutic products that can help soothe the inflammation and redness associated with Rosacea. First, it’s important to start with a gentle cleanser that is cream-based and non-foaming such as Conditioning Milk Cleanser. This soothing cleanser contains moisturizing ingredients like Shea Butter and Safflower Oil to help trap and seal in moisture. It’s important to avoid harsh cleansers that contain exfoliating agents as they can irritate the skin and exacerbate inflammation. We also suggest avoiding abrasive towels or sponges when cleansing the face.

Next, it’s important to look for a moisturizer that contains a high concentration of sun protection. Creating a heavy moisture barrier helps protect the skin from irritants and other potential problems like itching, burning and stinging. SPF is also crucial because prolonged sun exposure is a common trigger for Rosacea flare ups and irritation. glo therapeutics SPF 40 Facial Moisturizer is an excellent solution because it delivers moisturizing ingredients while providing both broad-spectrum UVB and UVA protection.

For those looking to for home care products for their Rosacea flare-ups, we suggest products that help reduce inflammation and hydrate and soothe while protecting the skin from environmental stress and pollution. Apply Healing Gel to problem areas with clean fingers to help heal and treat problem areas. Follow with Peptide + Defense which is an excellent source of healing ingredients including a powerful blend of peptides and natural protectants. ~ Source: Excerpts taken from the gloprofessional blog

You can find gloProfessional skin care products at our salon.