Rosacea Treatment - Victoria BC - Get the red out!

Rosacea is a common but often misunderstood skin condition that affects nearly 3 million Canadians, and over 16 million Americans. It typically presents as redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes acne-like bumps on the face. The good news is, there is help! While the exact cause of rosacea is unknown, it can be managed effectively with the right approach.

What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a long-term inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the face, leading to persistent redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes small, acne-like bumps. While it may start with occasional flushing or blushing, the condition can progress, causing more noticeable and lasting skin changes.

One of the hallmark signs of rosacea is increased skin sensitivity. Many individuals experience stinging, burning, dryness, and irritation, especially when exposed to certain triggers like spicy foods, sun exposure, or extreme temperatures. Over time, redness on the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin can become more pronounced, and in some cases, skin texture changes, enlarged pores, and swelling may develop. A less common but more severe form of the condition, phymatous rosacea, can lead to thickened skin, particularly around the nose. Additionally, some individuals experience ocular rosacea, which affects the eyes, leading to dryness, irritation, or eyelid inflammation.

Though rosacea is often confined to the central face, symptoms can sometimes extend to other areas, including the chest and neck. Without proper management, the condition can worsen, making early intervention crucial. If you notice persistent redness, frequent flushing, or other symptoms associated with rosacea, consulting a skin specialist can help you determine the best course of treatment to maintain healthy skin.

Rosacea Symptoms And What To Look For

Rosacea often begins with persistent flushing and skin sensitivity, but it is frequently mistaken for other conditions such as acne, eczema or allergic reactions. By understanding key symptoms that set rosacea apart, we can effectively treat the condition and keep it from progressing to prevent further skin damage.

Here are some of the top signs to look for:

Facial Redness & Flushing (Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea)

One of the earliest and most common signs of rosacea is frequent flushing or blushing, particularly on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. Over time, this redness can become more persistent and may not fade as easily.

Visible Blood Vessels

Small, dilated blood vessels, also known as telangiectasia, often appear on the nose and cheeks. These tiny, broken capillaries become more noticeable as rosacea progresses.

Acne-Like Bumps & Pimples

Unlike acne, rosacea-related bumps (papules and pustules) don’t typically contain blackheads. They can appear red, inflamed, and sometimes filled with pus, leading to confusion between rosacea and traditional breakouts.

Thickened Skin (Phymatous Rosacea)

In more advanced cases, rosacea can lead to thickened, bumpy skin, especially around the nose—a condition known as rhinophyma. While rare, it’s more common in men.

Burning, Stinging, or Dryness

Many rosacea sufferers experience burning, stinging, or sensitivity when applying skincare products. The skin may also feel dry, rough, or scaly, adding to discomfort.

Eye Irritation

Some individuals experience ocular rosacea, which causes redness, dryness, and irritation of the eyes.

treating symptoms of rosacea such as spider veins, capillaries and inflammation in Victoria BC

What Causes Rosacea & Understanding Triggers

The exact cause of rosacea is still not fully understood, but research suggests that it's a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. Unlike acne or allergic reactions, rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition that tends to worsen over time if left untreated.

Genetics:

Rosacea often runs in families, indicating a genetic link. If a close relative has rosacea, you may have a higher risk of developing it as well. This could include immune system and blood vessel defects.

Immune System Response:

Some studies suggest that rosacea is linked to an overactive immune system, causing inflammation in response to environmental or internal triggers. Certain people with rosacea may have an exaggerated immune reaction to skin irritants, leading to persistent redness and flare-ups.

Environmental Factors & Lifestyle Triggers

Sun exposure (UV rays), hot and cold weather extremes, spicy foods & alcohol, stress, and certain cosmetic products can all trigger or worsen symptoms.

Microorganisms & Skin Microbiome Imbalance:

The skin naturally hosts tiny Demodex mites, which are microscopic organisms that live in hair follicles. While they are harmless for most people, studies suggest that individuals with rosacea may have higher numbers of Demodex mites, leading to inflammation and irritation.

How Can I Treat And Manage My Rosacea?

While rosacea has no permanent cure, there are effective treatment options that can help reduce redness, inflammation, and flare-ups. The best approach depends on the severity of symptoms and individual skin type.

1. Laser And Light Based Therapies: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a very effective treatment for reducing redness and visible blood vessels. LED Photorejuvenation is proven to calm inflammation repair damaged capillaries.

It's best to avoid abrasive treatments like microdermabrasion, strong chemical peels, certain skin needling procedures, and radio-frequency treatments—especially those that can compromise the skin barrier. Unless targeting a small, localized area under professional guidance, these treatments may exacerbate sensitivity, trigger inflammation, or worsen rosacea symptoms. Prioritizing gentle, barrier-supporting treatments is key to maintaining healthy, balanced skin.

2. Lifestyle Modifications: Identify and avoid common triggers, such as spicy foods, alcohol, and extreme temperatures. Use gentle, fragrance-free skincare products.

3. Skin Barrier Support: Incorporate calming ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, arnica and Centella Asiatica into your skincare routine. Avoid treatments that remove the skins barrier such as aggressive acid peels and microdermabrasion.

Daily sunscreen use is very important to protect sensitive skin from UV damage.

4. Topical Medications: In particular Azelaic acid can be helpful for managing redness and acne-like bumps. We generally don't recommend antibiotics, either topical or oral as a long term treatment option for rosacea.

FAQs About Rosacea

Question 1: Can Rosacea Go Away On Its Own?

Answer: No, rosacea does not typically go away on its own. Since it is a chronic inflammatory skin condition, it tends to persist and may even worsen over time without proper management. While some people experience periods of remission (where symptoms temporarily improve or disappear), rosacea is generally a lifelong condition that requires ongoing care.

Question 2: Can Diet Affect Rosacea?

Answer: Yes, diet can play a significant role in triggering or worsening rosacea symptoms. While food alone doesn’t cause rosacea, certain ingredients and dietary habits can trigger flare-ups or increase inflammation, making the condition harder to manage. On the other hand, some foods may help soothe inflammation and support skin health.

Q3: Is Rosacea Contagious?

A: No, rosacea is not contagious. You cannot catch rosacea from someone else through skin contact, sharing personal items, or airborne transmission.

How We Treat Rosacea

For over 20 years we've been providing save, effective options for those suffering from the symptoms of rosacea.

We always begin with a complimentary consultation to assess the condition of your skin and create a custom program that meets your specific needs.

It's Time To Get Relief From Rosacea

If you're tired of inflammation, constant redness, irritation, broken blood vessels, and other bothersome symptoms of rosacea, we're here to help. Call 250.590.5459 for your complimentary consultation.