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Ask our Doctors

Skin Renewal Doctors all have a broad knowledge, background and passion for aesthetic medicine. Please feel free to ask them your questions and concerns.

Conditions
Conditions

Rosacea/Red Skin

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin disease that causes facial redness and sensitivity. You may mistake some of its characteristics - small, red, pus-filled bumps or pustules - for acne. In fact, rosacea has been called adult acne or acne rosacea, but the disease has little to do with the pimples and blackheads that commonly afflict teenagers.

Similarly to auto-immune diseases, Rosacea will flare-up and subside as inflammatory triggers in the body increase and decrease. This yo-yo effect of flaring and subsiding can be extremely demotivating and depressing for the Rosacea sufferer. Flare-ups can be extremely uncomfortable and unsightly and difficult to cover-up or disguise.

Rosacea affects mostly adults, usually people with fair skin, between the ages of 30 and 60. Although it's more common in women, men may develop more apparent signs of the disorder. It's not life-threatening, but it can affect your appearance and really lower your self-esteem.

Left untreated, rosacea tends to be progressive, which means it gets worse over time. Besides acne, rosacea can also be mistaken for other skin problems, such as skin allergy or eczema. Once diagnosed correctly, it's quite treatable, but requires on-going management to keep it under control.

How do we treat Rosacea?

It must be emphasised that Rosacea is a chronic condition and cannot be cured; however, its appearance can be improved.

Treatment requires a 3-level approach:

1)   Actively targeting the condition with in-clinic treatments

2)   Maintaining the treatment results with products to manage the condition

3)   Oral supplementation to actively lower inflammation in the body & skin

In clinic treatments may include the following:

Topical Home Care Therapy is vital – there are some excellent products available to help Rosacea patients – some of these incredible options are available via our online store

What causes Rosacea?

Why choose Skin Renewal for your rosacea treatments?

At Skin Renewal, all patients with skin conditions are treated holistically by our experienced medical doctors. In other words, in a rosacea consultation at Skin Renewal, your doctor will take a comprehensive history to ensure that there are no underlying medical conditions which are contributing to your rosacea.

There are numerous significant medical conditions that are associated with rosacea which we need to identify and address.

Conditions such as low stomach acid, dysbiosis and leaky gut all compromise skin and may cause rosacea, but more importantly, these conditions may have future health ramifications such as autoimmune disease, food sensitivities, allergies, asthma, depression and even cancer if they are not adequately addressed.

Treating the condition on all levels is really the only way to have success.

frequently asked
questions

What causes Rosacea?

The cause of rosacea is unknown, but researchers believe it's likely due to some combination of hereditary and environmental factors. Although the exact cause of rosacea remains a mystery, a number of factors can aggravate it or make it worse by increasing blood flow to the surface of your skin. Avoid any activity or ingredients that might provoke an inflammatory reaction.

Some of these include:

  • Hot foods or beverages Spicy foods
  • Alcohol
  • Temperature extremes
  • Avoid sitting in front of fires
  • Sunlight
  • Stress, anger or embarrassment
  • Strenuous exercise
  • Hot baths, saunas, steam rooms
  • You may be sensitive to chlorine in swimming pools
  • Corticosteroids
  • Drugs that dilate blood vessels, including some blood pressure medications
Why choose Skin Renewal for your rosacea treatments?

At Skin Renewal all patients with skin conditions are treated holistically by ourexperienced medical doctors. In other words, in an rosacea consultation at Skin Renewal, your doctor will take a comprehensive history to ensure that there are no underlying medical conditions which are contributing to you rosacea.

There are numerous significant medical conditions that are associated with rosacea which we need to identify and address. Conditions such as low stomach acid, dysbiosis and leaky gut all compromise skin and may cause rosacea but more importantly these conditions may have future health ramifications such as auto immune disease, food sensitivities, allergies, asthma, depression and even cancer if they are not adequately addressed.

In addition, low stomach will eventually lead to low levels of Zinc and other important minerals and vitamins which are essential for healthy skin.

I have red, sensitive, skin and my face is red 24/7 specially on cheeks area. Please could you recommend a good homecare routine I can follow? Is this condition Rosacea?

