A chronic medical condition affecting more than 3 million people, rosacea can appear on the skin for a short time, several years, or be a lifelong problem. It can be caused by anything from food allergies and sun exposure to environmental toxins and genetics. 

Commonly mistaken for acne or other skin conditions, rosacea can affect just about anyone, but is more common among middle-aged women with fair skin. For many people, rosacea causes more than just facial flushing and redness. Symptoms of the skin condition may also include acne-like bumps, eye irritation, and thickened skin. Although there is no consensus among medical professionals about the reasons some people develop  rosacea when others do not. It cannot be cured and left untreated, this skin condition can get worse with time. 

Though various treatments can control symptoms of rosacea, this chronic condition is ultimately best managed by avoiding certain triggers.

Rosacea Triggers to Avoid 

Rosacea triggers vary from person to person, but heat, cold air, extreme exercise, sun exposure, stress, and medications that increase blood flow to the surface of the skin can aggravate rosacea. 

Foods do not “cause” rosacea, but some ingredients are known triggers.

Spicy Food

Adding hot peppers or ordering food with an extra kick, spicy foods may be one of many underlying causes of rosacea flares. Cayenne pepper, red pepper, black pepper, curry, paprika, and other spicy ingredients can cause tiny blood vessels underneath your skin to dilate, resulting in flushing. By substituting other ingredients like oregano, sage, and basil, your dishes will get that added flavor without triggering rosacea symptoms.  

Alcoholic Beverages

Red wine, bourbon, gin, vodka, champagne, and beer can all be triggers for certain people prone to rosacea symptoms.

Sun Exposure

Basking in the sun might be fun, but if you suffer from rosacea, it might not be a day at the beach for you.  Sun exposure is the most common  trigger of rosacea that stimulates the blood vessels to dilate.  

Stress

Stress is among the things that make rosacea worse. And though you can’t always avoid stressful situations, you can help minimize their effect on your life and your skin.

Exercise

Exercise is good for the body and the soul, but it’s also a factor that can aggravate rosacea. Exercise elevates your heart rate, which causes flushing from increased blood flow to the skin. Instead of exercising during the hotter peak hours of the day, working out during off-peak hours when the sun is low and temperatures are cooler could help to alleviate symptoms. 

Hot Drinks

36% of rosacea sufferers point to hot drinks as their primary trigger.   Hot chocolate, tea, and coffee,  which cause the blood vessels to expand, can cause flushing and redness.

Hot Temperatures

Heat is among the things that make rosacea worse. And it’s not just a challenge during the summer — it can be a year-round problem. The winter is the time we close our windows and turn up the heat, so open some windows to keep your living spaces cool and less dry. In summer, seek out air conditioning whenever possible.  Avoid saunas and hot tubs.

Extreme Cold

Winter winds and cold temperatures are common things that trigger rosacea. Cover your face with a scarf or ski mask, be sure to wear sunscreen, and limit hot beverages if that’s a trigger for you. Ask your dermatologist about a skin barrier ointment that could protect your skin from the cold weather elements. Get to know your personal rosacea triggers, advises Stuart. “Avoiding triggers does not seem to slow the progression of this skin condition, but a thorough knowledge of them will help you coexist with this disease more easily,” she says.

Makeup

Applying makeup can be a double-edged sword for people with rosacea. On one hand, it can cover up redness, but on the other hand, it can aggravate rosacea. Using water-based, non-allergenic,fragrance-free makeup helps. Cosmetics that contain alcohol, menthol, witch hazel, and eucalyptus oil tend to be irritating for people with this skin condition. 

To avoid cosmetics that trigger your condition, test all new products on your neck before putting them on your face. If you have a reaction, take note of the product’s ingredients to try to isolate which ones aggravate your rosacea.

Mask-wearing

Maskne, or mask acne, is caused by excessive wearing of PPE face protection and has become problematic for people of all age groups, especially those on the front line. Caused by breathing and talking under the mask which produces a wet heat, causing excess oil and sebum production, rosacea sufferers may experience flare-ups when wearing masks for prolonged periods of time.

