Determining whether the redness you’re seeing is due to rosacea or the change of season from summer to fall can be challenging without a proper evaluation by a dermatologist. Both rosacea and environmental factors can contribute to redness, and it's important to receive a definitive diagnosis from a dermatologist to guide appropriate treatment.

ROSACEA

Identifying whether you have rosacea involves recognizing its characteristic signs and symptoms. While the diagnosis should ultimately be made by a dermatologist, here are some common ways Rosacea presents:

• Persistent Facial Redness: Rosacea often presents as persistent redness on the central part of the face, including the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. The redness may resemble a flushed appearance. These can be triggered by various factors such as temperature changes, spicy foods, alcohol, stress, or hot beverages. There can also be a burning or stinging - -Sensation: Rosacea-prone skin can feel sensitive and may exhibit sensations of burning, stinging, or itching. Over time the redness can lead to persistent visible blood vessels (telangiectasia) on the skin's surface, particularly in areas prone to redness.
• Pimple-like Bumps: Rosacea can lead to the development of small, red, and pus-filled bumps (papules) or pimple-like bumps (pustules) on the affected areas of the face. While often confused with acne, unlike commonly found in acne, there are no blackheads or whiteheads.
• Eye Irritation and frequent styes: Some individuals with rosacea may experience eye-related symptoms such as dryness, redness, grittiness, and a sensation of having something in the eye. This condition is known as ocular rosacea.
• Thickened Skin: In more advanced cases of rosacea, the skin on the nose (rhinophyma) might become thicker and appear bulbous. This is more common in men and more commonly associated with alcohol consumption.

It's important to note that rosacea symptoms can vary widely from person to person, and not everyone will experience all of these symptoms. Additionally, the triggers that worsen rosacea can differ for each individual. Since rosacea can look similar to other skin conditions like acne, lupus, or seborrheic dermatitis, it is crucial to consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis. One particular ingredient I like for many of my rosacea patients is my Retinol. The right retinol can help with collagen renewal which helps support skin structure and function as well as skin brightening. This can lead to better control of Rosacea and fewer breakouts.

How we treat rosacea in the office: 

We have a multi-prong approach for treating the different aspects of rosacea. For ocular rosacea, depending upon the patient's specific medical history, we consider having them start a low dose doxycycline. This does not have antibiotic effects but is purely antiinflammatory. There are excellent prescription options, including topical metronidazole, topical azelaic acid and topical ivermectin. For persistent redness and broken blood vessels (telangiectasia) we have pulsed dye lasers and broad band light that do a great job at improving skin quality and tone. Our in-office Rosacea peels are excellent for reducing both the breakouts and redness of Rosacea.  

How we suggest you treat rosacea at home:

Follow your dermatologist's prescription protocol, avoid using high concentrations of glycolic, salicylic or other acids that could irritate the skin. I do have many of my patients with Rosacea using Retinoids, but I select products very carefully and we build up slowly. The Retinoids can help strengthen the skin and improve Rosacea for the long term.

CHANGE OF SEASONS

It is entirely possible for your skin to show signs of redness in the fall that are not necessarily related to rosacea. Redness can be caused by a variety of factors, some of which may be temporary or related to environmental changes. Here are a few common reasons for skin redness in the fall:

Cooler Temperatures: As the weather becomes cooler, the skin's blood vessels may constrict in response to the cold, leading to a temporary flush of redness, often referred to as "cold-induced erythema" or "windburn."

• Dry Air: Fall air tends to be drier, which can cause moisture loss from the skin, leading to dryness, flakiness, and irritation. Dry skin is more prone to redness and sensitivity.
• Change in Humidity: A decrease in humidity levels during the fall can contribute to skin dehydration and increased susceptibility to irritation and redness. A good humidifier can help balance against this.
• Indoor Heating: Heaters in homes and offices can reduce indoor humidity, causing the skin to become parched and potentially red. Dry indoor air can exacerbate skin sensitivity.
• Hot Showers: While it's tempting to take hot showers to counter the cold, hot water can strip the skin's natural oils, increasing dryness and redness.
• Fall Allergies: Fall can bring about allergies triggered by pollen, mold, or other environmental allergens. Allergic reactions can manifest as redness, itching, and irritation on the skin.
• Seasonal Foods: Some fall foods, such as spicy dishes or hot beverages, might trigger temporary flushing and redness in individuals with sensitive skin.
• Changes in Skincare Routine: Transitioning from summer to fall might involve changing skincare products or routines. New products or ingredients could potentially cause irritation and redness in some individuals.
• UV Radiation: Although the temperature drops, UV radiation from the sun is still present and can lead to sunburn and subsequent redness, especially if sun protection measures are neglected.
• Stress and Lifestyle Changes: Seasonal transitions, back-to-school routines, and the upcoming holiday season can lead to increased stress levels. Stress is a known trigger for skin conditions like redness and rosacea.

How we treat seasonal redness in the office: Gentle in office peels and Broad Band Light (BBL)

How we suggest you treat seasonal redness at home: Avoid over exfoliating or scrubbing your skin. Use a richer moisturizer both morning and evening like my beautiful dew drop ultra or ultra rich peptide renewal cream.