The Best Ways to Treat Rosacea in Kansas City

You want to look your best. You take pride in your appearance. But when blemishes and imperfections show up on your skin and face, feeling self-conscious or even ashamed is completely understandable. One such condition that can be a major blow to your confidence is rosacea. If you are seeking help to reduce the redness and other effects that rosacea can have, Vargas Face and Skin Center can help. We understand how debilitating this condition can be and we have all the resourced necessary to treat rosacea.

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes your face to become redder more easily than others. It can spread from your cheeks to your forehead, chin, ears and even your chest and back. The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, but certain things can trigger a reaction – things like sunlight, spicy foods, alcohol and overheating. Left untreated, rosacea can get worse, but symptoms can be managed.

There are four categories of rosacea. In one, blood vessels are visible through your skin. Another has acne-like breakouts associated with it. A third category sees thickened, bumpier, and inflamed skin. With the last, your eyelids can become irritated and swollen.

Treat Rosacea with Broadband Light Therapy

One way to treat rosacea is Broadband Light Therapy (BBL). It uses wavelengths of intense light to destroy unwanted color and blood vessels. It uses an array of wavelengths, making it a good option for people of varying skin tones. In order to initially get your condition under control, it may take a few sessions, and then it is recommended to receive a treatment about once a year for maintenance purposes.

This treatment is not a painful procedure, but it can cause some discomfort. Some describe it like rubber bands snapping on your skin. For those with a low pain tolerance, you can take an over-the-counter pain medication before your treatment to help ease any pain you may experience. Results are almost immediate.

Treat Rosacea with Photofacials

Photofacials are similar to broadband light therapy. They utilize intense wavelengths of light to target redness. The treatment feels similar, causing only minor discomfort, and multiple sessions are needed. Unlike broadband light therapy, however, photofacials use a narrower set of wavelengths, meaning that it may not be effective on darker skin tones. It is also recommended after treatment to avoid sun exposure, as it can worsen the condition.

Skincare and Makeup

Many skincare and makeup products can irritate the skin, which means for those with rosacea, their condition can become worse. But fortunately, there are several skincare products and makeup that are gentle on sensitive skin.

As far as skincare goes, it is recommended that you always wear sunscreen. This can protect your skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays emitted by the sun. Moisturizers are also recommended, even if your skin is on the oily side. Use natural products for sensitive skin, such as those with coconut oil.

You may also want to consider prescription topical treatments. Treatments with azelaic acid, metronidazole or tetracycline are helpful in reducing redness.

If you wear makeup, choose products that are natural and free of chemicals. Mineral makeup is an excellent choice as it contains no potentially irritating ingredients. You can also use color correcting makeup to cover up any redness you do have.

Don’t let rosacea ruin your self confidence. While you can’t cure it, you can treat it. Avoid triggers and use gentle products on your skin. And let Vargas Face and Skin help you treat rosacea with broadband light therapy or photofacials to restore your skin to its true beauty. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.