22 Jul Can I use a Chemical Peel if I have Rosacea?

Rosacea is one of the most common sensitive skin problems, affecting over 16 million Americans, according to the National Rosacea Society. Although its official cause is still unknown, we know that there are ways to help treat and keep it under control.

Those who suffer from Rosacea usually exhibit flushing or redness in the face near the cheeks, chin, or forehead, due to a higher number of blood vessels and dilated capillaries. Other symptoms can include acne-like bumps, skin thickening and inflammation. Some subtypes may also include an enlarged nose, or watery eyes accompanied by stinging, itching and broken blood vessels.

Because there are so many different types of Rosacea (including erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, papulopustular rosacea, phymatous rosacea and ocular rosacea), each case is different and it is important to speak to a skin care professional to determine a personalized and proper course of treatment.

If you are not sure whether you have this skin condition, watch out for these Rosacea warning signs as recommended by the National Rosacea Society:

• Redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead
• Small visible blood vessels on the face
• Bumps or pimples on the face
• Watery or irritated eyes

Although women experience a higher rate of Rosacea than men, men tend to display more severe symptoms, which can be worsened by everyday tasks such as facial shaving.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make your Rosacea less unpredictable.

First, it’s important to identify what causes your Rosacea to flare up. Common triggers include:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Anger
• Spicy foods
• Acidic foods (coffee, tea, alcohol)

Some environmental conditions such as heat from saunas, hot baths, humidity and sun can also provoke a flare-up. It is also important to pay attention to how your skin reacts to cosmetic products to make sure they’re gentle enough for your skin. It is important to treat and control Rosacea right away, as it can worsen overtime. Other ways to help manage Rosacea include hydrating the skin and protecting against UVB rays with broad spectrum sunscreen.

For mild to moderate Rosacea sufferers, a chemical peel followed by proper ongoing care can greatly improve the skin’s appearance. Peels can reduce the appearance of redness and acne like bumps by exfoliating the top layer of the skin, which is then replaced by new, healthier skin cells.

The Perfect Derma Peel has successfully helped Rosacea patients, as it was formulated specifically to work with sensitive skin. One of its main ingredients is salicylic acid, which is known to help address inflammation. Although there is usually no pre-peel skin preparation required, it may be a good idea for Rosacea sufferers to work with a dermatologist to reduce inflammation as possible before having a peel. After a peel or series of peels, be sure to follow the appropriate treatment regimen as determined by your dermatologist or skincare professional.