Rosacea Triggers

Today I got the lovely news that I have Rosacea. This skin disorder typically begins after age 30 and the tell-tell signs are redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead that may come and go. Eventually the redness becomes ruddier and more persistent. In other words you look like a hot mess, and not like the picture! I had a feeling this would be my diagnosis but I was in denial and wanted to stay there. I had been using very aggressive products with a bunch of retinals and AHAs to combat this 'condition' I felt I had, only to find out that I was using the exact opposite of what would be helpful. So today I have been studying up on what causes rosacea and what triggers it. According to the National Rosacea Society, there are 16 million of us being diagnosed. With summer in full swing, (heat and sun being big triggers) I thought I would share what I have learned from my doctor and from the wonderful world wide web!

1. Hot Temperatures. This can be anything from a hot bath, sauna,  exercise, or too much sun. The one thing the dermatologist stressed to me is that I NEED to be wearing my sun screen even if I am not going outside. People with rosacea are very sun sensitive. 
2. Skin Care products that cause stinging or redness. Stay away from drying cleansers, retinols, alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic acids, and the like. Be kind to your skin and use hydrating cleansers and anti-inflamatory cosmetics and moisturizers. 
3. Vitamin D. A new study is being considered now. One study group found that patients with rosacea had an average vitamin D level 25 percent higher than the healthy individuals in the group. Something to consider. I am faithful with my daily D3, but now that it is summer and I am getting more D naturally I think I will back off of it for a bit and see if that helps.
4. Beverages. Alcohol, especially red wine, (excuse me while I sob into my pillow for a bit), beer, bourbon, gin, vodka, or champagne. Hot drinks including, hot cider, hot chocolate, coffee or tea. Ok, my tea is usually luke warm by the time I drink it so I am safe there, but my wine, oh, this could be problematic. Have to work on that one. ;)
5. Foods. Wow! The list of foods that I found really shocked me. Here is the complete list. (Note that not all foods effect all people with rosacea the same way. The recommendation is to keep a food diary and make note when you get flair ups).  Wouldn't you know it, chocolate is on the list along with spicy foods!! OMGosh! Life is not fair! 

Okay, my pity party is over now. I just thought I would share this little tidbit that I learned today. I will be on the look out for more information on the subject. Gratefully, I have found a new skincare line that will be aiding me in my skin's recovery. Lira Clinical, as I mentioned in last week's post ,actually has an anti-inflamitory line which is specifically what my dermatologist suggested.

Let me know if you have had anything that has worked particularly well for you or any of your family members that may have had to deal with this disorder. I would love to hear it. Please share this with a friend or to Facebook or any place your like to share.

Thank you for stopping by my blog.

Have a great week!

Sincerely, 

Michon :)

The Buzz Words of Anti-Aging

There is some amazing technology coming down the pike in the way of Anti-Aging skincare. Even if you are still in your 20’s you would be very wise to start taking good care of your skin now so that it will take care of you later! The earlier you start using good clinical grade products the better. 

I am just going to list a couple of the best key ingredients that you will hopefully find in your skincare regimen. Consult with your skin care professional for their recommendations and products that they carry. Here are some ingredients you need to look for.

1.              Serums: Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Vitamin B are great antioxidants. Serums typically reduce wrinkles and fine lines. They eliminate redness and blotchiness. Decrease discoloration, puffiness, and dark baggy spots around eyes. Restores facial tone and firmness. Plus heals dry skin. 

2.              Acids: Glycolic, retinol, and lactic acids help to remove dead skin. They are exfoliating in nature. They are amazing when it comes to brightening and lightening the skin. The exfoliating natures of these products are very beneficial. I would suggest using them once a week or less depending on your skin type. (Consult your skin care professional for frequency of exfoliating).

3.              Hyaluronic: This popular acid replenishes lost moisture into the skin. It allows your facial serum (your A, C or B) to penetrate more deeply. Look for additional ingredients that include Idebenone. This will, in turn, encourage stimulation to new skin cell growth. 

4.              Peptides: Peptides can be found in many of your high-end skin care regimes. They are the new word in skincare. Peptides have become an essential ingredient in anti-aging skin care. Peptides are able to penetrate the epidermis, send signals to the cells, telling them how to function. A couple of the most effective ones to look for are SYN-AKE, copper,  palmitoyl, and Acetyl.

5.              Stem Cells: Plant stem cells that is, are the newest generations of skin care technology. This technology offers the protection from photo-damage and oxidative stress. They also benefit the skin by firming action to restore skin’s elasticity and contour. 

6.              Sunscreen: This product cannot be overstated. The number one ingredient in your sunscreen should be at least 18% zinc oxide. You should use sunscreen everyday, year round. On cloudy days up to 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin. Snow, sand, and water increase the need, since they reflect the sun’s rays. 

There are so many cool, new, amazing products on the market for your skin this year, it is astounding! As I continue to delve more and more into the aesthetic world and learn everything I can about anti-aging products, I am constantly astonished by the results!!  I hope to bring my clients the top of the line and most innovative products to combat aging.  There is so much more than meets the eye to many of these products. More updates to follow...

See you next time, 

Michon :)