From what you are describing , it sounds like it could be rosacea. Rosacea is a common condition we see at our clinics, what is important to note is that Rosacea almost always have an internal trigger causing systemic inflammation, so it is important check your diet, some food might be the trigger. When is comes to homecare, we need to start rebuilding your skins barrier, look for ingredients such as peptides and ceremides. For the redness, various ranges have anti-redness serums or creams that will help reduce redness by rebuilding health capillaries and reducing skin inflammation. 

My acne Rosacae came about last year June and I went to a dermatologist who diagnosed me. I was prescribed Tetracycline tabs and Rozex gel for 3 months which I took and it cleared. My acne Rosacea started to come back slowly again almost a year after. Stress is apparently a factor. Can you suggest if you think I should get the same drugs to clear it or seek to use another medicine like a low dose Accutane?

This is not an uncommon occurrence, unfortunately. The problem is that the Tetracycline and Rosex gel, while brilliant tools to help with coping with the Rosacea is only a temporary solution as it is treating a SYMPTOM, and not the actual CAUSE of the problem. So unfortunately, it will keep the problem at bay for a short while, but recurrence will happen due to the underlying triggers not being treated. VERY often the problem is internal and normally gut-related. The aim to help you in the long term would be to sort out what is triggering your Rosacea and then focus the treatment on that trigger so that we address the cause. While that is happening, we can certainly also treat what we are seeing topically to help deal with the appearance of your skin, but the real issue needs to be to focus on managing the cause so that you don’t get this problem reoccurring all the time. 

Why does your Skin Renewal doctor check for low stomach acid during your consultation for rosacea?

At Skin Renewal, during your initial consultation with one of our qualified doctors, it may be advised that you are checked for low stomach acid thereafter a complimentary Betaine HCl acid test is explained and done.

Because:

  • Adequate stomach acid is essential for absorption of the minerals zinc, magnesium, calcium, iron and folate which are essential for healthy skin.
  • Adequate Stomach acid prevents dysbiosis
  • Adequate stomach acid will help prevent a "leaky gut" with all its health ramifications from developing
Why is stomach acid important for health and skin conditions?
  • Adequate stomach acid is essential for absorption of the minerals zinc, magnesium, calcium, iron and folate which are essential for healthy skin.
  • Adequate stomach acid is necessary for the absorption of the B vitamins.
  • Stomach acid activates protein-digesting enzymes and is necessary for proper digestion of protein.
  • Adequate stomach acid is necessary for the pancreas to release its cascade of digestive enzymes for absorption of carbohydrate and fat.
  • Sub-optimal fat digestion means we won't benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fats, nor the wide array of beneficial effects of fats for fertility, skin health, immunity, etc.
  • Adequate stomach acid destroys pathogens (bacteria, fungi, parasites etc) and a lack of stomach acid can lead to bad bacteria proliferating in the small intestine dysbiosis (bad bacteria) and unwanted parasites which have Health Renewal ramifications down the line.
How important is stomach acid?

How can we expect to stay healthy with healthy skin if we have chronically poor nutrient and mineral absorption due to incomplete digestion? In fact, absorption can be reduced to the point where even if someone is consuming a nutrient-dense diet, they can suffer both sub-clinical and overt deficiencies. This is because they are not assimilating those nutrients because they have low stomach acid.

We can treat rosacea topically but if we don't improve the absorption problems associated with rosacea, then the condition will resurface at a later stage.

Having normal levels of stomach function the first important step for a healthy skin and immune system. If ones stomach acid is adequate, the rest of one's digestion and absorption won't be compromised. At Skin Renewal our doctors will explain and check for low stomach acid to ensure optimal treatment of your rosacea condition.

What treatments and topical therapies are available to improve Rosacea?

Topical Therapies:

At Skin Renewal, we offer traditional topical therapies such as Azelaic acid as well as prescription medications to treat Rosacea.

The following is a list of skincare ingredients to AVOID if you have redness and rosacea, alpha-lipoic acid, acetic acid, allantoin, balsam of Peru, benzoic acid, camphor, cinnamic acid, cinnamon oil, cocoa butter, coconut oil, DMAE, isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl myristate, lactic acid, menthol, parabens, peppermint oil and quarternium -15.

Don't use toners on your skin if you have rosacea unless witch hazel is used.

Sunscreens that cause sensitivity and to be AVOIDED are avobenzone, PABA, benzophenone, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, octyl methoxycinnamate, Methyl benzylidene camphor, phenyl benzimidazole sulfonic acid.

