Acne or Rosacea – What is the Difference?

What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a long lasting, non-scarring skin condition of the face that is often misdiagnosed as adult acne. It varies in severity and does not always worsen with time. Typically, you will experience inappropriate facial flushing that is not usually associated with sweating and/or persistent redness of the face. It is common to have broken blood vessels (telangiectasias) on your cheeks. You may also experience bouts of inflammation that cause red papules (small bumps) or pustules. However, comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) are not part of rosacea.

About 50% of those with rosacea suffer eye involvement, including such conditions as conjunctivitis, blepharitis, dry gritty eyes and recurrent sties. Nose enlargement (rhinophyma) is uncommon and mostly seen in men. It is only very rarely seen in women.

Key Features:

• Facial flushing
• Background redness of the central face
• Blanchable redness
• Cheeks are not warm
• Telangectasias
• Pimples
• Eye symptoms
• Growing, knobbly nose (mostly seen in men)

What Else Looks Like Rosacea?

• Acne – AcneGuide.com
• Perioral dermatitis – PerioralDermatitis.com
• Seborrheic dermatitis – SeborrheicDermatitis.com
• Lupus erythematosus – Lupuserythematosus.com
• Photosensitivity reactions
• Drug reactions
• Contact dermatitis – ContactDermatitis.com

Who Gets Rosacea?

This condition is most commonly seen in those who have fair skin and is sometimes referred to as the “Curse of the Celts” or a “Peaches and cream“ complexion.

Where Does Rosacea Occur On The Skin?

You will usually see rosacea around the central area of your face. It may occasionally be isolated to one patch.

When Does Rosacea Usually Start?

Usually onset of rosacea occurs between the ages of 20 and 50.

What Causes Rosacea?

The cause is poorly understood. Flushing is an essential part of the condition, so experts believe that blood vessels are a significant component to the cause.

H. pylori is a bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the stomach that has been suggested as a cause of rosacea in some because there is a hormone that the stomach produces which encourages skin flushing. H. pylori is the same bug thought to cause stomach ulcers.

It is possible to clear the infection with a combination of antibiotics taken by mouth, but its eradication has not been conclusively effective. Demodex are mites found in the follicles of about half of those with rosacea. Doctors and clinical investigators who have been studying rosacea are debating their role as a possible cause of rosacea.

The use of stronger cortisone creams can certainly produce rosacea, but it usually does not persist for very long after discontinuing the creams.

What Other Factors Aggravate Rosacea?

Certain medications that cause flushing can flare your skin. Vasodilating drugs (ones that cause your blood vessels to enlarge) such as ACE-inhibitors and some cholesterol lowering agents may play a part. You should avoid Niacin. In addition, perfumed cosmetics can aggravate your skin. You should also avoid other topical irritants such as scrubs, toners, acetone and alcohols.

If you have flushing because of menopause, you should be treated, as long as there are no contradictions (that is, if there is no risk to you because of other health concerns or medications you may be taking).

Sun protection is a must and we recommend sunscreens that have broad spectrum protection.

How Does Rosacea Affect Us?

• Rosacea can be very embarrassing, the flushing can be a source of social discomfort, and many may feel that they are perceived as heavy drinkers
• Eyes can be gritty and uncomfortable

Do You Have Sensitive Skin?

• Is your skin easily damaged or irritated?
• Is your skin dry, delicate and prone to irritant or allergic reactions?
• Does your skin have a reduced tolerance to cold, heat, wind, temperature changes, or pollution?

If you answer yes to any or all of these questions, consider yourself a member of the “sensitive skin” club to which 56 per cent of Canadian women claim to belong. Of this group, more than 46 per cent also have dry skin.

What is sensitive skin?

Generally if you have easily irritated or reactive skin, then you have ‘sensitive skin’. Most of the time sensitive skin relates to the face. Sensitive skin can be caused by a genetic predisposition or environmental factors. It appears as a redness, a swelling, itchy and dry irritation to the face. One of the major jobs of the skin is to waterproof. This is done to the epidermis or surface layer of the skin, producing a fat-protein sandwich that is always being replaced and is vital to prevent too much water loss from the skin.

