Rosacea, a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the central part of the face, can be persistent or characterized by flares which can significantly impact one’s confidence and quality of life. While its causes remain multifaceted, adopting a functional root cause approach reveals insights into how factors like gut health, skin microbiomes, chronic inflammation, and overactive immune responses intertwine to influence this condition.
Type 1: Vascular rosacea causes red areas of skin with small blood vessels on the face.
Type 2: Inflammatory rosacea also has red bumps and pus-filled lesions on the face.
Type 3: Phymatous rosacea occurs when the skin becomes thick over the nose, causing a bumpy, enlarged, bulbous appearance.
Type 4: Ocular rosacea involving the eyes, causes inflammation of the eyelids and eyes, and may or may not cause noticeable skin changes.
Individuals with rosacea often experience a combination of these subtypes and can experience differing symptoms during flares over time.
Flare-ups are commonly triggered by hot drinks and spicy foods, alcoholic beverages like red wine, extremes in temperature or sun and wind, exercise, emotional responses, medications that dilate blood vessels, and irritating cosmetic, skin, and hair products.
The Gut-Skin Axis: Connecting Gut Health and Skin Conditions
The gut-skin axis describes the intricate relationship between gut health and skin integrity. A leaky gut, characterized by increased intestinal permeability, can lead to toxins and undigested food particles entering the bloodstream, resulting in systemic inflammation and an overactive immune response.
At Elevate Wellness and Medspa, we have the knowledge and tools to test for leaky gut syndrome, Remove unwanted compounds and offending foods from the body, Replace needed digestive factors, Reinocculate the gut and skin with probiotics, and Regenerate the mucosa of the GI tract.
Skin Mite Demodex Folliculorum
Did you know….
The normal skin microbiome includes a variety of microorganisms like fungi, bacteria, and even mites! It is believed that rosacea sufferers may have a hypersensitive immune response to the skin mite Demodex folliculorum that lives near hair follicles. Most people with acne-like rosacea have an overactive immune response to a skin bacterium called bacillus oleronius, which leads to inflammation.
Emerging research points to the benefits of topical probiotics in improving skin health. Topical applications containing probiotics can help restore the skin’s microbiome, reduce inflammation, and improve skin barrier function.
Incorporating healthy lifestyle habits plays a pivotal role in symptom management:
Engage in stress-reducing activities such as yoga, mindfulness practices, and regular exercise to help minimize flare-ups.
Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers tailored for sensitive skin. Avoid abrasive exfoliants and products that may contain harsh chemicals. Our knowledgeable aesthetician can help you with a personalized skincare routine.
Utilize broad-spectrum sunscreens with at least SPF 30 to protect sensitive skin from UV rays and prevent exacerbation of symptoms.
Certain supplements can contribute to skin health and reduce inflammation. Oral probiotic strains like *Lactobacillus* and *Bifidobacterium*, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, and Zinc can be potentially beneficial for skin health.
Managing rosacea effectively involves understanding its multifactorial nature through a functional root cause approach. Addressing the gut-skin axis, restoring a healthy microbiome, and reducing inflammation are key components in achieving long-lasting results.
At Elevate Wellness and Medspa, we are committed to providing a holistic framework for evaluating and treating rosacea, empowering our clients to embrace healthier skin and improved overall well-being. If you are experiencing signs of rosacea, reach out to us for personalized treatment options that prioritize natural remedies and effective skin care practices tailored to your specific needs.
