By Liane Scior
Director of Education
We as an industry are at the forefront of tackling the rising issue of inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea. As more people develop skin sensitivities and inflammation-related woes, it's crucial that we elevate our efforts by providing personalized solutions that go beyond merely providing temporary comfort.
Why are these conditions on the rise?
One contributing factor is the changing environmental conditions, such as increased pollution levels, exposure to UV radiation, and climate changes, which can all impact skin health and contribute to inflammatory skin conditions. Additionally, shifts in dietary habits, increased stress levels, and changes in skincare practices may also play a role in the rising incidence of skin inflammation.
Given the physical discomfort, emotional toll, and lifestyle adjustments associated with rosacea, it's clear why this condition demands significant attention and personalized care. Individuals with rosacea often seek effective solutions not just to alleviate symptoms but also to regain confidence and quality of life, making it crucial for skincare professionals to offer comprehensive support and tailored treatments for this common yet challenging skin condition.
Get to Know These Inflammatory Skin Conditions
Certain skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne, and rosacea are associated with inflammation as a central aspect of their pathophysiology and the causes vary:
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): Eczema is characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It is primarily driven by an overactive immune response, where the immune system reacts to triggers such as allergens or irritants by releasing inflammatory chemicals like histamine and cytokines. This immune response leads to skin inflammation, redness, and the characteristic rash seen in eczema.
Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by rapid skin cell turnover, leading to the formation of thick, scaly patches on the skin. In psoriasis, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, triggering inflammation and causing the skin cells to multiply at an accelerated rate. This inflammatory process results in the formation of plaques, redness, and scaling seen in psoriasis.
Acne: Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. The clogged follicles create an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria, leading to inflammation. The immune system responds to this bacterial invasion by releasing inflammatory mediators, causing redness, swelling, and the formation of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads.
Rosacea: Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the face, causing redness, flushing, visible blood vessels, and sometimes bumps or pimples. While the exact cause of rosacea is not fully understood, it is believed to involve abnormalities in the immune system, vasculature, and nervous system. Triggers such as sunlight, heat, spicy foods, alcohol, and stress can exacerbate inflammation in rosacea-prone individuals, leading to flare-ups of symptoms.
Inflammatory Diet
Certain foods can make your skin more inflamed. Here are some eating habits and ingredients that might make skin inflammation worse:
High Sugar Intake: Consuming foods high in refined sugars and carbohydrates can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels, which may contribute to inflammation in the body, including the skin. Sugary foods and beverages like soft drinks, sweets, pastries, and other sugary snacks should be consumed in moderation.
Processed Foods: Processed foods often contain unhealthy fats, artificial additives, preservatives, and high levels of sodium, all of which can promote inflammation. Examples include fast food, packaged snacks, frozen meals, and sugary cereals.
Trans Fats: Trans fats, commonly found in partially hydrogenated oils used in fried foods, baked goods, margarine, and processed snacks, are known to promote inflammation and may negatively impact skin health.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids: While omega-6 fatty acids are essential nutrients, an imbalance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in the diet (favoring omega-6) can contribute to inflammation. Sources of omega-6 fatty acids include vegetable oils (such as corn, soybean, and sunflower oils), processed foods, and fried foods.
Dairy Products: Some individuals may experience increased skin inflammation, acne, or rosacea flare-ups due to dairy consumption. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt can contain hormones and growth factors that may influence skin health in susceptible individuals.
Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration, liver stress, and increased inflammation throughout the body, including the skin. Reducing alcohol intake or opting for healthier alternatives can help mitigate these effects.
Spicy Foods: Spicy foods, particularly those containing capsaicin found in chili peppers, can trigger flushing, and exacerbate symptoms in individuals with rosacea or sensitive skin.
The Connection between Menopause and Rosacea
After menopause, capillaries can undergo changes that contribute to their weakening, primarily due to a combination of hormonal shifts and the natural aging process. These factors collectively impact the structural integrity and resilience of capillary walls, making them more susceptible to damage and fragility:
Estrogen Decline: Estrogen, a hormone that plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of blood vessels, declines significantly during menopause. Estrogen helps regulate the production of collagen and elastin, which are structural proteins that provide strength and elasticity to blood vessel walls. The reduction in estrogen levels can lead to a gradual weakening of capillary walls.
Decreased Collagen Production: With age and hormonal changes, the production of collagen, a key component of blood vessel walls, tends to decrease. Collagen is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity and resilience of capillaries. As collagen levels decline, capillaries may become more fragile and prone to damage.
Reduced Skin Thickness: During menopause and the aging process, the skin tends to become thinner due to decreased collagen and elastin production. Thinner skin may offer less protection and support to underlying blood vessels, including capillaries, making them more susceptible to damage and weakening.
Decreased Vascular Tone: Estrogen also plays a role in regulating vascular tone, which refers to the contraction and relaxation of blood vessels to maintain blood flow and pressure. After menopause, the loss of estrogen can lead to changes in vascular tone, potentially contributing to increased fragility and vulnerability of capillaries.
Oxidative Stress: Aging and hormonal changes can result in increased oxidative stress, which occurs when there is an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals in the body. Oxidative stress can damage blood vessel walls, including capillaries, and contribute to their weakening over time.
These factors, combined with the natural aging process, can lead to a gradual weakening of capillaries after menopause. As a result, capillaries may become more prone to issues such as visible blood vessels (telangiectasia), bruising, and increased susceptibility to conditions like rosacea and spider veins.
Rosacea Triggers
Rosacea triggers can vary from person to person, but some common triggers that can exacerbate rosacea symptoms include:
Sun Exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are a major trigger for rosacea. Sun exposure can lead to skin flushing, redness, and increased inflammation in individuals with rosacea-prone skin.