Symptoms of sensitive skin include:

• A tingling or tightening of the skin without visible signs
• “Overreaction” to skin care or cosmetic products
• Reactions to shaving, or other physical stress to the skin

Sensitive skin can also be a heads-up for other conditions, such as:

• Altered skin — due to shaving, waxing, medications or heat, cold, wind, and pollution. Also, laser or chemical peels or scar removal
• Allergic skin – the sudden appearance of redness or swelling and itchiness
• Atopic skin – dry skin that is itchy and produces eczema. Eczema is related to hayfever and asthma. (see Eczema Guide for more information)
• Rosacea skin – blood vessels of the face enlarge resulting in a flushed sensation or a redness of the skin

What to do about your skin?

• Perfume or scented creams can be irritating.
• Rinse well after using cleansing products, which should be mild and soap-free as they do not remove so much oil from the skin (www.MildCleanser.ca gives you more information about this kind of cleansers)
• Use a moisturizer and sunscreen that is formulated for sensitive skin
• Don’t over wash your face. Temperature of the water should be tepid; neither hot or cold
• Don’t use exfoliants
• Be aware of seasonal temperatures. The sudden dryness of winter can mean itchy, dry skin until the skin responds by increasing oil production to reduce the water loss
• For breakouts use a cleanser with salicylic acid to help exfoliate pores. There are also moisturizers that contain salicylic acid

Be sensitive to stress

The causes and effects of stress on the body are not fully known, but for some people stress interferes with the body’s systems that repair and regulate the skin. Stress kills your natural antioxidant defenses, which help to prevent accelerated aging of the skin. Hormones can also trigger a histamine release within the skin causing it to erupt in bumpy redness, or breakout in hives.

Desensitize yourself

When choosing makeup, especially foundation and blush, buy oil-free products. Makeup that is water-based won’t clog pores. Look for oil-absorbing foundations that help keep oil off the face.

As for the rest of your body, check ingredients and avoid harsh chemicals in soaps, shampoos, body cleansers and creams, bath oils, bubble baths, etc.

Put your best face forward

• Watch your alcohol intake, spicy foods and caffeine
• Try to avoid excessive temperature changes
• Use the right cleansers, moisturizers and cosmetics
• Manage stress as best you can

By Richard Thomas, MD, FRCPC

Ayurvedic Overview for Acne and Rosacea

The word Ayurveda translates to “the science of life” (Ayru – life and Veda – science). Ayurveda has brought true health and wellness to millions of individuals throughout the ages with simple changes in daily living practices. Incorporating just a few of these proven methods into your lifestyle can bring about radical changes in your life.

It is currently considered a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) within the United States of America, but this ancient art of healing has been practiced continuously for over 5,000 years.

That said, there are some specific treatments that many recognize as effective treatments for skin conditions. For starters, regardless of the skin condition, Ayurvedic practitioners suggest staying hydrated. Ayurvedic practitioners believe that water helps to naturally stabilize dry or oily skin. Drinking enough water also helps prevent the loss of moisture through the skin, which helps to promote overall wellness.

Ayurveda also recommends adhering to a daily regimen for proper skin care, including the use of a natural soap and the use of natural skin moisturizers. This is true whether a person has naturally dry skin or suffers from a more serious condition such as psoriasis. The key is to make sure that the moisturizer is, in fact, natural, containing only substances such as aloe vera—a natural antibiotic that many believe is particularly helpful in the treatment of many skin conditions. Unfortunately, many commercially available moisturizers contain preservatives and other chemicals, and do not fully absorb into the skin, instead remaining on the surface and sometimes clogging pores as a result.

