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Let's talk about skin today ..

.. over a latte. It will be my treat!

                                                        http://bourbonandpearls.blogspot.com/

"Oh do you have any tips for Rosacea? Hubs is 40 and has just developed it."

Hi Tabitha!

First, I must say that ONLY a doctor (Dermatologist) can accurately diagnose this complicated skin condition. 

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that  may increase redness across the nose and cheeks. It's usually  diagnosed between the age 30 and 50 to those with fair skin and/or a family history.  

  Rosacea can start with diffused redness on the cheeks and progress to include swelling around the nose and skin sores that look like acne.  It's important to get the right treatment plan as it will get worse if left untreated. 

 Most Doctors will treat patients with a variety of products that may include oral and topical creams or gels as well as helping patients to figure out their TRIGGER factors.  Heat, alcohol, stress, certain medications, and spicy foods are some of the TRIGGER factors that may worsen the problem.

After a diagnosis is made, I help patients avoid trigger factors and decide on a home care plan to help their skin.

I recommend a gentle cleanser (some Docs recommend CeraVe) , light moisturizer, and daily SPF of 30 or greater.  Some of my patients have tried Eucerin Red Reducer and find it helpful in relieving symptoms.

Depending on your case, you made need to avoid scrubs, AHA products, retinoids, and vitamin C.

 Yum!

http://acquiredobjects.blogspot.com/

"This is great Leslie and I thank you. The only question I have is about winter/cold skin care. Since I hike Dylan dog every day including in snowstorms my face can take a little bit of a beating in the cold and wind. Aside from wearing a face mask, not going to happen since I get claustrophobic, what can I use to protect my face from the harsh winter? I’m 52 years young and in menopause so I have dry to sensitive skin. Thank you so much and I love this new series!"

Hi Debra, 

Great question and one that many of us ask this time of year. I too am in the FEMALE GODDESS time of life (AKA..over 50:) and dealing with the same issues. My girls (english springers) get a daily walk regardless of the weather.. wind, cold, snow, ice, or rain.. I get outside. 

{Walking is so good for us.  It's low impact so it's easy on the joints and it clears the head. If you don't own a dog, find a walking partner!  It's a great way to exercise AND socialize}    

Face masks aren't practical for most of us, however the concept of a shield is a good one.

Barrier creams and sunscreens that contain a physical block (zinc and titanium oxide) are "shield-like".

Consume your recommended daily amount of water (usually 6 -8 glasses per day), and add a little omega fatty acids to your diet such as fish oil, or flax oil.  Taking care on the INSIDE will help us deal with ALL the changes that are going on with our skin.

  

A barrier repair cream applied before walking may help protect your skin from mother nature. There lots of options out there, so you'll need to ask for samples and try multiple products until you find something that helps.  Whatever product you choose will likely need to be changed according to time time of year (weather related) and hormonal/physiological changes. 

 A few lines and products to consider might be: SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel Moisturizer, and Eminence Blueberry Soy Night Recovery Cream. Epionce has a wonderful medical barrier cream that I recommend for my patients to use after procedures or if their skin is compromised. 

Sunscreen should be worn year-round. If you develop irritation or itching, check in with your Dermatologist.

Female, Age 60 

(anonymous)

"My skin is very dry and scaly  and makes me look so much older than I am .  My face seems fine because I seem to take more time with it with moisturizers etc. . I have used many very good recommended lotions , but none seem to help.  What  are some lotions  and products you recommend ?  Thank you very much."  

Hi there! I get asked this very question almost daily! 

 As we mature our skin doesn't produce as much moisture or oil as it once did. Cellular turnover (natural rejuvenation) slows down and the result is an overall lack luster appearance, enlarged pores, brown spots, and sometimes little "bumps" or adult acne. 

First, it's never to late to start protecting your skin from UVA/UVB rays.. wear sunscreen with a 30 SPF daily! Okay.. I'm guilty of forgetting too .. but TRY to remember :)

 Eating well and avoiding dietary extremes is first and foremost in my book, and.. a good skin care routine with regular exfoliation may help your skin look and feel more youthful.   A gentle scrub with micro beads once or twice a week can help  freshen the skin, along with product lines that contain oils such as Bobby Brown, Clarins, and the products listed above.  

It's important to know that some folks are sensitive to botanical oils when topically applied.  Test your products! 

You can also speak with your Dermatologist about therapeutic or prescription products that contain retinoids for facial freshening. This product will help with cellular turnover, and if  used as directed will help the skin retain a youthful glow.

There are also non-invasive office procedures that can be administered by a para-medical aesthetician (working with a Medical Doctor) that are wonderful. These procedures can cost anywhere from 200.00 to several thousand dollars per treatment. I'm happy to go in to these options at another time :)

Many of us end up getting skin care advice from the young lady selling cosmetics at our local department store or pharmacy rather than a medical professional.  Make sure you do your research and talk to people that are not just trying to sell you their products. Get lots of information and make your choice based on what's best for you :) 

photos/stellareque42

You are all beautiful and I thank you for your wonderful questions.   Remember that we are all very unique, at different times of life, and may have a medical diagnosis that will have impact on the skin and the products you should use.   If I didn't get to your question this time, I will soon :)

Email me at 

trouverlesoleil@gmail.com if you have a question regarding nutrition, exercise, or skin.

Stay well and take care of yourself !

xx

leslie

This blog series is not meant to treat or diagnose a medical problem.  If something persists, changes, or doesn't feel right, see your Medical Doctor. 

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