Alliviate the RED: Rosacea treatments, symptoms, triggers, and types
As we age, we see Rosacea becoming more prevalent in the faces around us, even perhaps our own.
Perhaps this is because this skin disorder affects an estimated 2 million Canadians. That’s an outstanding figure, considering Canada is home to an estimated 35.87 million people.
ABOUT ROSACEA
Rosacea may begin in childhood as a flattering natural blush appearing on the cheeks, but may spread and progress gradually to the other areas of the face, the ears, chest, back, and eyes in adulthood. Rosacea typically develops between the ages 30 to 50. It affects more women, perhaps because our skin is thinner, but when men develop rosacea, it seems to be more severe. If left untreated and unmanaged, rosacea symptoms become more severe in time, decreasing treatment success rate. Nearly three quarters of rosacea sufferers report feelings of low self-esteem.
Rosacea appears to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, which may include the immune system and a family history. It is unknown exactly what causes Rosacea, however, research shows that Rosacea is a chronic condition without a cure.
Like other chronic conditions, managing triggers that affect this skin disorder paired with treatment can reduce Rosacea symptoms.
SYMPTOMS OF ROSACEA
If you are dealing with Rosacea, you may experience some of the following:
Flushing
Persistent Redness
Bumps and Pimples
Visible Blood Vessels
Broken Capillaries
Burning or Stinging
Swelling
Eye Irritation
Dry Appearance
Skin Thickening
Plaques (overgrowths of skin)
DIFFERENT LEVELS OF ROSACEA
There are four forms of rosacea, which are defined by the following range of symptoms:
Mild: Characterized by occasional or consistent facial flushing and redness. There may some swelling, burning and stinging, roughness, and visible red blood vessels as it progresses to the next level.
Moderate: Characterized by persistent mild symptoms, plus the appearance of pimple-like bumps. Unfortunately, many people mistake moderate Rosacea for acne, and do not treat their condition appropriately until more advanced levels of Rosacea.
Severe (Rhinophym): Characterized by moderate Rosacea symptoms, plus the thickening of the skin tissue and plaque formation in the nose thereby giving an enlarged appearance.
Ocular: Characterized by skin symptoms that also affect the eyes and eyelids. It may cause redness to the surrounding skin tissue but also burning or stinging, dryness, light sensitivity, blurred vision, and watery, bloodshot eyes.
MANAGING ROSACEA TRIGGERS:
Should you decide to treat your Rosacea successfully, you must avoid or minimize the following factors: Weather
Protect skin from sun, wind, and excess temperatures (something we all experience living in Canada). We cannot emphasize how important using sunscreen daily is, even during winter! Throughout the winter months, cover your cheeks and face with a scarf. Wash the scarf/scarves regularly. If possible, replace the scarf every day or every other day to prevent breakouts. Food and Drink
Avoid eating/drinking hot soup and hot drinks, as well as spicy foods. Try to avoid or minimize your alcohol intake. These foods and drinks trigger rosacea as they increase blood flow and promote dilation of the blood vessels under the skin. This may sound like a daunting task initially, but keeping track of dietary triggers from the start of your treatment can help normalize your diet as you teach yourself new eating habits. Intense Exercise
This is not an excuse to skip physical activity! All we are saying is that when exercising, try to avoid over-heating. This may mean you go to the gym more often for shorter periods of time, or perhaps you change the time of day you exercise. Also, exercising near a fan when indoors is a good way to keep you cool during your workout. If you do feel that you overheated, take a cool shower to minimize symptom flare-up. Stress
This one is a bit more difficult to manage for some people. Stress is part of life and learning stress management techniques will do more for your life than reduce Rosacea symptoms. When you’re feeling stress, try relaxation techniques such as deep-breathing exercises, meditation or visualization techniques, where you visualize your stress as an inanimate object of which you mentally “let go”. Additionally, if possible, try to add activities that will help you physically relieve stress, such as going for a massage, or doing yoga.
ROSACEA TREATMENT
At Dérmica, we treat Rosacea with laser treatments.
ALIVIA ME PHOTOFACIAL Description: Dérmica’s Alivia ME Treatment will diminish redness and dissolve broken capillaries on areas of the face and neckline.
Vascular lesions are due to conditions such as Rosacea, couperose skin, sensitized skin, or skin trauma. These types of conditions are characterized by frequent, consistent redness, and visible redness and broken capillaries. They are most commonly found in the facial and neck area. If left untreated these conditions can worsen, or mutate the skin’s texture.
We treat these conditions by emitting a light beam into the skin which is absorbed by different skin lesions. Through selective photothermolysis, the light pulse selectively destroys a specified target without damaging the surrounding tissue, causing the blood to coagulate and the vessel to break up into particles that are naturally filtered away through the body’s lymphatic system.