In addition to proper hydration and skin care, Ayurvedic medicine has identified three natural supplements that appear to help treat a wide range of skin conditions—neem, haemafine syrup and khadir. All three of these are widely prescribed to treat acne, psoriasis, and eczema, although many believe they can be used to treat any skin condition. The tree stem, root, and bark of neem, a large evergreen tree, have antibacterial properties. It is used in supplement form to treat skin conditions. In addition, many Ayurvedic soaps contain neem extract. Haemafine syrup is a natural solution made up of more than a dozen herbs. It is used as a remedy for all types of skin diseases through its natural blood purification properties. Khadir, also known as the acacia catechu herb, is another natural blood purifier used to treat skin conditions.

Besides supplements, some Ayurvedic sources also suggest that a person with a skin condition receive an abhyanga, a traditional Ayurvedic massage that uses herbalized oils to draw toxins out through the skin.

Is Ayurveda Safe?

Ayurvedic practitioners argue that their treatments have fewer side effects than prescription drugs and other traditional medical therapies, since Ayurveda is a completely natural approach. However, certain treatments, such as herbal supplements, should be taken with caution, since they can interact with other medications or even produce side effects such as rises in blood pressure. So as with any new medical treatment, consult your doctor prior to beginning any Ayurvedic therapies. This is especially true for people with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, or for women who are pregnant.

Vitamin Rich Diet to Reduce Acne

Do you know you can treat your acne by filling  your diet with vitamins specifically to help reduce acne?

Both teens and adults suffer from acne.  While everybody will experience the occasional acne outbreak, for the most part, acne is preventable.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you didn’t have a raft of blemishes show up just about the time you’re going to a party? Nutrition is all important in the fight against acne breakouts.  And the best vitamins for acne conditions are found in natural fruits and veggies.

Excess oil in the skin is a major culprit for those pimples and blemishes. This doesn’t mean that avoiding fat altogether is the answer. There are good and bad fats. Fats should comprise about 20% of your total intake of calories each day. Generally, animal fats and trans fats are the ones you want to avoid. Olive oil, flaxseed oil and organic fish oils are the best for a healthy cardiovascular system.

Now, to keep acne outbreaks to a minimum, lets take a look at those good  vitamins for acne. Vitamins A, C, E and zinc should be in good supply in your daily diet. This means lots of fruits and veggies. Include lots of salads. A variety of greens, fresh parsley, all of the citrus fruits and red, orange or yellow vegetables are all high in vitamins A and C. Avocados are loaded with vitamin E. The ready to drink vegetable juices supply many of these vitamins. If you don’t care for the taste, try a squirt of lemon juice or one of the spicy versions, ice cold, as this beverage is so beneficial to the health of your skin.  All this nutrition will keep your skin at it’s optimal best and prevent or reduce further acne breakouts.

When you make a salad, which makes an excellent lunch or dinner, make it a chef’s style with healthy additions like sliced chicken breast or shrimp (prawns). Vary your selection of dark green, leafy vegetables in your salads so you don’t get bored with this meal. Spinach, mesclun or spring mixes are good choices. Dice in a sweet red or orange bell pepper for a good dose of beta-carotene, the most beneficial form of vitamin A. Organic, locally grown fruits and vegetables also contain more of these nutrients than veggies that have been picked in an under ripe state and shipped hundreds of miles. Look for salad dressings made with olive or soy oil.

Don’t forget, an “anti-acne” fruit smoothie makes a great, quick breakfast that’s filling and good for your skin.

Teens especially need these vitamins for acne treatments in greater abundance as compare to adults. Talk to your doctor to see if vitamin supplements are a good addition to your healthy eating program. Remember too, that caffeine washes all these vitamins, particularly vitamin C, out of your system before your body can readily absorb them.

If you can incorporate these healthy, vitamin rich foods into your daily diet, you can be assured of a gorgeous, radiant, acne-free skin.

Treating Acne with Natural Zinc Moisturizers

There has been a lot of press recently about Zinc and Zinc Oxide in skincare and cosmetic products. Zinc can be found in many natural sunscreens ans well as moisturizing lotions and creams.  Zinc – or Micronized zinc oxide -  is produced by high temperature processing of minerals that contain zinc. Some brands contain micronized zinc oxide, combined with an inert ingredient derived from silica. The result is a naturally protective product to protect you from the sun’s damaging UV and UVB rays.

