Can Alpha Hydroxy Acids Work with Rosacea Prone Skin?

If you are a rosacea sufferer, you know what we are talking about, the frustration of not only the flare-ups, but no known causes of what is making it happen.  Rosacea triggers are incredibly different from one person to another; therefore, treating them and discovering the correct products for your skincare routine can present a challenge.

Regrettably, when it comes to rosacea, it is an insufficiently understood skin issue. The root cause of rosacea has yet to be identified.  What is known about rosacea is that it has heightened levels of inflamed proteins called cathelicidins, which add to dilated blood vessels, inflammatory bumps, and redness for rosacea-prone skin.  Most likely rosacea comes from, sorry to say this, but your genetics.  However, your lifestyle choices and environmental factors also play a massive role in your rosacea.

Yes, there are treatments out there for rosacea; however, they are seldom long-lasting. The good news is that you have options available to relieve your symptoms.  Read on to learn about things you can do to take care of rosacea's redness and products to help. We will offer some tips for rosacea prone skincare and answer the question, Can Alpha Hydroxy Acids Work with Rosacea Prone Skin?

 

First off, What is Rosacea?

The term “rosacea” often is associated with redness of the face that is caused by a condition that affects the blood vessels in your face.  People affected by rosacea-prone skin are commonly middle-aged women with fairer skin tones; however, anyone can get rosacea.

The precise cause of rosacea is unknown; however, typically, it is genetic and not associated with skin infections or clogged pores. Most often, people mistakenly assume redness and bumps from rosacea are acne.

Okay Red Cheeks, (Rosacea,) What Are the Causes?

So, listen up! Your chances of developing rosacea increase if you:

• Blush much more quickly compared to others.
• Sorry ladies, but if you are a woman with fair and sensitive skin your chances of having rosacea increase.
• If you fall in the age bracket between 30 and 60 (During the onset of menopause, your chances of getting rosacea increase. Geesh, ladies, we can't catch a break, can we?
• Family members have it, then your chances of getting rosacea are higher.

What Triggers the Onset of Rosacea?

Like with any other skin condition, numerous factors can contribute to a rosacea flare-up.

These include:

• Drinking hot beverages or consuming spicy foods. Maybe it’s a good idea to start getting that coffee iced?
• Drinking alcohol. This is no surprise. This seems always to be listed in factors causing different skin conditions.
• Excess fluctuations in temperatures
• Too much sunlight exposure
• Taking part in an arduous exercise routine. Remember rest days are okay and essential to allow your body to recover and heal.
• Using particular medications, such as blood pressure meds or steroids, like prednisone. DO NOT stop taking these meds unless instructed by your doctor.
• Mismanaged stress or uncontrolled anger episodes. Try to find your chi and be zen; your skin will thank you later on.

 

What Kind of Skin Care Products Should You Use for Rosacea?

So, let’s check out what type of products and ingredients you can include in your skin care regime to help lessen the symptoms of rosacea.

Mild Cleansers

Rosacea's skin-prone complexions are red, inflamed, and irritated, so it is best to use a mild cleanser to wash your face as part of your skincare routine. These types of its natural cleansers help your skin preserve it’s elements. Frequently, mild cleansers have cleansing properties called “syndets,” or synthetic detergents, that are way gentler on your skin and will not strip your skin of its natural moisture barrier. You will have calmer skin, and with continued use, future skin irritation and inflammation, as well as breakouts, can be avoided. 

Give our AHA Cleanser a try.  It is gentle yet effective in getting the job done. The best part, our products are created with all-natural ingredients that your skin will drink up immediately, removing dirt, oil, and other impurities.

Calming Serums

When suffering from rosacea-prone skin, you want to look for a serum that has calming properties.  Calming ingredients are declared a particular class of ingredients that do not produce irritation or sensitivity when you apply them to your skin.

Generally, these are plant-derived ingredients that distribute the benefits of antioxidants. Calming ingredients are for all skin types, not just for rosacea-prone or sensitive skin.

Make sure to read the labels of serum that you are considering adding to your daily skincare regime. A calming serum's goal is to counteract inflammation, redness, and irritation for a more leveled and gentle skin complexion. Meanwhile, fighting the signs of premature aging and skin damage from over-exposure to the sun.

Exfoliators

When using an exfoliant for rosacea-prone skin, stay away from anything with the word “scrub” on the packaging.  Stay clear of apricot seeds and micro beads; these will only aggravate your skin more. Make sure to use only an exfoliant with mild enzymes, like Alpha Hydroxy Acids, papain from papayas, BHAs, (beta hydroxy acid) glycolic, lactic or mandelic acids that have higher pH levels that lessen irritation, redness, and inflammation.

At Nonie of Beverly Hills, we produce and sell an array of Alpha Hydroxy Products that can help with this, made from naturally derived fruits.  Our AHA ingredient-based products will work on the multiple layers of your skin, sweeping it clean.  

