What Acne, Rosacea, and Melasma Have in Common
Acne, Rosacea, and Melasma have one very important thing in common- they are all chronic skin conditions that can be managed but not cured. All three have a genetic component and can be aggravated by hormonal fluctuations and lifestyle factors. Like any chronic disease, education is a key piece in gaining control and managing the condition. If you suffer from Acne, Rosacea, or Melasma, having an understanding of the physiology, contributing factors, and treatment options is key to optimizing your skin’s health. There are a number of lifestyle factors that can either help or hurt your skin depending on the condition. Here are just a few of the lifestyle triggers associated with Acne, Rosacea, and Melasma
Acne:
Acne at its core is a genetic predisposition to shed excess skin cells within the pore. A normal pore sheds one layer of skin daily while the pore of the acne prone individual sheds up to five- this is known as Retention Hyperkeratosis. Foods high in Androgens and Iodides are what we consider “acne aggravators”. High Androgen foods such as dairy products (especially milk), whey protein, and peanuts increase oil production in the skin which leads to increased congestion in pore for the acne prone individual. Iodides or Iodines are often found in high salt foods, seaweed, whey protein, dairy, and many supplements. Iodides are excreted through the pores and cause irritation that contributes to inflammation of the pore in a person genetically prone to acne. Limiting these types of food to twice a week is something we discuss with all acne clients at Skin Theory.
Rosacea:
Individuals who suffer from Rosacea notice increased facial redness from:
Sun Exposure
Increased Stress
Hot Weather
Wind
Exercise
Alcohol
Hot Baths
Cold Weather
Spicy Foods
Humidity
Indoor Heat
Irritating skin care products (including chemical sunscreens)
Heated Beverages
While some triggers may affect an individual more or less than others, they should be avoided to limit exacerbating the inflammation in the skin associated with Rosacea. Wearing a non-chemical sunscreen every day, rain or shine is a big piece of avoiding aggravating Rosacea.
Melasma:
Melasma is a pesky skin condition that causes brown or gray-brown patches of melasma most commonly on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. Because it can be associated with hormonal changes, it primarily affects women.
Melasma Triggers Include:
Pregnancy
Oral Birth Control Pills
Sun Exposure
Heat in the skin
An individual who experiences melasma should be diligent with SPF and avoid laser procedures that heat up the skin. While the hyperpigmentation associated with Melasma can be faded will peel treatments, lifestyle changes, and optimized homecare, it again, is managed but not cured.
Everyone’s skin is different and unique, it’s part of what makes us as Estheticians love what we do. Understanding your skin and making appropriate lifestyle adjustments as well as using products specific to your skin’s condition is a key component of healthy, glowing skin. Our goal at Skin Theory is to not just give you the proverbial “fish that feeds you for the day” i.e. a product or facial, but “the fishing pole that feeds you for a lifetime” i.e. education and understanding of why certain homecare products are better than others for certain skins.