Tips to Help Reduce Symptoms

Moisturize 

Moisturizer is an essential skin-care product for rosacea sufferers. They create a barrier that locks out irritants and can help keep symptoms at bay, but choosing the wrong one can actually make your condition worse. When choosing a moisturizer, opt for one that’s oil-free, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic-–the fewer ingredients, the better.

Use Gentle Cleansers 

The type of cleanser you use can also affect rosacea symptoms. Harsh cleansers and astringents can actually make rosacea much worse.  Although rosacea might look like acne, it’s not. Many acne treatments will irritate rosacea, including products that contain retinoids or salicylic acid. Your cleanser should be fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and free of harsh exfoliants as scrubbing can make the condition worse and cause scarring.

Be Wary of Facials  

Chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and spa facials may be good for your best friend, but they could be your skin’s worst enemy.  Many of these medical-grade treatments can irritate the skin, which can aggravate rosacea. If you want a rejuvenating treatment to make your skin look younger or smoother, you can work with your dermatologist to find other skin-care options.

Opt for Mineral-Based, Fragrance-Free Makeup 

Makeup may be used to help cover up ruddy cheeks, but products containing certain ingredients could worsen rosacea symptoms.  The formula of any makeup specifically for rosacea matters too. When choosing a foundation, opt for pressed powder over liquid which can clog  pores and make rosacea symptoms worse.

Practice Sun Safety  

The top trigger for rosacea flare-ups is sun exposure. So, whenever you’re in the sun, practice sun safety. Apply sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and stay in the shade as much as possible. Be wary of sunscreens containing harsh chemicals, however.  Opt for sunscreens with physical barriers such as zinc oxide or titanium instead and apply generously and reapply often.

Get to the Bottom of it

Finding ways to reduce stress and minimize situations that increase blood flow to your face can help minimize rosacea symptoms. 

While there is no cure for rosacea, there are ways to avoid triggering its symptoms and treatments available that can be tailored to the individual’s needs. 

Taking notice of which make-up causes breakouts, paying attention to foods that trigger symptoms, and keeping track of external factors can help you get to the bottom of the cause of your rosacea. Treatments that prove effective include everything from topical medications like creams, lotions, and gels, and medications that may help reduce inflammation and redness. 

Oral antibiotics can be effective for more serious symptoms. For patients with dilated blood vessels, permanent redness, and other changes on the nose and cheeks, there are advanced procedures such as Laser Genesis available.

Treatment

At Specialist Skin Solutions, we offer a range of services that provide the best treatment for rosacea. Choose from our tailored and comprehensive 8-session program involving peels, laser, and home care or mix and match products and services to help find your own balance.

8-session program

Our 8-session program for comprehensive treatment for rosacea includes a full facial assessment,  4 sessions of Vitamin C peels, and 4 sessions of Laser Genesis. We also provide medical-grade products and Actinic sunscreen to continue your recovery journey.

If you’re ready to stop seeing red when you look in the mirror, call Specialist Skin Solutions @(02) 4934 1500 today to book an appointment. Reduce rosacea symptoms with our range of medical-grade in-office or at-home treatments by contacting Specialist Skin Solutions and booking your free consultation.

We’re dedicated to helping each one of our clients feel their best by bringing out their natural beauty and loving the skin they’re in. We look forward to speaking with you!

Offering a thorough consultation prior to treatment, we’ll discuss the areas of concern and the range of treatment options suggested to produce optimal results. The amount and type of product, as well as our pricing structure, will also be discussed during the consultation process so there are no surprises.

The post Stop Seeing RED: Triggers and Treatments for Rosacea appeared first on Specialist Skin Solutions.

Extrinsic Ageing

Due to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, the appearance of the hands changes with time. 

Extrinsic ageing, which affects the epidermal and dermal layers, is a result of factors including exposure to the sun, chemicals, and smoking. 

