What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition which in the past has been difficult to treat. It affects women more than men, and is more common in the Caucasian population. It can however, affect darker skin types.

Treatment for rosacea is available in the NHS, but this clinic is able to offer a wider range of options including home based skin care (please scroll down to find out more), in clinic peel treatments, Dermalux LED Light Therapy and injectable treatments using the WOW fusion microneedling device.

For some people who need short term cosmetic covering of rosacea a skin camouflage service is available to help to hide the appearance of rosacea with a waterproof product.

Electrolysis can be used to treat the veins on the face, but this can cause a flare up of the appearance of rosacea, and is not permanent.

The exact cause of rosacea is not known, but dysregulation of the immune system, overgrowth of commensal organisms, dysfunctional neurovascular signalling and genetics are all thought to have a role to play.

There are 4 different types of rosacea: erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular, phymatous or ocular. Ocular rosacea should be seen by a consultant ophthalmologist.

What are the symptoms?

How is it diagnosed?

The condition is diagnosed by the history of the skin condition and the examination.

At the clinic consultation an Observ image will be taken which will show the redness of rosacea.

Does sunlight make it worse?

It tends to be worse in the sunlight. This is related to abnormal vitamin D metabolism which leads to dilation of blood vessels and formation of new blood vessels. This leads to the appearance of thread veins. This is why sunscreen all the year round is crucial.

What else can make it worse?

Some people will have specific triggers, but it is important to know that niacin or the application of topical steroids can worsen the flushing.

Why is sunscreen needed?

Sunlight is one of the triggers for Rosacea.

Sunscreen helps to reduce exposure to the damaging free radicals.

Specialist skin care for rosacea

Good skin care with specific products is essential to improve the skin barrier function and needs to be continued in the long term.

This clinic is able to supply medical grade skin care programmes which specifically target the physical appearance of rosacea.

There is a choice of skin care ranges depending on preferred routine, budget and availability to attend the clinic.

WARNING: It can take up to 6-10 weeks to begin to see results, and sometimes the face can look worse before it gets better

The Zo Skin health system is a luxury premium brand primarily used as both a home treatment programme and in clinic treatments. This clinic recommends a series of Zo Skin Health Stimulator Peels because often the appearance in rosacea is better immediately after the treatment!
The Neostrata Skin Care Restore Range can be used as skin care at home. This programme has an accompanying Prosystem Rejuvenating Skin Peel.
Obagi skin care

All of the above complement NHS treatments which can be prescribed by your NHS GP

Zo Skin Health

Zo Skin Health is a luxury brand with products formulated specifically for rosacea.

The Zo skin care regime starts with ‘Getting Skin Ready’ . This is a process of cleansing, exfoliating and toning. The starting protocol can be selected depending on the skin type. However products may need to be adjusted depending on skin tolerance and skin barrier function condition. There is a choice of exfoliating, hydrating and gentle cleansers. A key part of treating rosacea is eliminating surface oil which is a key component of causing the cosmetic issues of rosacea. There are specific protocols for mild, moderate and severe rosacea.

The key products include : Enzymatic Peel, exfoliation accelerator, daily power defense, Rozatrol (instant pore refiner)

Daily Power Defense and Instant Pore Refiner

Rozatrol is a key ‘Hero’ product in this range because it targets 5 symptoms of rosacea:
• Inflammation
• Decreased Cellular Renewal
• Excess Sebum
• Vascular Degeneration (Telangiectasia)
• Neuro-Aging

Zo skin health has a specific peel designed specifically to relieve the visible signs and symptoms associated with red, sensitized skin including rosacea.

It is done once every 2 weeks until the desired results are achieved and then once every 4-6 weeks.

Results can be boosted with the Rozatrol accelerated serum.

What are the benefits of using the Rozatrol accelerated serum after an in-clinic treatment for redness?
• Minimizes inflammation and diminishes skin redness
• Promotes healthy microcirculation
• Prevents excess sebum production and provides anti-microbial benefits
• Improves skin texture
• Protects nerve endings and maintains healthy cellular communication

Neostrata

Neostrata is another medical grade brand which this clinic recommends.

There are products for home care which can be enhanced by in-clinic peels.

The Neostrata Restore range of medical grade skin care is a specialized collection of products that feature gentle, yet effective Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) for even the most sensitive of skin types. These PHAs are known to help protect the skin’s moisture barrier and augment skin’s antioxidant properties, while providing gentle exfoliation. Ideal for all skin types, especially sensitive or reactive skin.

The 2 ‘Hero’ products in the range are the Bionic Face Cream and the Redness Neutralizing Serum (before and after photographs seen below).

Sensitive skin can experience antiaging and skin smoothing benefits from a series of Neostrata Prosystem rejuvenating peels by starting at a low concentration and exposure time. The peels enhance exfoliation and normalise epidermal cell turnover. These effects help to reduce the papular symptoms of rosacea. With continued use the peels and home care can help to plump the skin deep down making the redness due to blood vessels (telangiectasia) less apparent.

A series of 4-6 peels is recommended every 3-4 weeks is recommended. Some people may require more peels to get optimum results. After the initial set of peels one peel every quarter is recommended.

Obagi

The Obagi gentle cleanser is recommended.

The Obagi Medical Hydrate is recommended to allow the skin to heal.

Obagi Matte suncreen is recommended because it contains micronized zinc oxide 10.5% 0.5g-1g every morning. Obagi recommends sunscreen containing Zinc as an anti-inflammatory and to assist with wound healing. It has UVA/UVB protection that is non- allergenic. It is an excellent sunscreen before and after procedures (because it protects and soothes the skin). It is a physical sunscreen.

It contains Octinoxate 7.5%. It is an excellent UV absorber with a good tolerability profile and rarely causes photoallergy. It is non comedogenic and dermatologist tested. It is sheer PABA free and fragrance free and suitable for all skin types.

Depending on your skin’s requirements following a consultation additional medical grade products may be recommended.

Dermalux LED Light system

This light based treatment can be used to treat the signs of rosacea and redness.

A consultation is required beforehand. Visible improvements may only be seen after 4-6 sessions. Up to 10 sessions may be required.

There are settings for:

Visible blood vessels, environmental damage, thin and vulnerable skin
Persistent facial redness, flushing, diffuse redness (rosy cheeks) and visible capillaries

WOW fusion advanced facial treatment programme for rosacea

The WOW fusion advance facial is the newest addition to the clinic menu for dealing with the cosmetic impact of rosacea. WOW fusion is an innovative needling device that allows the practitioner to create bespoke skincare cocktails in the little glass vial that is ideal for your skin care needs. During the consultation, your practitioner will assess your skin and then using the latest skincare technologies will design a skin care serum that is ideal for your skin requirements. A truly tailored service with transformative results.

The WOW fusion device contains 20 titanium 24K gold plated needles each being 0.13mm in diameter. As they are so thin, they make a small trauma without the pain. The needles allow the solution to flow down and into the skin to the epidermal/dermal junction.