What's New In Rosacea Research

Research is also in progress to learn more about what causes rosacea. One promising area of research centers on the endoglin gene. Early study results seem to show that a mutation in the endoglin gene may make an individual more likely to develop telangiectasia (widened or broken blood vessels under the skin) when the face is exposed to environmental factors that can contribute to rosacea. Although all the functions of endoglin are not yet understood, it is known to have a role in the development and maintenance of blood vessels.

Higher than usual amounts of another natural body chemical, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may also be involved in rosacea. Researchers have found increased VEGF levels in skin that was exposed to ultraviolet light. Although the reasons for increased VEGF levels and their possible relationship to rosacea are not known, research into a potential link is ongoing.

Other researchers are investigating whether abnormal amounts of natural body chemicals may be associated with developing rosacea. For example, nitric oxide — a chemical produced mainly in the linings of blood vessels — may be overproduced in rosacea patients. Nitric oxide not only may promote inflammation, it also causes blood vessels to widen. Abnormal amounts of other natural substances, known as cathelicidins, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) may either cause rosacea or contribute to its development among individuals who are prone to get it. In addition, immune system malfunction may be associated with rosacea. All these theories are under study, but none has been proved, yet.

Rosacea Sensitive Skin Care

A Canadian survey of over 2,500 rosacea patients revealed that 80% of respondents want to know more about how to care for their skin. Almost 50% indicated they use only water to cleanse their skin. Patients also tend to avoid using moisturizers and makeup because they believe these products will worsen the condition of their skin. The study results suggest patients may have some misconceptions and fears relating to the types of products they can safely use on their faces.

Highly sensitive skin is characteristic of rosacea. To properly care for your skin, follow this daily four-step, skin-care regimen.

Cleanse
Skin cleansing should remove dirt without upsetting your skin’s protective layers or natural pH balance. Everyday soaps and cleansers are often harsh, causing dryness and irritation. Because rosacea–prone skin can be easily irritated, it is important to cleanse with a non-irritating, soap-free, oil-free and fragrance-free, gentle skin cleanser. Use as small an amount of cleanser as possible and apply it gently with your fingers. Rinse with plenty of lukewarm water and blot with a soft towel.

Medicate
There is no substitute for medical treatment in the effective management of rosacea. Once diagnosed, carefully follow your prescribed treatment. Apply your prescription medication in a thin layer across the affected areas only and allow it to dry before applying moisturizer, makeup or sunscreen. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Often you will need to experiment with several sunscreens before finding the one that suits you. Apply your sunscreen often and liberally to all exposed areas when outdoors, whether during the summer or winter. Consult your pharmacist for additional information on sunscreens.

Moisturize
Rosacea and other skin conditions noted for dryness can upset your facial skin’s normal protective barrier. To help restore moisture without causing irritation, apply a long-lasting water-based moisturizer in a cream or lotion formulation. Make sure you choose a product that does not contain fragrances or lanolin.

Maintain
You can help maintain your skin’s normal healthy state by cleansing and moisturizing your face once in the morning and again before bedtime.

Other year-round helpful tips:
Avoid pulling or scratching your facial skin; do not use loofahs, brushes, hard sponges or rough towels on your face.
Keep your face well protected when outdoors in cold or windy weather; always use a scarf to cover your cheeks and nose.
Drink a lot of water.
Use a humidifier to offset the drying effects of indoor heating.
Reduce your bathing time; use lukewarm, instead of steaming-hot water.
Stay away from harsh cleansers and astringents that over-dry your skin or any substance that causes redness or stinging.
Avoid alcohol-containing shaving creams or gels; do not use after-shave lotions.
Use an electric shaver rather than a blade, which might cause further irritation. If you use a blade, replace it regularly to avoid scraping.
Avoid skin care products that contain any one of the following ingredients: witch hazel, menthol, peppermint, salicylic acid, eucalyptus oil or clove oil.
Use natural fiber fabrics, other than wool, close to your face or against the skin. Cotton, linen, silk and hemp are soft, breathable and non-irritating.
Choose light, oil-free makeup products. They are safe to use and effective in countering the impact a rosacea flare-up may have on your appearance.

