Rosacea is a chronic vascular condition affecting over 13 million adult men and women in the United States. Its sufferers tend to flush (or blush) easily and often exhibit broken blood vessels, small pimples or pustules on the cheeks, nose and chin.

Certain environmental factors such as temperature extremes, sun exposure and stress can contribute to these symptoms. Additionally, foods and beverages such as chocolate, tomatoes, wine (especially red wine) and caffeine drinks have been known to cause flare-ups.

Rosacea has been successfully treated with oral antibiotics such as tetracycline and minocycline and topical medications such as Metro Gel or Cream.

	Skinterra Recommends: Oxygen Face Cream by Karin Herzog
	This oxygenating cream helps to clear up breakouts associated with rosacea, and reduces redness. Use it by itself, or on top of your favorite alpha hydroxy product.
	$36.00 / 1.8 oz.	Add To Basket    Check Out

This acne-like condition, primarily affecting adult women, typically presents itself in the form of many small rash-like pimples and pustules around the mouth and on the sides of the nose. This condition may be caused by fragrances in cosmetics, topical steroidal creams, and, in some cases, birth control pills.

The treatment of perioral dermatitis primarily involves discontinuing the use of any product that may be causing it. Oral antibiotics and topical medications, such as Cleocin T or EM gel, have proved effective in its treatment.

	Skinterra Recommends: Soothing Conditioning Mist by Agera
	This light, alcohol-free, gentle mist tones and conditions the skin. Contains aloe and azulene to hydrate and soothe the skin leaving it feeling soft and refreshed.
	$19.00 / 6 oz.	Add To Basket    Check Out

This chronic, non-contagious, disorder affects over 3 million Americans. Typically, it manifests itself in the form of red patches covered by thick, whitish scales. In psoriasis, which may affect any part of the body, skin cells are not shed normally ­ instead, they stick together, forming thick crusty scales.

The cause of this disorder is not known, although it may be genetic in nature. Excessive dryness of the skin, irritation to the skin and certain medications (such as lithium or propanolol) have been known to trigger outbreaks.

Salicylic-acid gel preparations such as Keralyt Gel can help exfoliate the skin and thin out crusty patches. Daily use of a hydrating lotion containing lactic acid may help prevent flare-ups.

Eczema is a non-contagiuos condition of the skin characterized by redness, inflammation and itching. The terms eczema and dermatitis are used interchangeably to describe these symptoms. Listed below are common forms of eczema that affect the face.

SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS:  Commonly known as dandruff when present on the scalp, this condition also manifests itself in the form of pinkish-gray, oily, scaly patches on the face. In more severe cases, redness, flaking, and patches of thick scaly crust may develop throughout the scalp. On the face, seborrheic dermatitis usually affects areas having high concentrations of oil glands, such as those around the nose, between the eyes and around the ears. The cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not known, although evidence of genetic predisposition has been observed. Those who are overweight or diabetic appear to be more susceptible.

Although there is no known cure for seborrheic dermatitis, there are ways of lessening its symptoms. In some cases, the use of an anti-dandruff shampoo can keep it under control. When the condition affects the face, it is usually treated with low doses of hydrocortisone cream, followed by preparations containing sulfur, salicylic acid or tars for maintenance.

	Skinterra Recommends: Salicylic Wash 2% by DDF
	This gentle, but effective gel cleanser deep cleans the skin without over-drying. Salicylic acid exfoliates dead flaky skin, reduces oil production and promotes healing. Can be used morning and night.
	$35.00 / 8.5 oz.	Add To Basket    Check Out

ATOPIC DERMATITIS:  This is another very common skin condition. It is characterized by thick, dry, scaly patches accompanied by itching, and can affect any part of the body. Atopic dermatitis can be caused by excessive cleansing with soap, allergies, stress, rapid changes in temperature as well as certain kinds of foods (e.g. citrus fruits). Dry skin is especially susceptible to atopic dermatitis. Mild hydrocortisone creams have been effective in its treatment, as have antihistamines such as Benadryl to relieve itching. Once the condition is under control, keeping the skin well moisturized should prevent its recurrence.

CONTACT DERMATITIS:  As its name implies, this condition develops when the skin is directly exposed to an object it is allergic to. It can be triggered by exposure to products such as detergents, soaps, nail polish, or hair sprays, certain metals and jewelry, and plants such as poison ivy and poison oak. Certain preservatives found in many cosmetic and skin care formulas have been known to trigger its onset. Frequently, it develops only after repeated exposures to the allergen. Contact dermatitis can cause rashes, inflammation, blistering, crusting, and intense itching. Avoiding further contact with the allergen will usually alleviate the symptoms. Mild cortcosteroid creams are helpful in diminishing rashes; antihastamines can lessen the discomfort of itching.

	Skinterra Recommends: Nurture Me Soothing Creme
	Formulated for skin prone to irritation or rashes, this calming cream helps soothe, protect and hydrate sensitive skin. Nourishing oils and vitamins protect the skin from environmental damage.
	$40.00 / 1.7 oz.	Add To Basket    Check Out

The exact cause of acne in unknown. It has been shown, however, that certain people may be genetically pre-disposed to develop it. More than likely, hormonal imbalance is the primary cause of acne among adult women. It is also known that emotional stress, although unlikely to cause acne, can aggravate the condition. Some forms of acne, such as cystic breakouts, may also result from the use of certain kinds of medications such as lithium, corticosteroids, anti-epileptic drugs and anti-tuberculosis agents. Also, the use of certain cosmetics containing clogging oils can contribute to acne.

There are many myths and misconceptions about acne and its causes. A popular one is that certain foods cause acne. The truth is that foods such chocolate, pizza and potato chips do not cause acne. But they can make it worse. Another well known myth is that sun bathing can clear up acne. Although the sun can dry out pimples, it also thickens the top layer of skin and contributes to the clogging of pores. This can result in even more breakouts, especially whiteheads, which typically form a week or two after sun exposure.

To learn more about acne, and its treatment, please visit our Acne Skin page.