Rosacea/Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments by Dr. Murad

It is estimated that 14 million Americans have Rosacea [1] and don’t even know it! Many confuse the symptoms with Acne or other conditions or go undiagnosed.

Symptoms include:

• Rough, red irritated skin
• Prominent veins on the face
• Breakouts
• Red, dry patches
• Inflamed, sensitive skin
• Skin that feels hot and flushes easily

The symptoms of Acne and Rosacea [2] are sometimes so similar that it is hard to tell the difference between them. This can make diagnosis difficult. Both conditions involve inflammation and damage at a cellular level, and can cause uneven skin tone and even blemish-like symptoms. Rosacea can be differentiated from acne by the following factors:

• Pervasive overall redness and stinging (particularly in the cheeks area)
• Food sensitivities that aggravate irritation (such as alcohol or spicy foods)
• Heat and tightness associated with facial redness

Skin that suffers from Rosacea-like redness [3] is influenced by outside factors called triggers. These triggers determine when redness occurs and/or how severe the symptoms are. Triggers include sun exposure or extreme weather, genetics and spicy foods. To reduce the severity or occurrences of these triggers, fragile skin requires vital nutrients that will create a healthier environment for the skin, enabling it to strengthen cell function, reduce inflammation and avoid future irritation.

What is most important is helping to reduce and control the redness and associated concerns is to provide skin with agents that will help to claim and soothe current symptoms and treat and prevent future occurrences.

While the cause of Rosacea is unknown and there is no cure, today help is available that can control the signs and symptoms.

Dr. Murad has created a new line to help soothe rosacea-like symptoms called Redness Therapy R (Registered). This line will help calm inflamed skin, strengthen the skins barrier function, cool the skin on contact and restore hydration and suppleness.

Each of the products in the line which includes, Soothing Gel Cleanser, Recovery Treatment Gel and Correcting Moisturizer SPF 15, were specifically formulated to address sensitive red, inflamed skin.

The Soothing Gel Cleanser will leave the skin feeling soft and hydrated while removing impurities with out drying the skin. Goji Berry Extract provides maximum protection against inflamed skin; moisture-enriched beads soften rough, dry skin and essential fatty acids help lock in vital moisture

The Recovery Treatment Gel cools and soothes on contact. This weightless gel formula absorbs quickly to reduce redness immediately. Azeleic acid improves hydration, Goji Berry Extract super hydrates & rejuvenates dry, flaky skin, Zinc Oxide and Peppermint Leaf Extract soothes & helps reduce stinging and sensitivity

The Correcting Moisturizer SPF 15 provides superior hydration with full spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection. The Sheer green tint will counteract redness while the Goji Berry Extract reduces inflamed skin and free radical damage. Peppermint Leaf Extract will relieve discomfort and stinging.