Sunscreens, which can be used for sensitive skins, contain micronized zinc oxide, recommended especially for oily skins.

In-Office Therapies:

At Skin Renewal, we offer light and laser therapies such as Limelight ™ Photo Genesis ™, Photodynamic therapy, and Laser genesis™ to improve redness. As each patient's case is different, we will tailor a treatment program specifically for you and your circumstances. A highly professional team led by a medical doctor assesses every patient, and an appropriate combination of treatment, together with a long-term maintenance program, is recommended.

Frequently asked questions

What causes Rosacea?

The cause of rosacea is unknown, but researchers believe it's likely due to some combination of hereditary and environmental factors. Although the exact cause of rosacea remains a mystery, a number of factors can aggravate it or make it worse by increasing blood flow to the surface of your skin. Avoid any activity or ingredients that might provoke an inflammatory reaction.

Some of these include:

  • Hot foods or beverages Spicy foods
  • Alcohol
  • Temperature extremes
  • Avoid sitting in front of fires
  • Sunlight
  • Stress, anger or embarrassment
  • Strenuous exercise
  • Hot baths, saunas, steam rooms
  • You may be sensitive to chlorine in swimming pools
  • Corticosteroids
  • Drugs that dilate blood vessels, including some blood pressure medications
Why choose Skin Renewal for your rosacea treatments?

At Skin Renewal all patients with skin conditions are treated holistically by ourexperienced medical doctors. In other words, in an rosacea consultation at Skin Renewal, your doctor will take a comprehensive history to ensure that there are no underlying medical conditions which are contributing to you rosacea.

There are numerous significant medical conditions that are associated with rosacea which we need to identify and address. Conditions such as low stomach acid, dysbiosis and leaky gut all compromise skin and may cause rosacea but more importantly these conditions may have future health ramifications such as auto immune disease, food sensitivities, allergies, asthma, depression and even cancer if they are not adequately addressed.

In addition, low stomach will eventually lead to low levels of Zinc and other important minerals and vitamins which are essential for healthy skin.

I have red, sensitive, skin and my face is red 24/7 specially on cheeks area. Please could you recommend a good homecare routine I can follow? Is this condition Rosacea?

From what you are describing , it sounds like it could be rosacea. Rosacea is a common condition we see at our clinics, what is important to note is that Rosacea almost always have an internal trigger causing systemic inflammation, so it is important check your diet, some food might be the trigger. When is comes to homecare, we need to start rebuilding your skins barrier, look for ingredients such as peptides and ceremides. For the redness, various ranges have anti-redness serums or creams that will help reduce redness by rebuilding health capillaries and reducing skin inflammation. 

My acne Rosacae came about last year June and I went to a dermatologist who diagnosed me. I was prescribed Tetracycline tabs and Rozex gel for 3 months which I took and it cleared. My acne Rosacea started to come back slowly again almost a year after. Stress is apparently a factor. Can you suggest if you think I should get the same drugs to clear it or seek to use another medicine like a low dose Accutane?

This is not an uncommon occurrence, unfortunately. The problem is that the Tetracycline and Rosex gel, while brilliant tools to help with coping with the Rosacea is only a temporary solution as it is treating a SYMPTOM, and not the actual CAUSE of the problem. So unfortunately, it will keep the problem at bay for a short while, but recurrence will happen due to the underlying triggers not being treated. VERY often the problem is internal and normally gut-related. The aim to help you in the long term would be to sort out what is triggering your Rosacea and then focus the treatment on that trigger so that we address the cause. While that is happening, we can certainly also treat what we are seeing topically to help deal with the appearance of your skin, but the real issue needs to be to focus on managing the cause so that you don’t get this problem reoccurring all the time. 

Why does your Skin Renewal doctor check for low stomach acid during your consultation for rosacea?

At Skin Renewal, during your initial consultation with one of our qualified doctors, it may be advised that you are checked for low stomach acid thereafter a complimentary Betaine HCl acid test is explained and done.