Ways extrinsic ageing manifests on the hands

Actinic keratosis: Rough, scaly patch on the skin that develops from years of sun exposure

Solar lentigines: Harmless patches of darkened skin, AKA dark spots or  age spots, common in people over the age of 40, solar lentigines results from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation causing local proliferation of melanocytes and accumulation of melanin within the skin cells (keratinocytes).  

A solar lentigo is a flat, well-circumscribed patch that can be round, oval or irregular in shape, with colour varying in skin colour, size, and number. Though they occur in light and dark skin, they tend to be more numerous in fair-skinned individuals.

Hypopigmentation-punctate palmoplantar keratoderma syndrome: A rare, genetic, epidermal disease characterized by punctate keratoderma on palms and soles associated with irregularly shaped hypopigmented macules, typically localized on the extremities.

Solar purpura: A condition, most often affected on areas exposed to the sun, often occurring on the hands, forearms, and legs, causes one or more flat, purple bruises.

Intrinsic Ageing

In contrast, intrinsic ageing alters the deeper soft tissue planes, decreasing skin elasticity, soft tissue volume,  and dermal vascularity. Signs of intrinsic ageing include wrinkles, translucent and thinner skin, and prominent veins, joints, and tendons. 

Many patients notice that their ageing  hands sharply contrast with their newly rejuvenated faces, and request hand rejuvenation procedures. However, despite great advances in facial cosmetic procedures, hand rejuvenation has been slower to catch up. 

Hand rejuvenation refers to a whole suite of aesthetic techniques that improve the appearance and feel of your hands.  Hand rejuvenation procedures result in softer, plumper, brighter, and smoother hands.

Types of hand rejuvenation

Just like several types of rejuvenation for the face exist, there are several treatment options to restore the youthful appearance of the hands. Most hand rejuvenation treatments focus on extrinsic ageing by unifying pigmentation and skin resurfacing. 

These treatments, including topical acids like tretinoin and vitamin C, topical 5-fluorouracil, bleaching agents, microdermabrasion, chemical peeling, and laser treatments, have been shown to be the most effective and safe. At Specialist Skin Solutions, we offer a whole suite of rejuvenation techniques that will have your hands looking radiant and youthful again in no time. 

• Dermal Fillers
• Laser Genesis 
• Chemical Peels
• Age spot removal

Dermal Fillers

Just like those that take years off your facial age, dermal fillers are effective for contouring the hands, subtly filling in wrinkles and adding volume to plump bony hands and sagging skin. 

Dermal Filler is a medical injectable gel made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance already found in your body that attracts and binds with water, hydrating and plumping ageing skin anywhere on the body, including the extremities. When injected into the hands, dermal fillers restore volume, soften and fill lines, contour, and rejuvenate.

The ideal complement to laser treatments, which work wonders to resurface the appearance of hands, dermal  fillers complete the process by adding volume to eliminate that bony, veiny look. That’s not to say that bones, tendons and veins don’t have important functions— but dermal filler just makes them less noticeable by plumping the surrounding tissue. 

Though dermal fillers are not permanent, results can last between 6 to 18 months, depending on the area treated and the product used.

At Specialist Skin  Solutions, we believe in educating our clients, which is why a thorough consultation takes place prior to every treatment to discuss the areas of your concern,  treatment options, the amount and type of product to be used, as well as associated costs.

Laser Genesis

Laser Genesis is the latest in technological innovations, a medical procedure effective for softening wrinkles and reducing dark spots on the hands.

Restoring and rejuvenating the skin of the hands from beneath the surface, Laser Genesis uses a heat-based laser to target deep layers of the skin. Triggering the skin’s natural healing process to stimulate collagen production, Laser Genesis leaves hands resilient, radiant, and healthy-looking.