Zinc is a mineral and it is also believed that it has curative properties on a skin where there are acne growths and can reduce the symptoms of acne. Many alternative studies have indicated that this is not the case. So is there a connection between the two?

According to research carried out in recent years, zinc has the same properties of antibiotics such as tetracycline and it can fight the acne bacteria efficiently without the negative effects of antibiotics. Reportedly, zinc also enhances the immunity of the body when ingested as a supplement. So what is zinc and what is the zinc acne connection all about? How does the zinc acne treatment affect the sufferers and what is the best way to use this treatment?

You will find traces of the zinc mineral in various food items such as mushrooms, soybeans, legumes, fish, sunflower seeds, egg yolks, soy lecithin and also in whole grains. Zinc is also present in many herbs such as dandelion, eyebright, cayenne, chamomile, mullein, nettle, milk thistle, alfalfa and in the burdock root. Zinc forms a part of insulin and can be found in the tissues.

There are many useful properties of zinc like providing the person with energy, prohibiting blindness, aiding the process of digestion by being a part of enzymes, supporting the reaction of more than 30 enzymes, strengthening the immunity, regulation of Vitamin E in the blood, helping the body absorb Vitamin A and B, speeding up the process of healing, regulating insulin, and it also fights bacteria. Zinc is also present in estrogen, testosterone and growth hormones.

So how does zinc help a person suffering from acne?  Zinc moisturizers and sunscreens may be a good first step to taking care of your skin from the outside.

The causes of acne are all internal and they are imbalance in the level of hormones and build up toxic materials within the body. The hormones are responsible for producing oils, and the zinc can regulate the oil glands, and so if you can take them correctly (that is in the right quantity, quality and the correct essential fatty acids) you will be able to have some control over the level of hormones and this will ease the symptoms of your acne greatly.

Zinc also helps absorb Vitamin A, and fights the bacteria that causes acne by strengthening the immune system, helps the body heal wounds and contains anti oxidant properties. All these are useful in tackling the secondary causes of acne and will help you greatly reduce the symptoms of acne.

Another ability of zinc for acne is that it can regulate the production of hormones, which is a main reason one acquires acne. However for this to happen, it needs to be taken in the correct quantity and in combination with essential fatty acids. This mineral needs to be properly absorbed within the body and work together with other nutrients for the hormones to be balanced.

While zinc as an acne treatment may be effective, it is very important however to take care and not mix it with some chemical substances, supplements and food items because they will make the zinc less effective.  You should always consult your doctor or research a supplement before taking any internal treatments.

There are some food items, ( inhibitors) like supplements and physical conditions that can prevent zinc from being properly absorbed in the body. This may significantly reduce the impact of zinc on the acne.

One of these inhibitors is Phytic acid.  Usually found in high levels in grains. The acid can reduce the absorption by about 15%.  And thus, those who are suffering from acne need to reduce their grain consumption to one to two servings a day. Grains may lead to mucus and acidity and taking them with zinc for acne can be a challenge.

Another zinc inhibitor is soy protein. If you are using zinc for an acne treatment, you need to eat less soy as it can bind to minerals and lead to less zinc absorption. Then there are other minerals like copper and inorganic iron. They also come in the way of zinc for acne bio-availability. However this issue can be solved easily, unless of course you are suffering from copper toxicity. Try not to take copper more than 2-3 mg a day and also do not take inorganic iron supplements.

Too much of physical exertion may lead to an increased demand by the body for zinc and thus, when you are exercising, you need to also take more zinc for acne treatments.

Following these tips and zinc guidines should have you well on your way to beautiful skin in no time!

Skin Needling Treatment Reduces Acne

What is Skin Needling?

Skin Needling or “derma rolling” has become quite popular in the last few months. Indeed, one Google search on “dermarollers” returned hundreds of links.

I was unfamiliar with this new anti-aging tool, so, I decided to research it further. At a recent beauty expo, the cosmetic representatives I spoke to claim these new facial rollers could increase collagen production and reduce wrinkles.