Hot Weather: High temperatures and humidity can cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to facial flushing and increased redness in individuals with rosacea.
Spicy Foods: Spicy foods and hot beverages can stimulate blood flow and cause flushing in people with rosacea. Ingredients like chili peppers, hot sauces, and spicy seasonings are common triggers.
Alcohol: Consumption of alcohol, particularly red wine, can trigger rosacea flare-ups in some individuals. Alcohol can cause blood vessels to dilate and contribute to facial flushing and redness.
Hot Beverages: Hot drinks like coffee, tea, and hot cocoa can also trigger flushing and exacerbate rosacea symptoms in sensitive individuals.
Stress: Emotional stress, anxiety, and strong emotions can trigger rosacea flare-ups. Stress can lead to the release of stress hormones that can affect blood vessels and contribute to skin inflammation.
Certain Skincare Products: Harsh skincare products containing alcohol, fragrances, and exfoliating agents can irritate rosacea-prone skin and trigger flare-ups. It's essential to choose gentle, non-irritating skincare products suitable for sensitive skin.
Wind and Cold Weather: Exposure to cold, windy weather can lead to dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity in the skin, triggering rosacea symptoms.
Physical Exercise: Intense physical exercise and activities that cause sweating can lead to facial flushing and increased redness in individuals with rosacea.
Hot Baths and Saunas: Heat from hot baths, saunas, and steam rooms can dilate blood vessels and lead to flushing and redness in rosacea-prone skin.
Certain Medications: Some medications, such as vasodilators, blood pressure medications, and topical steroids, can exacerbate rosacea symptoms as a side effect.
Ingredients that Help to Reduce Inflammation in the Skin.
While many ingredients excel at soothing inflammation in inflammatory skin conditions, one standout ingredient that goes beyond mere soothing to treat the root cause is licorice extract.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Extract (Licorice)
Licorice extract has anti-inflammatory properties that can mimic the effects of cortisone on inflamed skin but without the associated side effects. Cortisone, a type of steroid, is commonly used to reduce inflammation and calm irritated skin. However, prolonged use of cortisone can lead to side effects such as thinning of the skin, increased risk of infection, and skin discoloration.
Licorice extract contains compounds like glycyrrhizin and glabridin, which have been found to exhibit potent anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds work by inhibiting the activity of enzymes that promote inflammation, thus reducing redness, swelling, and discomfort associated with inflamed skin conditions like rosacea.
Unlike cortisone, licorice extract is considered a natural alternative that is generally well-tolerated by most skin types. It does not cause the same side effects as cortisone and can be used safely over the long term. Additionally, licorice extract offers additional benefits for the skin, such as antioxidant properties that help protect against free radical damage and promote overall skin health.
Other ingredients in skincare products can benefit individuals with rosacea:
Niacinamide: Also known as Vitamin B3, niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties that help calm redness and irritation. It also supports the skin's barrier function, enhances moisture retention, and reduces sensitivity.
Green Tea Extract: Green tea is rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which have anti-inflammatory and soothing effects on the skin. Green tea extract can help reduce redness and protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Chamomile Extract: Chamomile is known for its calming and healing properties, making it beneficial for sensitive and inflamed skin. It helps soothe redness, reduce inflammation, and promote overall skin health.
Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating ingredient that helps retain moisture in the skin, improving hydration levels and reducing dryness often experienced by individuals with rosacea.
Ceramides: Ceramides are lipid molecules that play a crucial role in maintaining the skin barrier. Skincare products containing ceramides can help strengthen the skin's protective barrier, reducing sensitivity and improving resilience.
Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola): Centella asiatica extract has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, making it beneficial for soothing inflamed skin and promoting skin repair.
Squalane: Squalane is a lightweight moisturizing ingredient that helps hydrate the skin without clogging pores or causing irritation. It can improve skin texture and reduce redness associated with rosacea.
Aloe Vera: Aloe vera has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in calming redness, irritation, and sensitivity in rosacea-prone skin.
Probiotics: Skincare products containing probiotics can help restore the skin's natural balance, strengthen the skin barrier, and reduce inflammation in rosacea-affected skin.
When selecting skincare products for rosacea, it's essential to choose gentle formulations that are free from harsh ingredients like alcohol, fragrance, and sulfates, which can exacerbate skin sensitivity. Patch testing new products and consulting with a dermatologist or skincare professional can also help determine the most suitable ingredients and products for managing rosacea effectively.
PEVONIA RS2 ROSACEA COLLECTION
We are passionate about the Pevonia RS2 line because it goes beyond providing immediate relief for rosacea symptoms; it addresses the underlying causes of rosacea, leading to more effective and lasting results.
The RS2 line's targeted formulation is specifically designed to calm inflammation, reduce redness, strengthen the skin barrier, and improve overall skin health for individuals with rosacea-prone skin. With potent anti-inflammatory ingredients like licorice extract, green tea, chamomile, and French rose essential oil, the RS2 line soothes inflammation, alleviates redness, and reduces skin sensitivity associated with rosacea.
Moreover, some products in the RS2 line contain vasodilator inhibitors that help control blood vessel dilation, contributing to the management of facial flushing and redness in rosacea.
Additionally, the RS2 line focuses on strengthening the skin's natural barrier function, protecting against environmental aggressors, retaining moisture, and reducing sensitivity.
Backed by rigorous testing, clinical studies, and dermatologist approval, Pevonia's RS2 line offers a holistic approach to rosacea management with a comprehensive range of products tailored to individual rosacea concerns, ensuring optimal efficacy and client satisfaction.