Laser Genesis does not wound the skin. Instead, it works by penetrating the top layer of skin and delivering thousands of micro-pulses of light to the dermis, the middle layer of the skin. The warming action shrinks blood vessels, breaks down scar tissue, and stimulates collagen production, leaving skin free of broken blood vessels, and dark areas.The state-of-the-art laser hand treatment diminishes sun spots, age spots and other hyperpigmentation imperfections, as well as lines and wrinkles. Laser treatments are an ideal complement to dermal fillers. While laser treatments work wonders to resurface the skin on the hands, dermal fillers complete the process by adding volume to eliminate that bony, veiny look.

Chemical Peels

Not just for the face, chemical peels can be beneficial for the hands as well. By exfoliating the outer layer of skin, which can become dry, tough, and aged from our many tasks and activities throughout the day, a chemical peel can not only improve the texture of the skin, but it can also help fade dark marks and tighten some of the laxity that can develop in this area over time.

Is hand rejuvenation right for you?

In general, anyone who is unhappy with the way time has changed the appearance of their hands are good candidates for hand rejuvenation. More specifically, you should consider hand rejuvenation if any of these conditions apply to your hands:

• Veiny appearance
• Wrinkled and crepey
• Thin skin
• Age spots or sunspots
• Very dry skin

It’s never too late to turn back the hands of time.

The post Turn Back the <em>Hands of Time:</em> Effective In-Office Treatments for Younger Looking Hands appeared first on Specialist Skin Solutions.

Laser Genesis is the latest in technological innovations for skin rejuvenation, a medical procedure effective for softening wrinkles, reducing dark spots, healing acne scars, making large pores appear less visible,  and reducing fine lines around the delicate eye area.

Let’s take a deeper look at Laser Genesis.

What are the Benefits of Laser Genesis?

Laser Genesis effectively heals scarring caused by acne, surgery, or burns and redness and broken blood vessels caused by rosacea and simultaneously erases fine lines, reduces the appearance of deep wrinkles, evens texture, reduces pores, and eliminates age spots. The icing on the cake is the boost of radiance and firmness Laser Genesis gives the skin by stimulating collagen production. Laser Genesis can be used to treat any part of the body; however, it is predominantly used on the face, neck, chest, and hands.

How Does Laser Genesis Work?

Laser Genesis is a non-ablative laser used to treat the dermis – the middle layer of skin. The basic difference between ablative and non-ablative treatments is that ablative lasers remove the top layer of skin, while non-ablative lasers work by heating the underlying skin tissue without harming the surface, allowing the body to naturally produce new collagen  And Laser Genesis does not wound the skin. Instead, it works by penetrating the top layer of skin and delivering thousands of micro-pulses of light to the dermis. The warming action shrinks blood vessels, breaks down scar tissue, and stimulates collagen production, leaving skin free of scars, broken blood vessels, and redness.

What to Expect on the Day of Treatment 

On the day of treatment,  you can expect an easy, pain-free, and surprisingly relaxing hour at the Clinic. The treatment area will be cleaned to ensure your skin is free of any lotions or makeup, and eye protection will be placed over your eyes to protect them from the laser.  

An experienced technician will move the Laser Genesis wand over the affected area in a continuous and repetitive motion. While the wand is moving over your skin, you may feel a slight warming sensation. Some patients say it feels like a relaxing massage. After 20-30 minutes, your treatment is complete. Sunscreen will be applied to protect the newly treated skin from the sun. Now you are free to return to your busy schedule with zero downtime!

What are the Benefits of Laser Genesis?

Laser Genesis simultaneously restores and rejuvenates the skin with results that include:

• Removal of scars – Laser Genesis gives new hope to patients who thought they would have to live with their scars forever.
• Relief from severe redness (also known as rosacea) – For patients that have tried to conceal their rosacea with topical treatments and makeup for years without success, Laser Genesis makes the worries, embarrassment, and stress go away by eliminating the constant need to cover up, decreasing redness, eliminating broken blood vessels, and restoring an even coloration to the skin.
• Rejuvenating boost of collagen – As we age, our skin begins to decrease its production of collagen. The lack of collagen gives our skin a lackluster, saggy, aging appearance. But Laser Genesis counteracts the aging process by stimulating the body’s natural ability to produce collagen and promoting cell renewal within the dermis. The result is a reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, pore size, and irregular texture.

