How To Prepare For Treatment Of Facial Redness And Broken Capillaries

Skin conditions can crop up at any time in life for virtually any reason. One of these skin conditions, rosacea, is fairly common. In fact, more than 14 million people in the U.S. live with rosacea, and most people who have the condition are between the ages of 30 and 50. 

So what is rosacea? It’s an inflammatory condition characterized by broken capillaries on the face, facial redness, prominent facial blood vessels, red bumps, and pustules.

For people who have rosacea, the severity of breakouts varies, as well as the underlying causes. For some, rosacea is marked by redness or flushing, as well as visible blood vessels. For others, rosacea causes thickened skin, red or irritated eyes, and even breakouts that resemble acne. While the exact cause of rosacea is still unknown, autoimmune conditions and genetics may play a role. Rosacea treatment also varies, with some forms being treatable by oral antibiotics and others treated by certain types of lasers.

If you are determining the best rosacea treatment for you or have already scheduled an option, it’s important to prepare accordingly. Treatment options range in time and intensity, so speak with your healthcare provider about steps you can take before and after your treatment so that it goes as smoothly as possible. Before you know it, your treatment will be finished and your rosacea symptoms will hopefully improve.

Preparing for a Rosacea Treatment for the Best Outcomes

Rosacea can be treated with oral antibiotics minocycline and doxycycline, isotretinoin, various topical medications, a pulsed dye laser, and a CO2 laser. The type of rosacea treatment you choose determines how you should prepare for it, but there are a few best practices dermatologists recommend for anyone who has rosacea. Over time, these steps can help your skin feel more comfortable, improve the overall health of your skin, and reduce the occurrence of rosacea flare-ups. Here are a few tips for how to prepare for treatment of facial redness and broken capillaries on the face:

1. Cleanse your face daily.

According to dermatologists, one factor that increases the severity of rosacea is not washing skin enough. Many people who struggle with rosacea have irritated skin, and cleansing the face might make it feel more irritated. However, gently cleansing the face before bed and when you wake up removes the oil and dirt that can worsen the severity of rosacea. To get the best results, choose a mild cleanser that is rosacea-friendly, apply the cleanser gently with your fingertips, rinse with lukewarm water, and pat your face gently with a towel. 

2. Moisturize every day.

Moisturizing your skin each day traps water in your skin, which can reduce irritation and make your face feel more comfortable. Importantly, moisturizing daily also helps patients see better results from rosacea treatment. In one study, rosacea patients applied a rosacea treatment gel all over their face and a moisturizer on one side. After 15 days, the moisturized side of their faces had visibly less drying, peeling, and roughness.

3. Use sun protection.

While it’s great to spend time outdoors and soak up vitamin D, exposure to sunlight can actually exacerbate rosacea symptoms. To prevent excessive flare-ups due to sun exposure, apply sunscreen each day before heading outdoors. To best protect your skin, look for sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium oxide, silicone, broad spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher, and make sure it is fragrance-free. Dermatologists recommend applying sunscreen even on cloudy days, as sun exposure is still a risk.

4. Focus on rosacea-friendly skincare.

When it comes to face cleansers and moisturizers, it’s important to remember that skincare is not one-size-fits-all. Before you buy any products, read the list of ingredients before you buy them. Steer clear of any products that contain any irritants, such as alcohol, camphor, fragrance, glycolic acid, lactic acid, menthol, sodium laurel sulfate, and urea.

When it comes to rosacea and skincare, it’s important to remember that your skincare routine can make all the difference in the effectiveness of rosacea treatment. Before beginning treatment, consult with your healthcare provider about which products to use, especially when it comes to cleansers and moisturizers. For more information about treating rosacea, contact the professionals at Colorado Skin & Vein to discover your options.