Soothing Moisturizers

Soothing moisturizers can be used daily and are ultra-lightweight in texture and oil-free.  The added benefits to a gentle moisturizer besides hydrating your face are to help boost your skin’s ability to fight the signs of aging and reduce redness.  Make sure to look for the words hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic on the packing, as well as organic and all-natural ingredients.

Make sure to check out the AHA moisturizers we sell at Nonie of Beverly Hills. If you are not sure which AHA skin care product is suitable for your skin, check out our blog, Aha or Bha? How to Pick the Right Exfoliant for Your Skin.

Sun Protection for Rosacea.

There are two types of damaging rays: UVA rays age skin; UVB rays burn it. Surprisingly, not all sunscreens protect against both. Look for non-chemical sunscreens that contain zinc or titanium dioxide and deliver UVA/UVB protection with an SPF of 15 or higher. A formula designed for rosacea and sensitive skin, such as a convenient mineral formulation, can help reduce the possibility of irritation.

Skin Care Tips for Rosacea-Prone Skin

If you suffer from rosacea-prone skin, having a good skincare routine based on your symptoms helps give your skin relief when a flareup occurs. Some people underestimate the need for a vital skincare routine, especially when you have inflammatory issues and an inherent skin barrier when it comes along with having rosacea. 

Sadly, rosacea will never entirely go away since it's considered a chronic condition. Accruing skin damage from the sun, the aging process, free radicals, and environmental damage can take a significant toll on your skin. It will not be able to atone for the damage without a proper skincare routine centered on the condition.

1. It’s Safe to Use Skincare Products, Just Make Sure They are the Right Ones for Your Skincare Needs.

We get it; most rosacea sufferers can be a little uneasy about putting anything on their skin in fear it will make the condition worse.  However, whether it's sensitive skin you have or rosacea, it's vital to use good skincare products.  Here is a visual for you, try to think of skincare as an exercise routine.  You should never stop, even when tired; if you are motivated and want to see results, you must put in the work.   If you keep using good skincare products tailored to your skin needs, you will see improvements in your complexion.

So, when it comes to the products you use in your regime, try to go above and beyond just washing your face and using a moisturizer.

Your goal should be to push your skincare regimen in the direction of finding products that will make your skin overall much healthier over time.

2. Watch out for potential skin irritants.

Keep your skincare routine simple and not complicated by reading the label and understanding the ingredients.  Chances are, if you can't pronounce a word on the package, then maybe it a good idea to disregard an item of that sort. For rosacea skin-prone types, remember the simpler the better.  Please limit the number of ingredients and products you put on your face.  Look for all-natural, organic, and vegan-based products.

3. If you want to use a few other skincare products, proceed with caution. 

Just because you have rosacea, it is not the end of the world when it comes to using skincare products, and that you can't use things with powerful ingredients, such as alpha-hydroxy acid skin care products or retinol.

Be mindful and make sure you apply them sparingly and correctly. Just make sure you're using them correctly.  Below are some do and do not's when it comes to "other" skincare products.

Use of Antiaging Creams, Serums, and Retinol.

WAIT! Did you mention retinol? Rosacea suffers can’t use that. Yes, they can, but slow and steady will win the retinol relay. Acclimating retinol into your skincare regime at a turtle's pace can only benefit your complexion down the road. Use a low potency retinol and apply moisturizer quickly afterward. Yes, it will still work, retinol can help boost your collagen levels, so in the long run, it can improve your rosacea regenerating skin cells, leading the way to healthier skin.

Are Vitamin C or Antioxidant Serums Safe?

Everyone, regardless of skin type or skin issues, should try to use these every day.  

These serums help correct sun damage and free radical skin damage as well as fight it. We know it’s a tad bothersome since there are SO MANY moisturizers and serums with these ingredients in the beauty and skincare world. 

Try to find one that is well suited for you and use it continuously. When using either one of these ingredients, rosacea-prone skin types should use them under a moisturizer to help avert inflammation and irritation and keep your skin barrier strong.

What About the Use of AHAs and Rosacea?

The same rule should apply for the use of AHAs.  Slow and steady wins the race.  There is no need to use the most potent mixture of ingredients.  Try to use AHAs like glycolic, mandelic, or lactic acid for your rosacea skin issues.  These chemical exfoliants are much gentler than mechanical scrubs. 

Again, we suggest, applying a moisturizer right after using your AHA. If your skin rebels against one, it’s okay to try another. You must figure out which acid is good for you and how much.

Now, do not OVER use Alpha Hydroxy Acids, thinking they will exfoliate your skin issue away.  Quite the opposite will happen. This can trigger more redness, irritation, and inflamed skin, as well as breakouts.

Your overall long-term goal for using AHAs should be to improve your skin and skin texture over time.

But First, What are AHAs?

Alpha Hydroxy Acids are derived from naturally developed mixtures of plant or animal products.  

Yet, at Nonie of Beverly Hills, we know you love animals, and we do too, and we are against animal testing and animal cruelty. Rest assured that our products are only produced from all-natural ingredients, giving you the best organic and vegan quality AHA skincare products. No harsh chemicals or synthetic components are in our formulations. 

Commonly, Alpha Hydroxy Acids are used as an anti-aging routine and product. Lactic acid and Glycolic acids are the most widely known and utilized AHA's in the skincare world. 

You can't go wrong with either one of these AHAs. Both AHAs are incredibly mild and gentle on your skin, even for the most irritated skin, like rosacea prone. 

Chemical exfoliation is the primary goal of these two AHA while dissolving the bonds between skin cells and helping to shed dead cells and skin build-up naturally, leaving you with a more luminous and more even-textured complexion. 

Tell Us More About Glycolic Acid

Next to Lactic Acid, this one is highly used, known, and loved by the AHA family for what it can do for your skin. This AHA is a natural derivative of sugar cane while being water-soluble.  Glycolic acid can penetrate deeper into your skin than any other AHAs due to its super tiny molecules.

For this reason, it is one of the more powerful AHAs. While being one of the strongest, it is one of the gentlest for to your skin.

New to alpha hydroxy acid skin care products? Then switch your focus to either lactic acid or mandelic acid.  

However, for you skincare pros out there that know their AHAs, then you know how beneficial glycolic acid can be for your skin and will deliver stellar results and improvement for your skin issues. 

Got oily skin? No problem, by using glycolic acid, excess oil production will be killed off, along with skin debris. 

It has been noted that Glycolic acid help controls and manage rosacea symptoms.

Are you looking to smooth out the wrinkles and fine lines? Well then, incorporate glycolic acid skin care products into your daily routine. 

So, Then What About Lactic Acid?

Lactic Acid is super hydrating and comes from milk and other vegan means such as fermented corn starch, beets, or additional sugar fortified foods. 

If you desire a mild chemical exfoliant, then start using Lactic Acid. 

It sheds away drab, dull and dead skin cells, leaving you with a lighter, brighter, and more polished skin tone.  

Lactic Acid does the following:

• Acne Reducer.
• Reduces the Effects of Aging 
• It helps skin hold moisture.
• Increases cell turnover.
• Kills bacteria.

To incorporate Lactic Acid into your skincare routine for rosacea, it is recommended that you then use a small amount of lactic acid on your face.  Lactic acid is an optimal treatment for rosacea-prone skin since it will kill germs and destroy and shed dead skin cells.

Is Mandelic Acid the Best AHA for Rosacea?

Mandelic Acid comes from almonds; while some say bitter almonds, almonds are almonds, right? As compared to lactic or glycolic acid, mandelic acid has a much bigger molecular size, which makes it more oil-soluble than its other AHA friends. Subsequently, it is a very mild and gentler option for people suffering from dry skin, sensitive skin, and rosacea-prone skin. It is considered by most to be the safest option of an AHA for rosacea sufferers since it helps lessen inflammation and irritation. 

Also, due to the mandelic’s slower absorption rate, rosacea-prone skin can tolerate it better. And lastly, because of mandelic acid’s antibacterial properties, it has the upper hand over its other fellow AHAs since there is a school of thought that bacteria can be a factor in a rosacea trigger and flare-up.

Here at Nonie of Beverly Hills, We Care About Your Skincare and Skin Issues

There are numerous skin care products and ingredients out in the skincare world realm, and at times, it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out which ones are best for you and especially when you have a skin condition like rosacea.

Are you lost as to which products are best for your skin type and will take care of your skin needs? Look no further. Here at Nonie of Beverly Hills, we have a wide variety of all-natural skin care products for every skin type.  Visit our ingredient list to read more about the benefits that each ingredient can offer every skin type.  Rest assured you will find exactly what you need. Check out our website now and find the exact product that will address your skin care woes

Unfortunately, rosacea is an incessant skin issue that you will have to manage long term.  However, the good news is that you can control it with various courses of action, like a skincare routine using products to help lessen the inflammation, irritation, and redness associated with rosacea.  Also, knowing your triggers and avoiding the things we mentioned earlier can significantly help. Make sure to keep your doctor in the loop to any changes you may make to your skincare routine that can affect your rosacea.

Stay Up to Date with the Latest News Your Skin Can Use

Looking for useful tips and information when it comes to YOUR skincare?  Make sure to read some of our other blog entries. 

We all know that natural ingredients are truly what is best for our skin, to get supreme results.  Read more about them in our blog, Natural Ingredients That are Used in AHAs

No one wants to have loose and saggy skin.  Check out our blog post on How To Use AHAs to Tighten Loose Skin, to get a skin win!