The process of skin needling uses a very small rolling device that contains 192 micro points made of surgical steel. Studies show that when this device is rolled over the skin, it creates small puncture wounds that cause the body to produce collagen in an attempt to heal the skin. Our collagen production falls dramatically after about age 35 or so.

This puncturing will then cause a type of wound-healing reaction for the dermal layer to begin production of collagen fibers, elastin, and other skin cells that helps to fill in lines, wrinkles, remove stretch marks and fill in deep pitted scars – also allowing the derma roller to be a great acne scar treatment. In addition, the derma roller allows for optimum absorption of any anti-aging cream you may use afterwards.

While it goes by different names, ‘skin needling,’ ‘dermaroller,’ or ‘meso roller,’ among many others, it appears to be a simple and natural method that promises to prevent skin aging, restore collagen, smooth out scars, pitted skin, and stretch marks – or your money back in some cases.

Research on Skin Needling

The skin needling device is used along with your normal skincare routine to remove acne scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, fine lines. Representatives say it can even help with big pores, black heads, and white heads. This micro needling or skin needling anti-aging technique is also used to perform collagen induction therapy (CIT). Skin rejuvenating results with skin needling are similar to laser treatment, dermabrasion or chemical peels but much less expensive, less invasive, does not damage the skin, and can be done at home for pennies.

Celebrity Endorsements

More than a few sites claimed famous celebrities used derma rollers or a type of skin needling technique to keep their skin look young and healthy and reduce acne scars. The London Daily Mail Online, reported, “ It looks like an implement of torture, but this spiky roller is thought to be the secret to Angelina Jolie’s plump, glowing skin.”

The Rachael Ray show hosted a segment titled ‘The Human Lab,’ where Rachael selected members of her audience to test several anti-aging creams and devices and report a few weeks later on their results. See the You Tube clip here.

The Studies

Study results by plastic surgeons and dermatologists claim in that addition to reducing the appearance of sun damage and wrinkles such as crows feet, skin needling can help lessen or remove stretch marks, cellulite, acne scars, surgical scars and smooth out pitted skin and dimpling.

Dr. Philippe Simonin, a Swiss Dermatologist, performed a study on 600 people divided into two groups — the skin aging group and the scar reduction group. Published results found that – in the skin aging group there was a 40% significant improvement and an impressive 60% improvement in scar reduction group. And this was only after 5 to 6 treatments!

See the link here: http://www.scar-reduction.com/needling.html

Another doctor, Dr. Andre Camirand, a plastic surgeon from Canada, found that skin needling improved the texture and depression of scars and also improved over-all skin color and texture. The best part is this remodeling process can go on up to 12 months from each treatment.

Other benefits of the skin needling are:

• Dramatically increases the effectiveness of your hair & skin products through increased penetration.

• Stimulates blood flow through directly massaging the scalp, face and body.

• Gentle exfoliation of dead skin cells accumulating in the hair follicles, face and body.

• The process is not painful (a tickling sensation).

• Medical grade stainless steel makes the needles non-allergenic to human tissue.

• Cost effective compared to expensive commercial treatments

• It can be used on all areas of the scalp, face, neck and body. Can be used on all skin types.

• It can be used anytime at your own convenience (no restrictive treatment session times).

• Removes old collagen fibers and rapidly stimulates new collagen growth.

• Clears blocked pores and stimulates blood flow.

• Natural process requiring no lasers or chemical peels.

• Does not induce sun sensitivity.

• Does not damage the skin.

• No risk of hypo– or hyper– pigmentation.

• Short healing time.

There are many skin rollers on the market with different needle lengths, so do your research if you do decide to purchase one of these new tools.

Skin needling devices range in price from $25-$200 depending on where you purchase them and the type of device you choose.

Professional sites advise using a skin needle length at 0.5mm for use on the face, a 1.0mm for most of the body and a 1.5mm for very fleshy areas such as the stomach, thighs and backside.