Sun Protection
Rosacea sufferers have very sensitive skin that requires special care. When you are outdoors, whether during the summer months or when enjoying winter activities, protect your skin by applying a daily facial moisturizer with a minimum of SPF 15, as well as additional sunscreen for protection against prolonged exposure to the sun. Let your prescribed topical medication dry before you apply your moisturizer, makeup or sunscreen.
Remember that protection against the sun’s harmful rays means covering all exposed parts of your body with a sunscreen, minimum of SPF15, according to guidelines set by the Canadian Dermatology Association. In addition to the face, be sure to apply the sunscreen generously to your neck and ears, reapplying it every few hours and after you have been in the water.
You may have to try several different sunscreens to find the one that is best suited to you.

Camouflage Make-Up
While camouflage make-up is not a substitute for diagnosis and treatment, learning some good camouflage techniques can go a long way in helping you cope with the redness associated with rosacea on a daily basis, and particularly during a flare-up. You will need to experiment with several colours and products in order to find the ones that are particularly suited to you.

The Hidden Dangers Of Skin Care Products

If you're like most Americans, you may be unknowingly poisoning yourself and your family everyday with the many cancer-causing ingredients in today's cosmetics and personal care products.

Makeup, shampoo, hair coloring products, baby powder (Yes, baby powder!), shaving cream, mouthwash and toothpaste are just a few of the products that may contain cancer-causing ingredients.

Many of these dangerous ingredients may not cause any reactions on your skin, but they can be absorbed through your skin and into your bloodstream. A number of commonly used ingredients, while not dangerous by themselves, combine with other ingredients to form cancer-causing chemicals.

One such group, amines, combines with nitrosating agents to form cancer-causing nitrosamines. Some frequently used amines include Cocamide MEA, Cocamide DEA, TEA, sodium lauroyal sarcosinate and amino methyl propanol. These chemicals will form nitrosamines in the presence of ingredients like sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin and diazonlidnyl urea.

How is this possible with all the government rules and regulations?

Well, the truth is that the cosmetic industry is very poorly regulated. The FDA can make suggestions or recommendations to manufacturers about cosmetic products or their ingredients, but manufacturers don't have to comply. The FDA must first prove in a court of law that a product is harmful, improperly labeled, or violates the law if it wants to remove a cosmetic product from the market.

According to John Bailey, Ph.D., director of the FDA'S Office of Cosmetics and Colors, "Consumers believe that 'if it's on the market, it can't hurt me,' and this belief is sometimes wrong."So, how do you know which products contain harmful chemicals and which ones don't?

Dr. Christine Farlow, in her just released, 2006 revised edition of Dying To Look Good: The Disturbing Truth About What’s Really in Your Cosmetics, Toiletries and Personal Care Products... And What You Can Do About It, makes it easy to identify which ingredients are harmful and which are not.

She classifies 1300 commonly used ingredients according to safety. In addition, she includes a list of 750 products that have been evaluated as safe. It's clear, concise and easy to use. Take this book with you every time you go shopping, and you'll never again wonder about the safety of the ingredients on the label. You'll know.

Farlow, an Escondido, CA, Chiropractor and nutritionist has been counseling patients in health and nutrition since 1984 and researching ingredients since 1991. She has helped thousands of people improve their health and well being.

She is also the author of FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide To What's Safe & What's Not and HEALTHY EATING: For Extremely Busy People Who Don't Have Time For It.

She is available for telephone interviews.The book can be purchased online at DyingToLookGood.com for $12.95 or from KISS For Health Publishing, P.O. Box 462335, Escondido, CA 92046-2335, Telephone 760-735-8101. To order by mail, include $4.50 S&H. California residents add 7.75% sales tax.