Redness and Rosacea

Post-Treatment Results for Redness and Rosacea

Our Approach to Treating Redness and Rosacea

What Are Redness and Rosacea?

Have you noticed any redness or small blood vessels in your face? Does your skin redden easily? Do you suffer from rosacea? If yes, is it simply because of a few small dilated blood vessels present? Wondering what is the difference between these two conditions? To better understand this phenomenon, it is important to examine the functioning of the skin.

The first layer of the skin, called the epidermis, is used to protect our body from the outside world. It is mainly composed of cells called keratinocytes. These cells, dividing in the deep layers of the epidermis, die and flatten up to the surface to create a dense and closed barrier. This cycle, which lasts about 28 days, allows the skin to regenerate continuously. The thickness of this barrier can vary between 1mm and 1.5mm. Since it is dead on the surface and can peel off if it stays dry, the skin produces an oil called the hydrolipid film. Composed of sweat and sebum, it hydrates and protects this epidermal barrier by rising to the surface. Also, since the epidermis is devoid of blood vessels, its cells are supplied by diffusion of the dermis. In other words, it is the blood vessels in the dermis that carry blood to the epidermis.

Rosacea is a progressive disease in 4 stages.

1. Stage 1 or the “flush” stage: The skin suddenly reddens and returns to normal after a while. This can happen when someone is embarrassed or eats a spicy dish.
2. Stage 2 or rosacea: Permanent slight redness (erythrosis). There may be a few small dilated blood vessels.
3. Stage 3: Medium permanent redness with the presence of small pimples that can be mistaken for acne.
4. Stage 4 or the rhinophyma stage: This is rarer and is especially present in men. This is also associated with excessive alcohol consumption. Characteristics are specific to each person affected; may include a very broad, bulbous and bloody nose.

There are several causes of rosacea, here are a few:

• The barrier of the epidermis is too thin and lets the blood vessels appear.
• The hydrolipid barrier is deficient. The skin no longer has its usual protective power. To help it, blood is brought to the surface to help its regeneration. People with this condition have sensitive and “hot” skin.
• A high concentration or hyperactivity of the blood vessels which accentuates redness and inflammation.
• Dysfunction of the immune system which induces vasodilation of the blood vessels, causing transient erythemas which may be accompanied by pimples.
• A neurovascular disorder that produces blood flushes, leading to the development of telangiectasias, which promotes the appearance of advanced pimples.
• Environmental factors: microorganisms, chemical agents, food, mites, cold or heat exposure, etc. They can be a trigger or enhancer for people with rosacea.
• It is possible to soothe and control clinical rosacea. What you need to know is that there are no permanent solutions. When the desired results are achieved, they should be maintained with annual maintenance.

Redness and Rosacea

Our Approach

First, it is important to go back to the origin; the beginning of the appearance of redness or pimples associated with rosacea. During the consultation, we will ask you a few questions to better understand this.

Then, thanks to 3D photos, we will analyze the internal network of blood vessels in your face. This analysis is a key step in the diagnosis since it will allow us to properly target the areas requiring treatment. It also allows us to determine if there is inflammation or blood vessels.

It must also be determined whether the functioning of the epidermal barrier is adequate or not. People with rosacea or rosacea problems often have tenderness in the cheeks and dry skin.

The treatment plan differs from person to person. It is adapted according to the facial analysis done beforehand. Here are some examples of possible solutions. They can be used alone or in combination with others.

Application of topical creams at home to restore the functioning of the epidermis.
Taking oral antibiotics or topical cream in cases where pustules are present.
Laser and pulsed light treatments to reduce the vascular network causing redness.
In some where the vessels are large enough, it is possible to inject them with a sclerosing solution.
In the case of people with thin skin, it is possible to do treatments to thicken it. Thicker skin provides better permeability.
Etc.

Example of solutions to treat Redness and Rosacea