By Christine Cheng, R.Ph. and Fred Cheng, R.Ph.
We often associate rosy cheeks as a sign of good health. To mimic the look of healthy rosy cheeks, we apply blush. However, those people with rosy cheeks associated with rosacea may wish their cheeks weren’t so rosy!
Rosacea is a chronic, progressive skin disorder that causes redness on the face, usually on the cheeks, nose and forehead. As with so-called “normal” blushing, redness in these areas is caused when the blood vessels under the face dilate. However, in those with rosacea, the reaction can be accompanied by uncomfortable tingling. As the condition worsens, there may be extreme redness, warmth, swelling and what looks like spider veins may appear on the face. Pustules may develop, which explains why rosacea is often misdiagnosed as adult acne.
Common triggers include stress, sunlight, spicy foods, and alcohol; thus minimizing exposure to these risk factors can limit flare-ups. Traditional treatments generally center around antibiotics, azelaic acid, and vitamin A analogues. Oral medications may also be prescribed to minimize the flushing.
In our pharmacies, we have seen good success in treating rosacea with a dermatological line of products called RIVERSOL. Riversol was developed by Dr. Jason Rivers, a Clinical Professor of Dermatology and past director of the Dermatology Residency Program at the University of British Columbia. His extensive pharmaceutical skincare line uses a red cedar tree extract, a naturally anti-microbial ingredient unique to the Pacific Northwest that has demonstrated efficacy in calming the skin and reducing rosacea flare ups. Combined with stabilized vitamin C (to accelerate the healing of damaged tissues) and vitamin E (to hydrate the skin and bolster its defence against UV radiation), the red cedar tree extract is clinically proven to fight free radicals, heal the skin and help reduce the appearance of sun and age spots as well as reduce overall inflammatory symptoms. Riversol products are fragrance-free, sulphate-free and dye-free.
Come talk with one of us at our Pharmasave stores in the heart of DOWNTOWN CLOVERDALE or STEVESTON VILLAGE about your skin care and other health concerns.
Christine and Fred Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique, family-operated Pharmasave stores in Cloverdale and Steveston, B.C. They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use. Everything mentioned in their article is available In Store
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