Rosacea is skin condition that affects many adults. It is characterized by flushing of the skin that looks like blushing, but doesn’t go away. There are a variety of triggers that can exacerbate a rosacea type skin, such as extreme weather (both hot and cold), spicy foods, alcohol and stress. Avoiding triggers can help reduce the irritation. Prescription topical medications can provide a reduction in rosacea symptoms, as well, but they can have side effects and can be expensive. Fortunately, exciting new medical studies are finding that topically applied vitamin B3, or niacinamide, can greatly diminish the blushing and flushing commonly associated with rosacea. Vitamin B3 Niacinamide cream improves the barrier function of the skin and allows the skin to rebuild, which decreases the redness associated with rosacea flare-ups.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), “Rosacea often begins with a tendency to blush or flush more easily than other people. The redness can slowly spread beyond the nose and cheeks to the forehead and chin.” The redness and flushing associated with rosacea can be uncomfortable, both physically and emotionally. A recent article called “Unlocking the Mysteries of Rosacea” by Jan Bowers from “Dermatology World” stated that, “According to results of a recent NRS survey of 801 rosacea patients, a strong majority of patients in all subtypes said the disease had inhibited their social lives.” The article went on to add that, “respondents also cited receiving negative comments or stares and cancelling social events because of self-consciousness regarding their appearance.” Clearly, these symptoms are having a negative impact that is seriously affecting the lives of rosacea sufferers.
Rosacea symptoms can be exacerbated by a variety of triggers, which can come from both internal and external sources. The Journal of Dermatology outlined some common rosacea triggers based on a recent study in their article titled, “Standard Management Options for Rosacea, Part 1: Overview and Broad Spectrum of Care”. The triggers are as follows in order of those having most effect to those having least effect: “Sun exposure, emotional stress, hot weather, wind, heavy exercise, alcohol consumption, hot baths, cold weather, spicy foods, humidity, indoor heat, certain skin care products, heated beverages, certain cosmetics, certain fruits, marinated meats, certain vegetables and dairy products.” Avoiding and/or reducing the triggers can aid in the reduction of rosacea symptoms, but the skin will still need the proper homecare.
As with other skin conditions, there are medications that can be prescribed for rosacea. Common topical medications for rosacea are antibiotic creams such as metronidazole, clindamycin and erythromycin. Other topicals include brimonidine, azelaic acid, sodium sulfacetamide, sulfur and tretinoin. However, these topical treatments can have side effects, like skin irritation. Some are not safe for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Depending on the severity of the rosacea, oral antibiotics like minocycline or doxycycline may also be prescribed. Unfortunately, oral medications can also have side effects. In addition to unwanted side effects, prescription medications can be expensive, as well.
For those that would like an alternative treatment to aid in the reduction of rosacea flushing and blushing, niacinamide is a great option. An article from “Cutis” called “Niacinamide-Containing Facial Moisturizer Improves Skin Barrier and Benefits Subjects with Rosacea” explored the ability of niacinamide to reduce rosacea symptoms. The article reported that, “There was a marked decrease in erythema severity over the 4-week treatment phase. Using the niacinamide-containing facial moisturizer also improved dryness and scaling/peeling and decreased inflammatory lesion counts.” This is persuasive evidence that niacinamide is able to reduce redness, or erythema, in the skin caused by rosacea. The article went on to assert that, “After 2 weeks of using the facial moisturizer, 79.2% of subjects show global improvement.” With such compelling results, it is clear that niacinamide is an ingredient that rosacea sufferers will want to include in their daily homecare routine.
It is unfortunate that so many adults are affected by the blushing and flushing caused by rosacea. Reducing internal and external rosacea triggers can aid in the reduction rosacea flare-ups. Topical and oral prescriptions can help control rosacea symptoms, but can often have unwanted side effects and be costly. Fortunately, there have been recent studies to explore alternative rosacea treatments. Good homecare that includes vitamin B3, or niacinamide is a revolutionary new use for an ingredient that is well tolerated by the skin and has been proven to reduce the redness commonly associated with rosacea.
Articles cited:
Cutis, Volume 76, August 2005, “Niacinamide-Containing Facial Moisturizer Improves Skin Barrier and Benefits Subjects with Rosacea” by Zoe Diana Draelos, MD, Keith Ertel, PhD and Cindy Berge BS.
Dermatology World, August 2013, “Unlocking the Mysteries of Rosacea” by Jan Bowers
Journal of Dermatology, Volume 84, July 2009, “Standard Management Option for Rosacea, Part 1: Overview and Broad Spectrum of Care” by Richard Odom, MD, Mark Dahl, MD, Jeffrey Dover, MD, Zoe Draelos, MD, Lynn Drake, MD, Marian Macsai, MD, Frank Powell, MD, Diane Thiboutot, MD, Guy F. Webster, MD, PhD, Jonathan Wilkin, MD, and the National Rosacea Society Expert Committee on the Classification and Staging of Rosacea.
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