Life-changing rosacea treatments that put an end to the redness

From lasers and lights to new prescription creams and calming over-the-counter skin care products, dermatologists share proven strategies for extinguishing the redness of rosacea for good.

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Lasers are the gold standard for getting rid of the redness of rosacea, says Dr Gary Goldenberg. His two go-tos for rosacea treatment are Syneron-Candela’s V-beam and Cutera’s Excel V. Both apply laser energy to get rid of the spider-like blood vessels that cause redness. The Excel V, however, boasts an enhanced cooling mechanism that targets the exact area being treated. A minimum of two treatments is usually needed for the full redness-reducing effect. “These laser treatments get rid of the blood vessels, but they don’t prevent new ones from forming,” he says. “It’s similar to dying your hair in that maintenance treatments will be needed every six to 12 months to keep redness away.”

Choosing and using the right skin care products can stop rosacea redness from returning, says Dr Goldenberg. For example, products like PCA Skin’s Dual Action Redness Relief serves double duty as a moisturiser and a concealer. “I pair it with all of my laser treatments because it reduces redness and inflammation on contact with the skin.” Just as important as what is in skin care products is what is not. For example, alcohol, witch hazel, fragrance, menthol, peppermint, and eucalyptus oil – which are commonly found in skin care products – are also rosacea triggers. Always choose mild, fragrance-free products and do a patch test first to make sure they won’t irritate your skin, says Dr Goldenberg.

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Sun exposure is among the most common rosacea triggers, but the judicious use of sunscreen can help minimise the redness of rosacea, Dr Goldenberg says. “Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen, and use it every single day,” he says. Some are designed for redness-prone skin and contain a green tint, so you can protect skin from the sun and help minimise visible redness, too.

Green Tea creams constricts the blood vessels for reduced redness however as Dr Hellman adds, “Drinking green tea is not the same. Applying the serum directly to the skin is the most effective use.”

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Figuring out what triggers your rosacea – and avoiding these triggers – is one of the best ways to keep rosacea redness at arm’s length. Sun exposure, stress, hot weather, wind, exercise, alcohol, and spicy foods are among the most common rosacea triggers, according Healthdirect Australia. Keep a journal to identify any patterns, and take steps to avoid your personal rosacea triggers.

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Source: RD.com