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By Richard M. Foxx, M.D.
Rosacea is a chronic disease of the skin characterized by redness and prominent small vessels. These very small vessels, known as telangiectasia, create the typical florid appearance. Rosacea most often affects women with fair skin between the ages of 30 and 60. Although the exact cause is unknown, the condition is worsened by sunlight, heat, exercise, stress, and alcohol consumption.
The treatment of rosacea includes avoidance and blocking of the suns harmful UVA rays, taking steps to increase the body's ability to defend and repair the skin, and improving the quality of the skin itself.
Glycolic acid peels in a series at two to four week intervals hasten the control of rosacea. These peels are best when used in conjunction with low concentration glycolic acid washes and creams. Glycolic acid is a natural exfoliator that penetrates the skin's surface and sloughs away dead skin cells leaving the underlying skin smoother and more uniform.
Vascular lasers such as the 1064 Nd:YAG are very helpful. The specific wavelength of energy that this laser emits is targeted for the tiny visible blood vessels just under the skin. Heat from the laser's energy concentrates in the vessels causing them to collapse and be absorbed by the body.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, "It's important for individuals with...rosacea to seek treatment early to avoid progression of the condition and avoid any permanent scarring to the face."
THE MEDICAL AND SKIN SPA ROSACEA TREATMENT PROGRAM
The Medical and Skin Spa Program is a four-pronged approach that addresses all of the important factors.
1. Supplements and Vitamins. Because of the beneficial effect of Vitamin C on capillary fragility, we recommend patients take 1000 mg daily. In addition, Omega-3 fatty acids are important because of their well-documented effect on inflammation and their role in maintaining cellular integrity.
2. Laser Facial Genesis. A series of four combined CoolGlide 1064 Nd:YAG laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments are recommended. These are often combined with glycolic acid peels to increase the turnover rate of the epidermal cells while the laser energy breaks up the hemoglobin molecules in the small vessels.
3. Daily Skin Care Regimen. Daily use of Glytone Kit with glycolic acid wash selected for your skin type is important. This should be used in conjunction with your personalized glycolic acid exfoliator. Crucial to this program is the daily use of a powerful topical antioxidant. We recommend Prevage-MD, the most potent product available.
4. Sunscreen. Daily use of a 'dedicated', i.e. not in your moisturizer, sunscreen is critical. We recommend Anthelios, which contains Mexoryl, the best UVA blocker obtainable.
4. Sunscreen Daily use of sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is mandatory.
©2005 THE MEDICAL AND SKIN SPA
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