When Will I See the Results?

While a minimum of three sessions is typically recommended, with optimal results being achieved after ten visits, treatment plans vary by patient based on the size of the treatment area and severity of their skin concerns. Most patients notice gradual, cumulative results over the course of their treatment plan. At your consultation, our trained Laser Genesis skin experts will assess your skin and determine the number of treatments that will give you the results you desire.

Once your treatment plan is determined, you will return every four weeks. While results for the treatment of scars are considered permanent, yearly follow-up treatments are recommended yearly for patients with rosacea and broken blood vessels to maintain optimal benefits. As with most treatments, the long-term results of Laser Genesis vary by patient, the extent of the skin’s damage, and how well the patient cares for their skin. Wearing sunscreen, following a daily skin care regimen, exercising, eating well, consuming minimal alcohol, and avoiding exposure to pollution and cigarette smoke (both first and second-hand) will help with the treatment’s long-term effectiveness and allow for the amount of time between treatments to be extended.

Are There Side Effects?

Unlike traditional laser treatments, Laser Genesis treats and rejuvenates the skin from beneath the surface, which means that the top layer, or epidermis, is not injured during the procedure. The most commonly reported side effect is mild, temporary redness of the treatment area, but this will resolve as your skin begins to heal.

How Much Does it Cost?

The cost of Laser Genesis varies by patient, depending on the size, severity, and the number of areas affected. Our experienced staff will assess your skin, make a recommendation on the number of treatments needed to achieve the desired results, and advise you on the cost of your treatment plan at your consultation.

Is Laser Genesis Right For Me?

Just about anyone is a good candidate for Laser Genesis. Most patients choose Laser Genesis to eliminate acne scars, burns, enlarged pores, rosacea, or broken capillaries. We must caution that people with autoimmune diseases, active cystic acne, or who have used or are currently using certain medications to treat acne may want to consider alternative treatments. 

If you want to refresh, repair and rejuvenate damaged or problem skin, call Specialist Skin Solutions today to schedule a consultation. You’re just a few sessions away from having scar-free, rosacea-free, glowing skin at last!

Want to know more about how Laser Genesis compares to similar treatments? Contact us today!

The post Laser Focused: Scientifically Proven Laser Genesis Targets Rosacea, Broken Capillaries, Wrinkles, and Acne Scars Painlessly, Permanently, and Safely appeared first on Specialist Skin Solutions.

Curious about whether HydraFacials live up to all the hype?  In this week’s blog, we’ll explain all about how HydraFacials work, potential results you can expect, and how they compare to and complement other treatments.

According to Allure magazine, a HydraFacial is performed every 15 seconds in the world, which amounts to essentially 2 million treatments given globally in just one year. That’s more than twice the total number of muscle relaxant injections.

Taking the aesthetic world by storm because of its versatility, safety and the results, hydrafacials use a medical-grade hydradermabrasion.Rather than blasting the skin with grit, like traditional dermabrasion,  hydradermabrasion takes a gentler approach. Instead of using crystals to blast the top layer of your skin off, it uses water (hence the name) for a gentler experience.  Using an all-in-one handpiece that holds patented spiralized treatment tips equipped with vortex technology, a whirling force simultaneously gives, adding potent serums that moisturize the skin and takes away, removing dirt from the pores to brighten, plump, and protect the skin. From teen and adult acne to wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, HydraFacials work to address a wide variety of concerns. Beyond the standard three steps, there are also targeted add-ons that take aim at unique skin concerns like brown spots or fine lines.

HydraFacials Step-by-Step

Step One: Cleanse, Peel, Exfoliate

The first step is manually cleansing the skin. This ensures the facial begins on a clean and smooth slate. Next, the Vortex machine delivers a stream of water to break up the top layer of dead skin cells. The same nozzle will lift those cells and any debris away from the skin.

A chemical peel solution is then delivered. This exfoliates on a deeper level without the stinging and redness usually associated with a chemical peel. Once your skin is clean and exfoliated and the chemical peel has been delivered,  your pores are clean and your skin is already softer.

