Some Basic Information On Moisturizers For Rosacea
Rosacea refers to a skin condition that has characteristic redness on the face, cheeks and nose. The blood vessels that are immediately found under the skin are visible in the areas affected by this condition. Rosacea can sometimes affect the eyes of a person and is referred to as ocular rosacea. Rosacea more commonly occurs in adults than in children. It is also seen that women are more prone to having rosacea. However, a particular rhinophyma variety of rosacea, where the nose becomes inflamed and bulbous in appearance, occurs frequently in men.
Rosacea is known to develop slowly and continues to get worse over a period of time if left untreated. This chronic condition of the skin can persist for many years. The redness may become permanent and blood vessels under the skin become visible at this stage.
Though the causes of Rosacea are unknown, theories attribute the flare ups to bacterial action, fungus, mites, heredity, skin color, malfunction of connective tissues under the skin, etc. However some lifestyle factors known to aggravate the condition include alcohol, food and condiments that cause a rise in body temperature, hot drinks, emotional stress, etc.
Treatment for rosacea should be initiated by the consulting dermatologist or the medical specialist. Strategies may include application of moisturizers and use of oral antibiotics, maintaining a good skin care routine and keeping away factors that may trigger onset and flare-up of rosacea.
Moisturizers for Rosacea
The condition of rosacea is noted to cause dryness of the skin and can also upset the protective barrier of the skin. It is, therefore, important to restore the moisture of the skin without causing any irritation to the skin. Moisturizers for rosacea should be non-comedogenic and should not contain lanolin or any type of fragrances.
Moisturizers are products that are widely used and are a part of most cosmetic therapies for the skin. Basically a moisturizer contains combinations of occlusives, humectants, and emollients in varying proportions and combinations to achieve the effect that they are made for. There are many formulations that are available in the market.
It is important for those who suffer from rosacea to pick the right moisturizers to use on their skin. Selecting any one from over the counter may not serve the purpose. Moisturizers for rosacea that are chosen should be such that they ameliorate the condition and do not have any side effects whatsoever.
Water content in the epidermis is a crucial factor for maintaining skin plasticity. Moisturizing involves repair of the skin’s protective barrier, increasing retention of the water content, and restoring the lipid barrier’s capacity to hold and distribute moisture. Moisturizers serve to reduce skin friction. Some of the skin care products not only form an inert layer but also influence the function and structure of the skin.
Emollients
Emollients contain mainly lipids and oils. They contribute to increasing the softness of the skin, smoothness, and flexibility. Emollients in cosmetic formulations include linoeic, oleic, stearic acids, etc., which are found in palm oil and coconut oil. Other lipids such as fish oil, sunflower seed oil, and shea butter are also used. They have positive effects on the protective skin barrier.
Occlusives
Occlusives reduce water loss by creating a hydrophobic barrier over the skin and have the most effect when applied over slightly damp skin. However, they possess an odor, have a greasy feel and have potential allergenicity. Petroleum jelly, mineral oils and lanolin are occlusives.
Humectants
Humectants have the capacity to attract water from two sources: from the dermis to the epidermis and, in humid conditions, from the external environment. Humectants are also known to have emollient properties. Glycerol is one of the best known humectants. Alpha hydroxyl acids are effective in the treatment of dry skin. Many a time humectants are combined with occlusives for the most pronounced effects. Gelatin, glycerin, honey, hyaluronic acid, etc., are known humectants.
Ideal moisturizers for rosacea contain ingredients such as mineral oil, glycerin, shea butter, etc., that help to soothe and heal the skin. Moisturizers in lotion form may be used during daytime and those with cream bases made with heavier lipids can be used at night.
Moisturizers for rosacea containing derivatives of licorice are known to control and reduce inflammation. Moisturizers containing vegetable ceramides help to increase the protective barrier of the skin. Others that contain chamomile-related agents dramatically control the irritation and the redness that occurs in the face.
Moisturizers for rosacea should also have an adequate sun protection factor (SPF). This is because skin that has rosacea is very sensitive to the effects of the sun. Most moisturizers have an SPF of 15 or 30. They are ideally rich in antioxidants and natural anti inflammatory agents. Azulene is a natural anti inflammatory that cools down and calms the flushing of the skin. An ideal moisturizer should be free of alcohol which can trigger rosacea. Other ingredients to be wary of are parabens and artificial fragrances. Moisturizers should contain neutralizers that control the redness that occurs during rosacea bouts.
It is a common misconception that those suffering from acne should not use moisturizers. However, scientific facts prove this to be wrong. If a moisturizer is not used daily, the skin can become red and consequently peel off worsening the effects of rosacea. Using a light and oil free moisturizer and which contain active ingredients such as dimethicone, which is a form of silicone oil, is recommended. This serves to increase the moisture content of the skin and counter the drying effects of the acne medications. However, heavy mineral oils that can clog the pores are not recommended.
Moisturizers for rosacea are continuously evolving and new ingredients help to make these formulations non greasy and non comedogenic. Dimethicone added to a moisturizer formulation lends a smooth matte finish to the end product while being able to increase moisture content and help the protective barrier of the skin.
Some Available Brands in the Market
Cetaphil moisturizers are used by dermatologists to manage dry as well as sensitive skin. The active ingredients include cyclomethicone and glycerine. They are available in both the lotion and cream forms.
La Roche Hydraphase Intense hydration fluid with an SPF 30 protection offers UVA and UVB protection and a 24-hour long-lasting hydration. The active ingredients include glycerin and thermal spring water.
