What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a skin condition in which the skin on the face is inflamed and extremely sensitive. The symptoms are usually facial flushing and swelling, burning and stinging, small acne pustules that resemble a rash, and flaky or scaly skin. It is a condition that comes and goes, but usually gets worse over time if not treated. If not controlled over time, the skin can become thicker with more redness and inflammation. The medical community claims there is currently no cure for rosacea. We disagree, and believe with the right diet and lifestyle changes, and rosacea-safe skincare products, it can be suppressed and well-managed. Skin at Peace provides fresh ingredients that are proven to be the best rosacea skincare regimen.
A closer look at Rosacea:
Facial inflammation and hyper-sensitive skin can emerge from many different factors. These factors contribute to the breakdown or dysfunction of the skin’s natural lipid barrier. With this barrier function compromised, the skin is vulnerable to disease and pathogens. Rosacea can be genetic, but the external environment, toxin overload, emotional unrest, and lifestyle choices accelerate the condition. Some of these known factors are:
- Excessive sun exposure
- Wind or cold weather
- Emotional disregulation, (stress, anxiety, or trauma)
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Drinking Caffeine
- Harsh skincare Products
- Harsh Makeup
- Lack of facial hygiene
- Gut microbiome imbalance
- Blood vessel disorder
- Medications
- Demodex folliculitis
These are just a few of the commonly known causes of rosacea. There are many new studies being conducted about the connection between the gut microbiome imbalance, and how diet contributes to our skin health. There are also many studies currently being done about how preservatives in skincare and cosmetics play a role in aggravating and accelerating rosacea and sensitive skin symptoms. This is why it is important to read the ingredients label, and use rosacea skin care products if you have sensitive skin.
Because almost all skin care products contain preservatives, it is likely that they are contributing to damage of the skin’s barrier. Even creams for rosacea on the market today contain preservatives. Some preservatives are generally thought to be safe, and do not irritate skin that is not sensitive, but clinical studies confirm the harmfulness of these ingredients in all skin. “The ideal preservative, both effective and devoid of irritant or sensitizing potential, is still to be discovered.” -Sasseville D.
Studies show that people with rosacea whose skin has absorbed harmful preservatives have more papules and pustules, (papulopustular rosacea, or type 2) and breakout more often. When switching to a non-preservative skincare line there is sometimes an initial breakout due to the skin detoxifying, but ultimately it becomes healthier and has a much better appearance.
Preservative-free skincare is said to be an “unmet clinical need”. Mass manufacturing of skincare and its long-term storage in warehouses and stores for months, or even years, is the current standard for most companies on the market. Because of this time frame from the lab to your home, the products need preservatives to keep them from growing mold and bacteria. Skin at Peace has created a solution for this need by sending fresh ingredients directly to the customer monthly to avoid using any preservatives or unnecessary additives, making it the best skincare for rosacea and sensitive skin.
How we avoid harsh preservatives in Skin at Peace:
- small batch production made weekly
- not sold in stores or third parties, only direct to customer
- advanced formulation techniques from our MD and microbiologist
- glass packaging that is small, sterile, and sustainable
Ingredients that are helpful in calming rosacea symptoms:
Ceramides are fatty acids that are necessary for a healthy barrier function. They not only lock in moisture but allow skin to receive hydration from external sources as well. When there is a lack of ceramides in the skin, it leads to dehydration and TEWL, (trans-epidermal water loss). TEWL is when your skin cannot hold onto water and the outside environment takes moisture from the cells, leading to a disinfection of the skin’s lipid barrier. Most skin disorders have a diminished barrier function and a low ceramide content. Formulations containing ceramides have been proven to improve skin with inflammatory conditions, making it the best moisturizer for rosacea and sensitive skin.
Green tea extract has anti-inflammatory properties due to the tea’s high content of polyphenols. Green tea's anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce skin irritation, skin redness, and swelling. Green tea is an antioxidant, and has UV-protective elements, which is important for the treatment of rosacea. This is included in Skin at Peace’s best toner for rosacea prone skin.
Sea buckthorn oil has unique skin regeneration and repair properties and protects against infections. This plant has been known to eliminate inflammation and slow the aging process by improving blood circulation and oxygenating the cells. It removes excess toxins from the skin and easily penetrates through the epidermis. This process deeply hydrates skin and calms inflammation, making it the best cleanser for rosacea sensitive skin.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) helps to reduce inflammation, increases cellular energy, and repairs DNA damage. It is found to stabilize the epidermal barrier by increasing moisture levels, while controlling sebum production, making it helpful in pustular rosacea. Skin at Peace uses this ingredient in Night, a great cream for rosacea. It speeds up cellular turnover which is a gentle way to exfoliate sensitive skin without irritation.
Aloe vera is commonly known for soothing and calming irritated skin. Aloe is also a humectant, which means it binds water in the cells, keeping it hydrated and nourished. Many studies have shown that aloe vera plays an important role in promoting wound healing and plays an important role in skin regeneration. It is also known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal toner for rosacea and sensitive skin.
Hyaluronic acid is a water-based ingredient that is found naturally in the human body. Synthetic versions have been proven to be just as effective in adding water content to the skin cells, making it appear plumper and softer. Hyaluronic acid has been proven in skin healing and restoring barrier function. Since rosacea and sensitive skin have a compromised barrier, this ingredient is key to repairing the damage and restoring healthy, hydrated skin. Skin at Peace includes this ingredient in both Day and Night, which are the best moisturizers for rosacea and sensitive skin.
