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.

Everyone wants bright, even, and glowing skin because a radiant complexion is a sign of health, youth, and freshness. But the sad reality is that uneven, discoloured, and blotchy skin are common concerns caused by a variety of internal and external triggers.

Hyperpigmentation is a common, usually harmless condition in which some areas of skin are darker than the surrounding skin. It occurs when specific cells in the skin make too much of the pigment called melanin. Hyperpigmentation may appear as freckles, age spots, or larger areas of darkened skin.  

This article will dig deep into the causes of hyperpigmentation,  preventative measures, and options available to treat dark spots, uneven skin,  and discolouration.

What is Hyperpigmentation

All skin contains melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin and give skin its colour. In certain conditions,  melanocytes can become abnormal and cause an excessive amount of darkening, uneven tone, or discolouration. 

Skin with too much melanin is called hyperpigmented skin. Skin with too little melanin is called hypopigmented. Skin with no melanin at all is called depigmented.

While hyperpigmentation usually isn’t harmful, it can be upsetting, and disturbing,  and can sometimes be a symptom of another medical condition.  

Hyperpigmentation varies from person to person and from one area of the body to another. It can occur in small patches, over large areas, or affect the entire body.

Types of Hyperpigmentation

There are several types of hyperpigmentation, with melasma, sunspots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation being the most common.

• Melasma – Melasma is normally caused by hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. This type of hyperpigmentation can appear on any area of the body, but are most common on the stomach and face.
• Sunspots – Also called liver spots or solar lentigines, sunspots are very common. Related to overexposure to the sun, sunspots can develop over time, generally appearing on areas exposed to the sun, like the tops of the hands and the face.
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation –  A result of injury or inflammation to the skin, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is common among cystic acne sufferers. 

Symptoms of Hyperpigmentation 

Darkened areas on the skin are the most obvious symptoms of hyperpigmentation. Patches can vary in size, level of darkness, and location on the body.  People with naturally darker skin are more prone to experience hyperpigmentation due to increased melanin in the skin.

Causes of Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is caused by an excess production of melanin.  Several factors can alter the production of melanin in your body.

• Prescription drugs – Medications that increase light sensitivity Pregnancy – Melasma, or pregnancy mask  
• Hormone system diseases –  An endocrine disease called Addison’s disease can produce hyperpigmentation in areas most frequently exposed to the sun and areas exposed to friction, such as the elbows and knees.  
• Sun exposure. The greatest risk factor associated with hyperpigmentation is sun exposure which causes an increase in melanin production.  

• Trauma to the skin, such as a wound or burn
• Acne
• Skin inflammation 
• Haemochromatosis  (an overload of iron)

Preventing Hyperpigmentation

Avoiding overexposure to the sun and wearing sunscreen are the two most important steps one can take to reduce or prevent hyperpigmentation. The best sunscreens are those that contain zinc oxide as the main active ingredient, contain an SPF of 30 to 50, and provide broad spectrum coverage.

Wearing Many Hats: Why Sun Exposure Causes Premature Ageing and How to Avoid It (While Still Enjoying It). 

Sunscreen should be used daily, not just for days at the beach, pool, or participating in outdoor sports. Reapply it every 2 hours if you are out in the sun for extended periods and more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming.

For hyperpigmentation caused by skin disorders such as melasma,  a mineral sunscreen that contains iron oxide is recommended.

SPF-infused sun-protective clothing is now widely available and is recommended for use during prolonged periods in the sun.

Treating Hyperpigmentation 

A dermatologist can diagnose the cause of hyperpigmentation by performing an exam and requesting a patient’s medical history to determine the cause. In some cases, a skin biopsy is performed.

Topical medications such as hydroquinone and retinoids are available to treat some cases of hyperpigmentation. Prolonged use of topical hydroquinone, however, can cause ochronosis, a darkening of the skin. For this reason, topical hydroquinone should only be used under the care of a physician.

Hyperpigmentation isn’t generally harmful, and in many cases, dark areas will fade on their own with good sun protection. In other cases, more aggressive treatment is needed.  

Treatments like Lazer Genesis (insert link to Laser genesis article) and dermal peels can help to reduce hyperpigmentation.

There are also combinations of treatments that help with certain types of discoloured skin.

At Specialist Skin Solutions,  a cosmetic clinic specialising in non-surgical, anti-aging aesthetic procedures, including the latest laser techniques and dermal therapies, we proudly offer the latest treatments and products for hyperpigmentation and other skin concerns. 

We believe in transparency and education first and foremost, providing every client with information, explanations, and treatment options before performing any procedure.  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.  So, if you’re ready to get even with hyperpigmentation, book an appointment with us today! At Specialist Skin Solutions, 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 at any age. We look forward to speaking with you!

If you have specific questions, call us at 02-4934-1700.  

Disclaimer: This blog post is meant to serve as an informative tool only, and is not meant to diagnose or treat skin concerns. Skin is an organ, and skin concerns are medical conditions. It is, therefore, highly recommended that you seek help from a dermatologist if you are experiencing skin problems.

The post Getting Even: Understanding, Preventing and Treating Discoloured Skin Caused by Hyper-Pigmentation appeared first on Specialist Skin Solutions.