Tag Archive for: skin

Breaking Down Rosacea and How To Select the Right Products

rosacea

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic or long-term disease that affects the face and sometimes the eyes. It is characterized by excessive redness, pimples, and, in advanced stages, thickening of the skin.

Rosacea affects approximately 10-15 million people in the US and is most often seen in adults between the ages of 30 and 60. It is slightly more common in women (particularly during the menopausal years) than men. Rosacea affects people of all skin colors and ethnic groups, but fair-skinned individuals are slightly more likely to develop the condition.

The earliest stages of rosacea are marked by frequent flushing of the central areas of the face, including the forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. This may be accompanied by a burning sensation, particularly following the application of various creams or cosmetics to the face. The facial skin also may become swollen.

The late stage of rosacea is known as rhinophyma, and more commonly affects men. This state is marked by an enlarged, bulbous red nose resulting from enlargement of the sebaceous (oil-producing) glands beneath the skin’s surface.

Up to half of all people who suffer rosacea experience eye symptoms. The most common eye symptoms noted are redness, dryness, itchiness, burning, tearing, and the sensation of having sand in the eye. In addition, the eyelids can become inflamed and swollen.

What are the causes? 

While the cause of rosacea remains unknown, inherited factors may play a partial role. Some research suggests that rosacea sufferers have blood vessels that dilate too easily, resulting in a flushing or redness of the skin. Numerous factors can cause rosacea to flare up in one person but have no effect in another individual. Some people claim that one or more of the following have aggravated their rosacea: heat, hot baths, strenuous exercise, sunlight, wind, very cold temperatures, hot or spicy food and drink, alcohol consumption, menopause, emotional stress, and long-term use of topical steroids on the face. Many people affected by the acne-like, pustular stage of rosacea assume that their condition is caused by bacteria, and indeed, topical and internal antibiotics benefit some patients. Curiously, however, researchers have not been able to identify a definitive link between rosacea, bacteria, and other organisms in the hair follicles or oil glands.

How to treat it?

Although there is no cure for rosacea, it can be treated and controlled quite well. Usually a dermatologist treats patients with this particular skin problem. The goals of treatment are to control the condition and improve the appearance of the patient’s skin. It may take several weeks or months of treatment before seeing noticeable improvement. Depending on the severity of the symptomatology, I might prescribe topical antibiotics applied directly to the affected skin. In more severe cases, oral antibiotics may help prevent the pain, scarring, discomfort, and eye symptoms of severe rosacea. Papules and pustules of the skin seem to respond quite quickly to treatment, though the redness and flushing are less responsive to treatment.

Tips:

1. Stay out of the sun.

2. Stay away from products that contain alcohol since it strips the skin and can ignite additional redness and inflammation. Dr. Goldfaden’s Pure Start cleanser is a gentle and detoxifying cleanser that is safe for even the most sensitive skin.

3. Look for ingredients in skincare that contain soothing agents such as Vitamin K, Arnica and Tea Extracts, as these all work to reduce redness and inflammation.

4. Stay away from harsh acids (glycolic) and physical exfoliators that can increase redness/inflammation. Look for products that contain a low dose of Lactic Acid since this is the most gentle acid and does not create any redness/inflammation.

 

 

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Let the Sunshine In

May is skin cancer awareness month and while we want to keep safe from the sun, we should remember that the sun does have some positive affects too. Yes, it feels so good on a cold day to bask in the warm rays of the sun. This may be linked to the fact that sunlight triggers the pineal gland, located in the brain, to produce chemicals called tryptamines, which elevate mood. This may in part explain why some people suffer from seasonal affective disorder and others do not.

The sun’s UV produces Vitamin D in our bodies. Vitamin D, sometimes referred to as the ‘sun vitamin’, helps increase immunity, bone and muscle strength and has been shown to lower risk for certain types of cancer.

The sun has also been shown to help those who suffer from certain skin conditions like psoriasis. Light treatment boxes have been simulated on doctor’s offices to produce a sun-like affect for sufferers.

UV has also been shown to kill virus and bacteria. The perfect example of this is when you hang out clothes to dry, the UV penetrates the cell of the bacteria/virus and kills it. Underwear, workout clothes and diapers are great to dry outside because of this.

UV is clearly very powerful and steps should always be taken to protect yourself. Just remember a little sun in the right way never hurt anyone.

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GLOW-BOOST-BRONZE- The Natural Way

Fall has arrived with winter quick on its heels. During the colder months skin can start to look pale, lackluster and dull. This does not mean it is time to run off the Bahamas or to your local tanning bed to try an attain that “healthy” glow.  Sun damage can last a lifetime so why not try the natural approach?

Getting glowing skin is easy thru exfoliation. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, improves the appearance of fine lines, reduces pore size, and leaves healthy, radiant skin. Cult favorite and Kate Hudson’s, DOCTOR’S SCRUB, is the answer to glowing skin. Dr. Goldfaden’s coveted exfoliator contains powerful ruby crystals that provide immediate cell renewal by polishing away dead surface cells, leaving skin brighter, clearer and younger-looking. Formulated with line-filling Hyaluronic Acid to deliver long-lasting hydration while nourishing Seaweed and Organic Red Tea Extract provide antioxidant protection. BOOYA! And we didn’t stop there…

During the rebrand of GOLDFADEN MD, we were adamant about creating a product that would brighten uneven skin tone and give an overall luminous glow. Thus, VITAL BOOST was born. VITAL BOOST contains skin boosting and rejuvenating Vitamin D  to maximizes the skin’s immunity, provide powerful antioxidant protection, improve elasticity and promote a more youthful complexion. Brightening skin agent, Indian Gooseberry, leaves skin looking dewy, radiant and flawless. I love this moisturizer because it goes on silky smooth and dries matte, leaving the slightest hint of a highlight.  Your skin will look fresh and radiant.

To give your glowing, hydrated complexion that extra kick, try a bronzer or highlighter (NOT the tanning bed). My top four bronzer picks for the season are Burberry Warm Glow in Nude Glow No.3 , which gives the illusion that you’ve just spent the afternoon lounging on the beeches of Greece. Armani Sheer Bronzer provides a sheer, natural color for those less daring. BECCA’s Shimmering Skin Perfector, adds an iridescence(I cannot get enough of this product). And as always Bobbi Brown’s Shimmer Brick in Bronze makes you look like an ethereal sun kissed goddess!

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