Alivia ME is performed using Sharplight’s Formax-VP System. This equipment delivers quick pulses of light into the skin, targeting only the selected area. The hand piece also features a contact cooling tip that cools the skin being treated, adding maximum comfort and protection. Time frame: 45 minutes Recommended sessions: 4-6 Downtime required: 24 hrs
Pre-treatment protocols:
Must not currently be on or have used Accutane or any other oral prescription acne medications in the past 12 months
If currently using any products containing AHA/BHA/Retin A/Vitamin A on the area being treated, you must discontinue usage 2 weeks prior to procedure
Must wait a minimum of 4 weeks (or up to 6 weeks for darker skin types) from last tanning (artificial or natural) session
If currently on any prescription medications, check with your physician regarding possible photosensitivity
Contraindications:
Diabetes
Pregnancy
Disorders stimulated by light
Cancer (remission under 2 years)
Epilepsy
Use of photosensitive medication and herbs
Active infection of Herpes Simplex in treatment area
Use of anticoagulants
Potential side effects
Discomfort
Fragile skin
Edema (swelling)
Erythema (redness)
Dérmica MedEsthetics Love, Peace, and Great Skin!
(780) 885-7108
dermica.ca
Data sources
WPR. Canada Population 2015. Retrieved from http://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/canada-population/
RosaceaFacts. What is happening with my skin and what can I do about it? Retrieved from http://www.rosaceafacts.ca
Chatelaine. Rosacea. Retrieved from http://www.chatelaine.com/health/health-a-z/rosacea/
Canadian Dermatology Association. Rosacea. Retrieved from http://www.dermatology.ca/skin-hair-nails/skin/rosacea/#/
Select the correct treatment for your skin type and concerns
Dérmica’s Skin Care Treatment Selection Guide
Dérmica MedEsthetics is pleased to introduce our advanced, online, interactive Skin Care Treatment Selection Guide!
Our easy-to-use, digital guide makes selecting the correct treatment for your skin type and concerns a breeze! Our Skin questionnaire allows us to understand your skin type and concerns.
With the information you provide, we are able to recommend treatments to address your skin concerns. We provide thorough information on all treatments recommended to help you make a fully informed decision. Your safety and comfort is our priority.
Love, Peace, and Great Skin!
Dérmica MedEsthetics
(780) 885-7108
dermica.ca
Located in Edmonton, Dérmica offers photofacial treatments tailored to treat major skin conditions and deliver maximum results. With just a quick pulse of light we can smooth skin, diminish brown spots, redness, and broken capillaries.
Our photofacials work by delivering quick pulses of light to the targeted area using the Sharplight Formax System. The system features a contact cooling tip that cools the skin being treated, adding maximum comfort and protection.
This equipment allows us to perform 3 types of photofacials:
ALISA will improve the texture and vibrancy of the skin by gently removing the surface layers.
ACLARA works to removes pigment spots and damage affecting your face, neck, chest, hands, and arms.
ALIVIA treats vascular lesions that are due to conditions such as Rosacea, couperose skin, or sensitized skin.
Best of all, there is no downtime required for these procedures. Most photofacials takes 15-30 minutes, after which you can continue your daily routine!
Our Chemical Peel procedures are a safe, non-invasive way to treat acne
Acne Treatments Edmonton: The Do’s & Don’ts of Acne
f you have ever battled with Acne you can relate to the physical and emotional toll it can take on you. Acne can also be a sensitive subject to approach when searching for the answers and solutions for this condition. So in this blog series titled “the Do’s & Don’ts of Acne” we will be looking at the most common causes of acne and giving out some PRO TIPS in hopes to shed some light on this rather touchy subject.
The most important thing when beginning your search is understanding your own skin condition and the source of your condition.
In this segment of our series we will begin by looking at one of the contributing factors: Diet and Nutrition.
Diet can play a major role in aggravating conditions of the skin, acne being one of them. Your diet may not necessarily be the cause but it can either help treat the condition or interfere, and set-back treatment. Remember that anything ingested by the body effects on major organs, and with your skin being the largest and most visible of all, it is the window into your internal health.
Studies have shown that acneic skin is deprived of important essential vitamins and nutrients. To help address this chemical imbalance you must restore healthy levels within your body. Now let’s get to the “ the do’s and don’ts of the anti-acne diet.
Do…
Vitamin E. In studies, acneic skin shows to be deprived of this essential antioxidant. Natural food sources include: almonds, hazelnuts, spinach, and kale
Vitamin C.. This natural antioxidant helps reduce inflammation and redness. Natural food sources include: citrus fruits, strawberries, raspberries, papaya, and pineapple
Vitamin B3.. This natural element aids the body in transforming different foods into energy. Natural food sources include: mushrooms, potatoes, whole grains, meats and alternatives
Omega 3 Fatty Acid.. Omega 3 levels are lacking in the average diet and are essential to proper skin health. Natural sources include: fish oils, salmon, free range meats and eggs
Water.. Keep your skin hydrated by keeping the cells within your body hydrated as well. Your body needs to maintain a water balance in order to carry out its daily functions
Don’t…
Sugars. Food high in sugar can spike healthy insulin levels in the body. This can have a negative effect on acne and worsen the condition
Dairy. Dairy products can have an effect on the amount of oil produced in the skin, so be conscious of your dairy intake. For other sources of calcium try include leafy greens in your diet
I recommend focusing on one area at a time, this will help you pinpoint possible sources and treat appropriately. Once you have taken care of possible internal imbalances, controlling the external condition will be much easier.