Because:

  • Adequate stomach acid is essential for absorption of the minerals zinc, magnesium, calcium, iron and folate which are essential for healthy skin.
  • Adequate Stomach acid prevents dysbiosis
  • Adequate stomach acid will help prevent a "leaky gut" with all its health ramifications from developing
Why is stomach acid important for health and skin conditions?
  • Adequate stomach acid is essential for absorption of the minerals zinc, magnesium, calcium, iron and folate which are essential for healthy skin.
  • Adequate stomach acid is necessary for the absorption of the B vitamins.
  • Stomach acid activates protein-digesting enzymes and is necessary for proper digestion of protein.
  • Adequate stomach acid is necessary for the pancreas to release its cascade of digestive enzymes for absorption of carbohydrate and fat.
  • Sub-optimal fat digestion means we won't benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fats, nor the wide array of beneficial effects of fats for fertility, skin health, immunity, etc.
  • Adequate stomach acid destroys pathogens (bacteria, fungi, parasites etc) and a lack of stomach acid can lead to bad bacteria proliferating in the small intestine dysbiosis (bad bacteria) and unwanted parasites which have Health Renewal ramifications down the line.
How important is stomach acid?

How can we expect to stay healthy with healthy skin if we have chronically poor nutrient and mineral absorption due to incomplete digestion? In fact, absorption can be reduced to the point where even if someone is consuming a nutrient-dense diet, they can suffer both sub-clinical and overt deficiencies. This is because they are not assimilating those nutrients because they have low stomach acid.

We can treat rosacea topically but if we don't improve the absorption problems associated with rosacea, then the condition will resurface at a later stage.

Having normal levels of stomach function the first important step for a healthy skin and immune system. If ones stomach acid is adequate, the rest of one's digestion and absorption won't be compromised. At Skin Renewal our doctors will explain and check for low stomach acid to ensure optimal treatment of your rosacea condition.

What treatments and topical therapies are available to improve Rosacea?

Topical Therapies:

At Skin Renewal, we offer traditional topical therapies such as Azelaic acid as well as prescription medications to treat Rosacea.

The following is a list of skincare ingredients to AVOID if you have redness and rosacea, alpha-lipoic acid, acetic acid, allantoin, balsam of Peru, benzoic acid, camphor, cinnamic acid, cinnamon oil, cocoa butter, coconut oil, DMAE, isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl myristate, lactic acid, menthol, parabens, peppermint oil and quarternium -15.

Don't use toners on your skin if you have rosacea unless witch hazel is used.

Sunscreens that cause sensitivity and to be AVOIDED are avobenzone, PABA, benzophenone, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, octyl methoxycinnamate, Methyl benzylidene camphor, phenyl benzimidazole sulfonic acid.

Sunscreens, which can be used for sensitive skins, contain micronized zinc oxide, recommended especially for oily skins.

In-Office Therapies:

At Skin Renewal, we offer light and laser therapies such as Limelight ™ Photo Genesis ™, Photodynamic therapy, and Laser genesis™ to improve redness. As each patient's case is different, we will tailor a treatment program specifically for you and your circumstances. A highly professional team led by a medical doctor assesses every patient, and an appropriate combination of treatment, together with a long-term maintenance program, is recommended.

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Second time I've ordered from the online skin shop. This time was during the Black Friday special. Not only did my order arrive the next day as a surprise, but it was, once again, thoughtfully packaged with the free sample recommendations and the usual great quality products that Skin renewal stocks. Thanks again for setting a great example in service delivery both online and in store.

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English: I was 28 October 2022 for my 2nd treatment at Skin Renewal Paarl. What a wonderful experience. Anke told me during treatment what the treatment entails. The staff are all so friendly. Looking forward to my next visit there.Afrikaans: Ek was 28 Oktober 2022 vir my 2de behandeling by Skin Renewal Paarl. Wat n wonderlike ervaring. Anke het my tydens behandeling vertel wat die behandeling behels. Die personeel is almal so vriendelik. Sien uit na my volgende besoek daar!

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My journey thus far at Umhlanga skin renewal as been nothing short of amazing ...this place is just spectacular and to top it off I met the most beautiful therapist ever -ROXY- she is a true blessing in disguise , so gentle n understanding of all my concerns-just puts me at ease .Thank you Roxy -my superstar...Everything about this place is perfect and tranquil...everyone is always smiling n super kind ...u never feel awkward ,embarrassed or out of place ...true professionalism...keep up the beautiful wrk Skin Renewal Umhlanga and my Roxy

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