Zinc oxide is a mineral that helps filter out UV rays, keeping them from penetrating the skin and causing cell damage. Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen (sun protection factor SPF 15 or greater) is an essential part of any skincare regimen. Preventative SPF skincare is necessary to cause no further damage to already inflamed skin.
Vitamin C (magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, L-ascorbic acid) can strengthen capillaries so they will not break as easily, reducing visible redness, (erythematotelangiectatic rosacea). The anti-inflammatory bioflavonoids found in Vitamin C help support weakened blood vessels. Rosacea may be caused by blood vessels that dilate too easily, therefore strengthening these blood vessels with Vitamin C can counteract the inflammation. Vitamin C can help inflamed skin by regenerating cells and protecting them from oxidative stress.
Vitamin E (tocopherol) has moisturizing and healing benefits and can help calm irritated skin. It also strengthens skin barrier function, making it ideal for rosacea and sensitive skin that has a weakened lipid barrier. Vitamin E can also act as a natural preservative, due to its antiseptic properties.
Squalane is a plant-based oil that mimics the oil, “squalene” which is naturally occurring in humans and other animals. Skin at Peace is 100% vegan, and sources all natural, squalane. This potent oil is a great emollient, which is used to soften the skin. Squalane has anti-inflammatory properties and can calm redness and irritation. It can also detoxify skin with antiseptic elements and is an antioxidant that protects, making it the best face wash for rosacea and sensitive skin. Squalane can also boost collagen production which firms and lifts the skin.
Glycerin is a humectant that draws in moisture and helps bind water into the skin cells. Skin at Peace uses a plant-based glycerin that has skin soothing properties and gently hydrates the skin without clogging pores. Glycerin is a great ingredient for rosacea and sensitive skin since it is so light and contains no irritating elements. It is generally used to gently hydrate and soften the skin, making it the best moisturizer for rosacea sensitive skin.
Jojoba oil is a commonly used medicinal plant that is grown and used worldwide. Numerous studies on jojoba oil prove pharmacological properties, such as an antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, analgesic, and antimicrobial. Jojoba oil is non-comedogenic, meaning that it won't clog your pores. This light-weight oil is an optimal cleanser for rosacea sensitive skin and irritated skin, calming inflammation and puffiness.
Work Cited:
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Advanced Dermatology PC- Cybele Fishman, MD, a board certified dermatologist
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Baldwin H, Alexis AF, Andriessen A, Berson DS, Farris P, Harper J, Lain E, Marchbein S, Stein Gold L, Tan J. Evidence of Barrier Deficiency in Rosacea and the Importance of Integrating OTC Skincare Products into Treatment Regimens. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021 Apr 1;20(4):384-392. doi: 10.36849/JDD.2021.5861. PMID: 33852244.
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Conceptualization, S.R.E. and R.K.S.; Writing—initial draft preparation, S.R.E., M.N. (Mimi Nguyen), A.R.V., M.N. (Manisha Notay), W.A.B., Writing—review and editing, S.R.E., M.N. (Mimi Nguyen), S.S., R.K.S.; Supervision, R.K.S.
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Coderch L, López O, de la Maza A, Parra JL. Ceramides and skin function. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2003;4(2):107-29. doi: 10.2165/00128071-200304020-00004. PMID: 12553851.
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Dermatology Consulting Services, PLLC, High Point, NC, Burt’s Bees, Durham, NC
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Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY
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Chapel Hill Dermatology, PA, Chapel Hill, NC
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Dermatology on Bloor, https://dermonbloor.com/vitamin-c-perfect-fix-rosacea-symptoms/
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Division of Dermatology, McGill University Health Centre, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. denis.sasseville@mcgill.ca [15]. Microorganisms2019, 7(11), 550; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms7110550 Received: 16 October 2019 / Revised: 27 October 2019 / Accepted: 6 November 2019 / Published: 11 November 2019
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Gad HA, Roberts A, Hamzi SH, Gad HA, Touiss I, Altyar AE, Kensara OA, Ashour ML. Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity. Polymers (Basel). 2021 May 24;13(11):1711. doi: 10.3390/polym13111711. PMID: 34073772; PMCID: PMC8197201.
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Gupta M, Mahajan VK, Mehta KS, Chauhan PS. Zinc therapy in dermatology: a review. Dermatol Res Pract. 2014;2014:709152. doi: 10.1155/2014/709152. Epub 2014 Jul 10. PMID: 25120566; PMCID: PMC4120804.
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Healthline- Medically reviewed by Amanda Caldwell, MSN, APRN-C— By Rebecca Strongon May 2, 2022
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Rosacea, by Apple Bodemar, MD (2014, updated 2020). www.va.gov
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Sasseville D. Hypersensitivity to preservatives. Dermatol Ther. 2004;17(3):251-63. doi: 10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04028.x. PMID: 15186371.
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Zielińska A, Nowak I. Abundance of active ingredients in sea-buckthorn oil. Lipids Health Dis. 2017 May 19;16(1):95. doi: 10.1186/s12944-017-0469-7. PMID: 28526097; PMCID: PMC5438513.
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Zoe Diana Draelos MD,a Hemali Gunt PhD,bJoshua Zeichner MD,c Stanley Levy MDd
- Agnieszka Kupiec Banasikowska, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology