A WORD ABOUT PROSACEA®
PROSACEA Gel is an effective topical medication that helps diminish symptoms of rosacea, including redness, acne-like bumps and dryness. The PROSACEA moisture-rich formula calms, soothes and conditions dry, reddened and irritated skin. PROSACEA Gel contains no irritating alcohol or petroleum-based ingredients. PROSACEA Gel is extremely light, applies easily, is absorbed thoroughly by the skin and has no lingering objectionable odor…you hardly know it’s on. With daily use as directed, PROSACEA can help provide visible improvement of your rosacea symptoms.
WHAT IS ROSACEA?
Rosacea is a highly visible skin condition, the exact cause of which is still not fully understood, but thought to have a hereditary component, running in families. Generally, rosacea is characterized by redness of the skin on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead, usually causing a reddened, inflamed appearance. Approximately 14-16 million people in the U.S. have rosacea and many people don’t know they have it. Rosacea is generally thought to affect those with fair skin, though it can affect all skin types. Symptoms may also include acne-like bumps and visible blood vessels. Rosacea is commonly known to be aggravated by anything that causes a flushing reaction (increased blood- flow) in the skin, which could include alcohol consumption, exposure to sun or extreme temperatures, spicy foods or other irritants. While currently there is no known cure for rosacea, symptoms are known to respond favorably to certain topical treatments. The symptoms of this condition do not typically disappear if left untreated and in some cases can worsen. Symptoms may vary among sufferers with intermittent episodes of improvement and worsening over time. Generally, rosacea progresses through three symptomatic stages:
- Stage 1: In the earliest stage of rosacea, the most common symptoms can include subtle to moderate redness, stinging, burning, dryness or tightness of skin. Tiny visible blood vessels (telangiectasia) may also appear on the skin’s surface. Skin may begin to react to certain cosmetics, and may also be more reactive to temperature changes or become sensitive to certain foods.
- Stage 2: As the condition progresses, redness becomes more persistent. Larger areas of the face may become affected. The formation of papules (red bumps) or pustules (resembling pimples) and swelling may develop. Facial pores and sebaceous follicles may become larger and more prominent.
- Stage 3: Generally, stage 3 rosacea is less common, but individuals diagnosed with this advanced stage of rosacea exhibit all characteristics of stages 1 and 2. Facial features may become thicker, irregular or even exhibit gradual deformation. Affected areas of the skin become a deeper shade of red. The sebaceous glands may be extremely enlarged, contributing to further redness, inflammation, papules, pustules and swelling of facial features. If you believe you may have rosacea, do not delay in consulting a doctor for proper diagnosis and advice.
SUGGESTIONS FOR HOW TO AVOID AND CONTROL FLARE-UPS:
Medical experts have suggested some ways to avoid aggravating symptoms which include:
- Avoid direct sunlight as rosacea symptoms can be triggered or worsened by exposure to sunlight. When in the sun, use a mild sunscreen.
- Avoiding rubbing or scrubbing affected areas, which can irritate the skin or stimulate increased blood flow to the areas.
- Use mild soaps, moisturizers and sunscreens and be sure to gently apply them to the face in order to avoid irritating affected areas.
- Avoid hot drinks, spicy foods and alcoholic beverages that can cause flushing.
- Protect your skin from extreme hot and cold conditions.
- Avoid cosmetics, soaps, and other facial products that contain ingredients such as alcohol, menthol and fragrances.
- Keeping a log of any products, medicines, foods or weather and/or environmental conditions that may trigger flushing episodes or symptom flare-ups in order to avoid them in the future.
- Consult your doctor for treatment recommendations.
SOME ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS FOR OVERALL GOOD SKIN HEALTH:
- Get adequate rest
- Avoid emotional stress where possible
- Avoid excessive / stressful exercise which might cause skin flushing
- Drink adequate amounts of water daily
- Keep hands and face clean
- Keep affected areas clean and well moisturized
- Shampoo hair regularly using a mild antibacterial shampoo
- Avoid touching affected areas
HOW CAN PROSACEA® GEL HELP?
PROSACEA contains sulphur 1x, a medically recognized homeopathic ingredient that has been recognized for relief of common rosacea symptoms such as redness, bumps and dryness, when used as directed. PROSACEA’s non-oily formula is non-comedogenic (doesn’t cause pimples) and won’t clog pores. It is important for successful results that once treatment is started with PROSACEA, it is continued uninterrupted, carefully following and adhering to package directions until satisfactory results are achieved or given further advice from a doctor.