MedicineNet.com

Rosacea, a chronic condition that causes facial redness, affects about 14 million Americans.  Triggers — such as heat, alcohol, spicy foods and embarrassment — that can worsen the condition are well known.  But this is the first study to identify the actual cause of rosacea, the researchers said.  The researchers concluded that overproduction of two interactive inflammatory proteins leads to excessive levels of a third protein that causes rosacea symptoms.

"Too much SCTE (stratum corneum tryptic enzymes) and too much cathelicidin leads to the abnormal peptides that cause the symptoms of this disease," team leader Dr. Richard L. Gallo, professor of medicine and chief of the division of dermatology at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, said in a prepared statement.

"Antibiotics tend to alleviate the symptoms of rosacea in patients, because some of them work to inhibit these enzymes.  Our findings may modify the therapeutic approach to treating rosacea, since bacteria aren’t the right target," said Gallo.  The study results were published in the Aug. 5 online edition of the journal Nature Medicine.

— Robert Preidt

SkinCareTalks.com

Vitamin C, minerals, and fatty acids may be added to your vitamin regimen if necessary. All Rosacea vitamins and supplements can be taken along with any prescription treatments you may use.  Rosacea begins subtly, and you may not realize you have the disease until the symptoms become painful or severe. Taking control of your Rosacea is imperative if you want to control your outbreaks and symptoms over the long term.

•    Flushing and facial redness that may become more persistent.
•    Dry and flakey skin.
•    Acne-like bumps or pimples on the skin.
•    Telangiectasia, or red lines in the face caused by enlarged blood vessels.
•    Stinging or burning sensations like a mild sunburn.
•    Application of cleansers, cosmetics, or moisturizers may increase the irritation.
•    Rhinophyma, or nasal bumps or areas of thickened skin.

Do you have any of these symptoms?  How do you soothe facial redness? 

Rosacea is a skin disorder that affects millions of Americans.  It targets the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin.  It’s most commonly experienced as chronic redness or blushing.  Without treatment or preventive care, Rosacea can result in severe redness of the skin, bumps, pimples, and itching.  In the most severe cases, a build up of excess tissue (thick and bumpy) on the cheeks or nose may occur.  Rosacea has also been known to affect the eyes, causing chronic redness and irritation.  Your best bet when dealing with Rosacea is first to understand the condition and your skin.  Understanding what triggers irritation (weather, caffeine, hot water, etc.) can help you be more effective at preventing future flareups!

Here are some resources that may help:

Resources:
Rosacea.org
International Rosacea Foundation
Online Medical Diagnosis
The Rosacea Forum

Recent Articles:
SkinCare-News.com Skincare Alert: April is Rosacea Awareness Month
SkincarePysicians.com How To Calm The Itch of Rosacea
Skin Therapy Center Oral Therapy for the Treatment of Rosacea

WebMD "Facing Rosacea" (Watch Video)

About Ulerythema: A skin condition that primarily affects your cheeks and eyebrows, and may cause these areas to be red and bumpy.  Although the cause is unknown, the effects are lasting.  Ulerythema may cause damage to the follicle resulting hair loss (most commonly the eyebrow) as well as scarring.  The condition does however, usually improve with age.  Ulerythema is most commonly found within children and young adults.

Treatment: Most medical treatments for this condition have been unrewarding, however products containing salicylic acid or lactic acid may be helpful in providing short term relief.  Sun protection is highly recommended, frequent exposure to UV aggravates the skin’s delicate condition.

Skinplistic focused on three products that would be effective for this type of camouflage, however the techniques and products we discuss will also be relevant to other camo-concerns.

Note: Makeup tends to accentuate uneven skin.  When applying makeup to highly textured skin, blending is crucial.  Work the makeup into the skin using a sponge so it is doesn’t just sit on the surface.

CoverBlend Concealing Treatment with SPF 20

Benefits:  This product is designed to treat, conceal and protect your skin throughout the day.  Not only does it smooth your complexion but its non-transferable [won’t get on your clothes] and it’s water-resistant!  The water based formula provides UVA/B protection utilizing ultra fine titanium dioxide and also includes vitamin E to protect your skin from free radicals.  Paula Begoun (who is this) says, CoverBlend, “effectively conceals minor and major discolorations without looking heavy or feeling thick and greasy on the skin.”  She also says, “Although it appears thick in the jar it has a soft light texture that is surprisingly easy to blend.” 

Drawbacks:  It’s not totally natural.  Due to its matte finish, it may be more visible than other concealing products.  However, a spritz of water after application can make the skin appear dewy, and if you’re an ultra-oily person the matte finish would be a relief.   

Application:  Like I said earlier, in order to get the most natural look, blending is crucial.  Since brushes often leave streaks, apply the make up with a sponge.  First, apply the makeup to the defined edges of the area you wish to conceal.  Focus on softening out the defined lines.  This draws less attention to the area.  A sponge will allow you to press the product into the skin, rather than just wiping it across your face.

Paula’s Choice: View Paula’s Review

Cover FX SPF 30

Benefits: It’s a compact cream foundation available in 40 different shades!  It’s oil-free, non-comedogentic and its water-resistant formulation allows for all day wear.  Plus, its “dewy” finish will give life back to dull or dry skin.  Cover FX is dual function solution.  It can be used as a concealer and foundation, with the added benefit of sun protection (SPF 30).  Vitamin E and Bisabolol are both anti-inflammatory ingredients, which help reduce redness for sensitive or delicate skin.

When concealing a sensitive skin condition, it’s best to use products that don’t add irritation.  The line was designed by Lee Graff, a corrective makeup specialist who, since 1985, has helped thousands of patients mask a myriad of skin conditions.  This product was designed specially to camouflage serious skin conditions that leave people insecure and hopeless.

Drawbacks: It’s not cheep!  It runs about $37.00 and, like most cosmetics, lasts about 2-3 months.

Application: The CoverFX is a cream foundation/concealer.  While a concealer brush is recommended, you’ll probably end up patting down the makeup with your finger.  The Dermafix technology makes it bond to the skin.  This gives it a very natural look.  This product has amazing build-able coverage capability so you can give greater attention to problem areas without looking cakey.  Be sure to set with translucent powder and a puff.

NaturalFX is a lighter version which comes in a tube permitting an effortless application. 

Makeup Alley: User Reviews

Secret Camouflage

Benefits: This concealer provides perfect coverage with its two-toned nature.  As seasons change, so does the color of your skin.  This  product can be adjusted all year round to suit your changing complexion.  Plus, Secret Camouflage has aloe to soothe irritated or sensitive skin (blemishes).

Drawbacks: The consistency is thick and dry.  It takes a lot of work get the right blend.  You’ll probably end up using one side more than the other.  This product does not contain an SPF so sunscreen is imperative.

Application:  This product takes more work than most but the results are well worth it.  It comes in a two-toned compact so you can adjust the shade to match flawlessly.  To apply you’ll need a concealer brush (a small thin tipped, synthetic brush will do the trick!).  Swipe the brush over each of the two shades and blend it on the back of your hand to warm it up.  Once you have achieved the prefect color, remove excess product from the tip (remember, less is more).  Start with light brush strokes over the problem area or the edge of the problem area.  Again, soften the edge of any imperfection.  This will help eliminated the contrast between the affected area and your healthy skin.  After you finish blending the edges, apply it to the entire area.  Make sure to set with translucent powder and a puff (pressing into the skin) so you don’t smudge any of the makeup you just applied.

Makeup Alley: User Review (before and after photo)