Each brand is slightly different. Certain features make different derma roller brands suitable for different needs. The more expensive brands benefit from superior build quality, narrower needles and a better overall look and feel. As with any product though, the results you achieve are not necessarily dependant on choosing the most expensive model.

~ R. Dupree

Acne Treatments You Can Trust

Acne prone skin is usually identified by having dark pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, redness, inflammation and painful irritation. Excessive secretion of sebum can block the hair follicle opening, between the sebaceous gland towards the surface of the skin. Usually sebum helps in removal of dead cells from hair follicles.

When you suffer from acne searching for the best acne cures can become an obsession. Ads for acne cures are everywhere, but the truth is not every acne remedy is good for your skin. The shelves at the drugstore are filled with acne pills, products that promise to clear acne and teen acne, and even some topical ointments that promise they are natural acne cures. Many women’s magazines even devote scores of articles to home acne cures or even an acne diet. When you are faced with so many acne remedy choices, it is hard to know what is best for your skin.

The truth about acne is that anyone can get it. Teen acne is more a result of hormones than what you eat, what you put on your face, or how clean you are. Don’t feel bad about yourself if you suffer from acne. There was nothing that you did to cause it. The hormones that your body produces have a lot to do with the acne that erupts on your face so most natural acne cures and home acne cures really don’t do all that they promise to do. An acne diet can help the way your body produces and processed oil beneath the surface of your skin. But diets alone and acne pills are not a magic cure all that simply makes acne disappear.

If you really want to clear acne from your face, you need to stop the formation of acne before it manifests itself in pimples. There is no cure for acne, so products that promise you easy acne cures aren’t telling you the truth. Instead of looking for acne cures, you need to start looking at acne prevention.

Prevention is the best acne cure. Look for an acne remedy that goes deep below the surface of your skin to kill bacteria before it has a chance to develop into acne. Solutions like this are much better for your skin than topical over the counter treatments, because they don’t wait for acne to form before it fights it by penetrating into your skin, stopping acne at the source.

It is best to find a treatment or product that is designed to be used everyday, so it is gentle on your skin. Unlike other chemical laden acne treatments that make your skin dry and flaky, look for natural or organic products formulated with soothing botanicals like marshmallow, calendula, aloe, and chamomile. Look for ingredients that will hydrate your skin, reduce inflammation and leave it feeling smooth and soft. Many so called acne cures found on the market today are much too harsh and using them every day can actually make your acne worse. Gentle treatments are actually good for your skin and won’t dry you out and cause further outbreaks.

The daily three step process has been found to work best to clear acne and keep it from reaching the surface of your skin. You simply wash with any gentle or renewing cleanser, sloughing off dead skin cells and allowing your fresh skin to glow. Next, you unclog your pores with an anti-inflammatory toner – refreshing and toning your skin. The last step is to attack bacteria by smoothing on a moisturizing or repairing lotion.  Zinc and Zinc Oxide has been shown to work the best for natural anti-bacterial properties.  It also is a great sun protector – keeping your skin from further inflammation and UVB damage.  The whole process only takes a minute or two each day, but the result is acne free skin for good.

Don’t be duped by the promise of chemical-laden acne cures that can’t deliver. There is no acne diet or super amazing bottle of acne pills that will cure your problem. True acne cures just don’t exist. Even though acne isn’t curable, you don’t have to live with it. You can fight acne and keep breakouts at bay. The best defense against teen acne and the stress that it can cause is a regular cleansing routine with natural products.

There are a few medications that a dermatologist can prescribe for acne. While they can help clear up the problem, they don’t indefinitely cure acne and they do cause many different side effects, including depression, liver damage, and even birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Taking prescription medication to control your breakouts is something that should be discussed with your dermatologist, but before you take such a drastic measure, doesn’t it make sense to give the simple process of using a daily cleansing routine?  It is gentle, inexpensive, easy to use, and good for your skin.

When you deal with acne, you don’t feel good about the way you look. paying close attention to the foods you intake and participating in a daily cleansing routine can give you back the good self image that acne takes from you.