Acne and rosacea are two chronic skin conditions frequently treated by dermatologists using a variety of topical medications, facial peels and phototherapy techniques to reduce the severity of the skin disorder. However, patients undergoing treatments for rosacea and acne should be aware of actions they can take that could enhance or prevent the ability of a particular treatment to improve acne or rosacea.
Moisturize!
Daily use of moisturizers is essential to experiencing the benefits of acne and rosacea therapy. Dermatological research has found that people who apply moisturizers to their face each day improve the ability of their skin to receive all the advantages of phototherapy procedures and topical medications without suffering irritation. Misinformation about moisturizers exacerbating acne is just that–misinformation. In fact, when acne patients neglect to moisturize their face while undergoing treatment with prescription creams or phototherapy, the skin usually becomes flaky, red and may peel due to the desiccating effect of these treatments.
Moisturizing with oil-free, light moisturizers containing lipids called ceramides aids in improving the barrier function of the skin that prevents dirt from clogging pores. Rosacea patients will also benefit from using this type of moisturizer since inflammatory rosacea produces acne-like pustules that can cause surrounding skin to flake and peel. Both acne and rosacea sufferers should avoid moisturizers that are made with petroleum products and mineral oils because these ingredients tend to lie heavily on the skin and may possibly worsen rosacea and acne.
Facial Cleansers for Rosacea and Acne Conditions
In addition to using a moisturizer everyday while undergoing dermatological treatments for acne and rosacea, patients should also clean their face twice a day with gentle cleansers designed to reduce inflammation, remove dirt and eliminate excess oil without interfering with the barrier function of the skin. Always rinse the skin thoroughly with lukewarm water so that no residuals from the cleanser remains, which may inflame existing acne and rosacea. Also, never “scrub” the skin; instead, use a soft cloth to smooth a non-gritty, non-alkaline facial cleanser onto the skin. Fingertip washing is highly recommended since this helps dermatology patients resist the urge to scrub their face. For skin that becomes irritated when in contact with water, ask your dermatologist to recommend a cream cleanser that is mild yet effective. Finally, avoid applying any topical ointments prescribed by Mayoral dermatologists until your face is completely dry. This helps prevent stinging and further boosts the efficacy of the medication.
Sunscreen Use during Treatments for Rosacea and Acne
Just as important to enhancing phototherapy and topical treatment methods for rosacea and acne is the use of sunscreen when venturing into the sun. Patients who cannot use sunscreen due to extremely sensitive skin might consider using “physical” sunscreens such as hats with wide brims, scarves that cover the cheeks and large sunglasses that fully cover the eyes. Ask a Mayoral dermatologist for suggestions concerning the best kind of sunscreen to apply during treatment for rosacea or acne.
Preventing Flare-Ups of Rosacea and Acne
Proper skin care using moisturizers, mild cleansers, sunscreen and professional treatments provided by Mayoral Dermatology are the most effective methods for reducing the intensity of acne and rosacea flare-ups. Minimizing the occurrence of these outbreaks also involves identifying certain “triggers” that particularly irritate the skin and provoke the emergence of acne blemishes or the redness and bumpiness of rosacea.
“Triggers” such as physical and emotional stress, sultry or bitterly cold weather, gusty winds, alcohol, eating spicy foods or taking long, hot showers are factors that play a significant role in stimulating an existing condition of acne or rosacea. People who suffer from one of these conditions may not notice any difference in their skin following exposure to a trigger, but that does not mean a flare-up will not occur within a few days. The unpredictability of acne and rosacea conditions means that individuals should constantly monitor their skin in conjunction with what they are doing, eating or feeling in order to correctly identify and avoid “triggers”.
Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused primarily by what you eat. Similar to the variety of reasons suspected by dermatologists to be the instigators of rosacea, acne is the result of a complex interplay among hormone levels, genetics, skin type and environmental factors. Although people with acne should avoid a diet high in oils and fats that only add to the activity of overactive sebaceous glands (as well as such a diet being unhealthy), eating nothing but fruits and vegetables will not guarantee the elimination of a chronic condition of acne.
Good skin care enhanced by cutting-edge treatment procedures provided by Mayoral Dermatology for rosacea and acne represent the ideal measures to choose for relief from the discomfort and unattractive appearance of rosacea and acne.
