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Roseaca or Adult Acne

I have a longtime client that has been diagnosed by a dermatologist with roseaca. She was recommended a script for a pretty strong oral medication as well as a topical for use in the evening at bed time. While she finds the breakouts somewhat embarrassing and unsightly, she has reservations on the prescribed medications. She prefers a holistic approach toward her treatment.

I'm looking for direction that I could point her in as an alternative???

Thanks, Kevin

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Permalink Reply by Katharine Koeppen on July 28, 2009 at 9:09pm

I am a registered clinical aromatherapist and have had great luck using essential oil blends to control and minimize rosacea in both men and women. I would suggest that your client seek out a clinical aromatherapist who will develop some specialized blends or have a few sessions with a qualified esthetician who does true aromatherapy facials. She needs someone who is trained to custom blend facial treatment products and/or perform customized aromatherapy facials, not someone who just uses the kind of of pre-prepared, packaged aromatherapy skin products that are commonly available to skincare professionals. Your client may also benefit from LED light therapy, which is offered by some medical estheticians.

By the way, rosacea is not simply adult acne, but a specific skin condition which has various causes. Your client needs to avoid exfoliating products on the face, and avoid using very hot water, steam saunas, etc. as these will all irritate the condition.

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Permalink Reply by Kevin M. Deighan on July 28, 2009 at 9:41pm

Thanks Katharine,
I believe she will be interested in trying an alternative to meds. I appreciate your feedback and will pass it on!

Be well!
Kevin

Katharine Koeppen said:

I am a registered clinical aromatherapist and have had great luck using essential oil blends to control and minimize rosacea in both men and women. I would suggest that your client seek out a clinical aromatherapist who will develop some specialized blends or have a few sessions with a qualified esthetician who does true aromatherapy facials. She needs someone who is trained to custom blend facial treatment products and/or perform customized aromatherapy facials, not someone who just uses the kind of of pre-prepared, packaged aromatherapy skin products that are commonly available to skincare professionals. Your client may also benefit from LED light therapy, which is offered by some medical estheticians.

By the way, rosacea is not simply adult acne, but a specific skin condition which has various causes. Your client needs to avoid exfoliating products on the face, and avoid using very hot water, steam saunas, etc. as these will all irritate the condition.

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Permalink Reply by Ellen Stetson on September 7, 2009 at 10:15pm

Hi Kevin, I have rosacea myself so here's what I've learned. Years ago I was diagnosed by a dermatologist, used both steroid cremes and gels and was ultimately offered an antibiotic, which I declined. None of the perscription meds worked very well, and not wanting to stay on any of these long-term I searched out natural alternatives. After licensing as an LMT, I shared an office with an Aesthetician, and her treatments were so much more effective. Redness and breakouts today are rare, here's what worked in order of their impact on my face!

1. NO SOAP
2. No liquid makeup
3. Non-irritating, paraben-free mineral make-up
4. Cleanser and moisturizer from all-natural organic sources (health food store can help here.)
5. Avoid extremes in temperature. ( Being a motorcycle rider, this is harder...)
6. Highest quality suncreen with titanium dioxide on my face at all times, even walking out in the yard. My Aesthetician pointed out, the whiteness of the titanium dioxide does "mask" the redness of rosacea as well as act as a screen.
7. Rosacea is quieted by moisture, so I use more of it than I used too.
8. Avoid spicy foods which trigger condition for some people

Tell your client, healing this is possible, beautiful skin can return with help of all natural products, good diet and Aeathetician with special knowledge of this condition!

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Permalink Reply by Susan G. Salvo on September 8, 2009 at 5:58am

I have been dealing with rosacea for years (it runs in my family).

I've tried natural and pharmacologic treatments; all with less-than-satisfactory results.

Last year, I tired a new treatment called IPL (intense pulse light). It might be the same thing that Katharine mentioned earlier.

It worked very well and I plan on having a few more sessions done this winter.