Rosacea Skin Care

Rosacea is an inflammatory process, the specific cause is unknown. Hormonal and genetic factors are believed to play a role in rosacea. Dr. Obagi believes a contributing factor to rosacea is over active oil glands leading to increased sebum (oil) production. Increased sebum irritates the skin, causes inflammation, and sensitivity.

Rosacea can present itself in many forms, which include redness, red capillaries over the cheeks and nose, rough texture due to large oil glands, large pores, oily skin, discoloration, acne-like appearance with cysts and nodules, and dry flaky skin.

Rosacea is a progressive problem with no cure. Rosacea can be controlled and skin maintained looking healthy and free of disease by using topical creams alone. For more severe cases, oral medicine or photodynamic therapy is occasionally required. Medical treatment and supervision is the best approach to treating rosacea.

The way in which I treat rosacea is dependent upon the appearance of the skin and the stage of rosacea. For milder cases of rosacea, where there may only be mild inflammation and no acne-type lesions, I may recommend the Obagi Rosaclear™ system. For moderate to severe cases, with redness, irritation, and weakened, oily skin, I prefer using a combination of the Obagi Nu-Derm® system and ZO Skin Health™ system...