Step Two: Extract & Hydrate

Everyone loves the feeling of ridding our pores of all the gook and dirt that builds up over time, but no one likes the pain associated with the process. The good news is extractions made with the Vortex-Extraction tool are painless and made easier by a debris-loosening formula delivered during the process. 

Now that your pores are clean and softened, the Vortex technology infuses your skin with intense moisturizer delivered deep into the epidermis.

Step Three: Fuse & Protect

This is the really nourishing step. After removing all the dirt, sucking out the debris, and exfoliating the dead skin cells, your skin will be bombarded with antioxidants and peptides that heal, soothe and protect it. 

An infusion of hyaluronic acid, a sugar your body naturally produces to keep the skin hydrated, attracts and retains moisture. The infusion during this step works to keep your results lasting for a good  long time.

Benefits of a HydraFacial 

There are a lot of reasons to give your skin the gift of a HydraFacial. It’s The most versatile facial available, hydrafacials are perfect for early twenty-somethings, and premenopausal, perimenopausal, and post-menopausals.

The key benefits of HydraFacial are:

• Gently exfoliates dead skin cells
• Gently peels to reveal brighter skin without damage
• Hydrates
• Gently extracts pores
• Infuses nourishing serums to soothe and protect skin
• Addresses specific concerns, including:
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Uneven tone and texture
  • Dull complexion
  • Brown spots
  • Oily and acne-prone skin
  • Enlarged pores and blackheads
  • Mild skin laxity

More Reasons to Try a HydraFacial Today!

Lasting results

How long you enjoy your results depends on how well you take care of your skin after the treatment. You will immediately notice a brighter and clearer complexion. Other results, like firmer skin and a softening of fine lines, will appear gradually, with most people reaping the rewards for close to a month. 

We recommended getting a HydraFacial every six to eight weeks to keep your results seamless, but our team of skin care specialists will recommend the best schedule for you.

Consistent and reliable

Whether you get Hydra-ed at a fancy NYC plastic surgeon’s office or at suburban strip-mall medspa, the experience and results are super-consistent. 

Not as technician-dependent as other kinds of facials, HydraFacials can be relied upon to deliver consistent results time and time again.  

Side-effect free

Have you ever asked the facialist to skip the extractions for fear of next-day eruptions or pain?  HydraFacials are much gentler than traditional facials, another reason for their popularity.  Combining the best of both worlds, from highly effective power treatments like microdermabrasion and chemical peels with a relaxing, feel-good experience, hydrafacials are never painful and highly effective. By combining vortex pressure with a clog-purging solution of salicylic acid, willow bark extract, and anti-inflammatory Tasmanian pepper, the device suctions soot and gook from the pores  (no squeezing required).  

Instant gratification with zero downtime

HydraFacials are more than a basic  facial, but less than a laser treatment, with little to no-downtime, the payoff is immediately apparent. Hydrafacials improve texture and tone and help conditions like acne, without any residual irritation or peeling. Even better is the tool’s unparalleled radiance-imparting properties that produce a healthy glow, which is what makes it so highly requested before red-carpet events and weddings.

Plays Well With Others

Another bonus to this treatment is  how personalized you can make it. There are add-ons available, each one coming with its own set of  benefits. If you’d like to know more about combining treatments, contact Specialist Skin Solutions today for a consultation.

If you’re struggling with a dull complexion and are ready to see brighter, clearer and more youthful skin when you look in the mirror, don’t hesitate any longer. Call Specialist Skin Solutions to book an appointment. We’re dedicated to helping each of our clients feel their best by bringing out  your natural beauty and love the skin you’re in. We look forward to speaking with you!

If you have specific questions, call us 02-4934-1700. We look forward to hearing from you!

The post Experience the Magic of the HydraFacial Wand: Non-invasive Professional Treatment that Deep-cleans, Exfoliates, and Hydrates appeared first on Specialist Skin Solutions.