Book a free consultation with our skin health experts and begin your journey to clear and healthy skin. We will help you develop a skin health plan that includes homecare, medical esthetic procedures, and maintenance.
Dérmica MedEsthetics Love, Peace, and Great Skin! (780) 885 7108 dermica.ca
ALISA is Dérmica’s very own Skin Resurfacing/ Skin Rejuvenation/ Skin Tightening laser treatment in Edmonton.
Skin Resurfacing Edmonton, ALISA – FAQs
How does the ALISA ME Rx work?
ALISA is a Skin Rejuvenation or Skin Resurfacing treatment. In other words, it reverses the signs of aging through the non-traumatic removal of skin surface layers that induce neocollagenesis (the production of new collagen).
Following the removal of surface skin layers though selective photothermolysis, the body’s natural wound-healing response begins to regenerate the epidermis and the underlying wounded skin layers, which gives an overall glow and youthful look to the skin, but more specifically, treats fine lines and wrinkles and minimizes large pores.
What is Selective Photothermolysis?
Selective Photothermolysis is a method that destroys a specified target without damaging the surrounding tissue. The method consists of irradiating the target with pulsed visible radiation. As a result, the targeted area is heated above body temperature which causes the proteins to coagulate. Because the target absorbs the radiation much more strongly than the surrounding tissue, this surrounding tissue is almost not heated at all.
Is the ALISA ME Rx safe at 65 years old?
Absolutely! There are no contraindications based on age since light-based treatments are safe and non-invasive.
How many treatments are required?
Your skin needs the time needed to recover and produce new collagen. Therefore, the typical regimen is an average of 5 treatment sessions, spaced 4 weeks apart. However, the number of treatments is completely up to you depending on the results you desire. Having said that, we do not recommend over 12 treatments in one year.
How long is the recovery phase? Is there any downtime?
ALISA does NOT require any downtime whatsoever! You can come in during your lunch hour and return to work and no one will ever know why you look better than you did in the morning! ;)
How long does a treatment take?
This depends on the different treatments you would like during your session, however, a full ALISA photofacial takes 15-30 minutes, after which you can continue your daily routine.
Are photofacials safe?
Our Skin Experts are knowledgeable on our technology and on the biology of the skin. Our team is lead by experts in the field with over 15 years of experience in medical esthetics treatments. This increases the safety of all of our treatments. Our treatments are non-invasive and safe, with minimum side effects if any at all. Side effects could possibly include:
Discomfort (stinging sensation up to one hour after treatment)
Change of pigmentation (most cases occur on people with darker skin and can be avoided by conducting a test patch)
Fragile Skin (skin may become temporarily fragile)
Purpura (purple bruising lasting from 5-15 days)
Scarring (may happen on darker skin but still, very rare)
Questions or concerns? We’d be happy to hear from you!
Dérmica MedEsthetics (780) 885-7108 dermica.ca Love, Peace, and Great Skin!
Some of us may start to see a slowing-down of our skin’s regenerating process as early as our late twenties. Our fine lines penetrate deeper and deeper with every smile and every frown. Before we know it, we start to see crow’s feet forming, marionette lines getting deeper, etc. Aging is a natural part of life and therefore we must embrace it.
Helping your skin care for itself for as long as it can.
Dérmica understands your skin cells’ regeneration process and the different factors that may affect your skin’s ability to replenish itself.
Our skin can continue to regenerate itself for as long as possible through treatments, maintenance, and products.
Benefits of anti aging treatments
👉 Anti aging treatments correct long term problem areas. For example, scars that were once zits which you popped and became infected.
👉 Treatments encourage your skin to resume regeneration. Missing elements that are necessary for skin to replenish itself (such as nutrients and hydration) rejuvenate the skin.
👉 They train your skin to care for itself. Especially during climate changes and extreme weather conditions (such as the ones we experience living in Edmonton, Alberta).
At Dérmica, we offer a wide range of MedEsthetics treatments and products, as well as anti aging tips for the Edmonton climate.
Our anti aging treatments include a variety of chemical peels. Peels work by separating the upper layers of the skin causing an accelerated cell turnover rate. Because of their molecular structure, these acids are able to penetrate past the acid mantle of the skin and deep into the layers beneath the surface of the skin. This causes your skin to shed and regenerate.
Our advanced laser treatments are tailored to treat major skin conditions and deliver maximum results. With just a quick pulse of light we can diminish brown spots, redness, fine lines, and broken capillaries, all symptoms of aging skin.
Facials are great for anti aging maintenance. Designed to help reverse/ prevent premature aging, we incorporate highly concentrated products in all our facials. After a deep cleanse, exfoliation, and hydrating steam, we pack the skin with nutrients with a relaxing anti-aging massage using brightening, hydrating pharmaceutical-grade, paraben-free, natural products.
For anti aging home maintenance, we carry great anti aging serums that are an excellent way to ensure you are feeding your skin the regular nutrients it needs to regenerate itself when acclimated to Edmonton.
