Pretty Without Pink
It stands to reason that when 16 million Americans are affected by a skin condition, it will be recognized as worthy of attention, raising public awareness and providing information to treat and manage its signs and symptoms. With April designated as National Rosacea Awareness Month, A French Touch is dedicated to helping our clients address their concerns with this common skin condition that causes facial redness and bumps. Although there is currently no known cure, fortunately there are salon treatments, home care and skin-benefiting makeup that we provide to help keep your skin calm and more even-toned. Note that general redness is not necessarily a sign of this condition, which should be accurately diagnosed by a physician if you suspect your symptoms have become more noticeable over time. Medical treatment options from topical prescriptions to IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) provide relief, in addition to the right home care skin regimen which we can provide for you.
The redness that typically appears on the cheeks, nose and sometimes chin appears as a result of superficial, over-active capillaries that visibly dilate. The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, but it seems to be attributed to circulation, genetic predisposition (those with Irish, Scottish, English and Scandinavian heritage are all more susceptible). Although hereditary, the condition is intensified by sun exposure, extreme heat or cold, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes.
While rosacea is more common in women, symptoms tend to be more severe in men.
But symptoms in both genders may worsen over time, so early diagnosis and treatment are key.
Rosacea usually develops in adults between the ages of 30 and 50, but it can strike after 50 since you never outgrow it. Since it’s a life-long skin condition, once it develops, it will come and go as it pleases. Proper treatment is your best bet to prolong your periods of remission.
Calming Options for the Blushing Blues
It’s not enough to opt for “sensitive skin” products that have very little effect on this condition. Choose instead skincare products that offer soothing ingredients on contact, designed to sedate and calm overactive skin by reducing redness and making the skin feel more comfortable, smooth and hydrated. Treat your skin gently, while consistently introducing calming agents. Fragile capillaries require a comprehensive regulating, soothing and protecting response.
Cleanse with Gentle Care and Moisturizer
CLARITY MILK & CLARITY LOTION (toner)
Removes makeup and gently cleanses away the day’s impurities while keeping skin calm. As the French do, remove cleansing milk with toner (“lotion”) on cotton pads to retain the skin’s pH balance and increase moisture absorption from your serums and creams. If using water, keep it tepid as hot water overstimulates.
Our French skincare is perfectly suited to delicate skin, Rosacea snd general redness falling into this category. SOTHYS for the past 70 years has focused on meticulously developing new active ingredients derived from natural sources to maintain and reinforce the skin’s natural lipid barrier. Their precise formulas improve their products’ effectiveness, while pleasing the senses with textures and light, fresh scents.
CLARETE ET CONFORT (Clearness and Comfort) Light and Protective Cream & Serum
Created to strengthen the circulatory system of fragile skin, this line of treatment creams is infused with advanced formulas featuring breakthrough polyphenol technology. Known for their ability to protect and soothe with powerful antioxidant benefits, Sothys -selected polyphenols of hazel leaf and mint combined with wild mango, bilberry and little holly regulate micro-circulation, diminishing redness, soothing and strengthening capillary walls. French gardens come to mind with the delicate scents, as these gentle botanicals soothe and replenish moisture. Paraben-free.
I have honestly had several clients tell me how much they have seen their skin improve with a consistent home care regimen that incorporates these formulas.
SOOTHING SOS SERUM
Introduced last year, I LOVE the new SPA Sensitive Line – named after the therapeutic thermal waters of the Belgian town of Spa (where the term originated!) – specifically formulated to PROTECT against external aggression, SOOTHE all symptoms of discomfort and BALANCE the skin’s tolerance threshold. The gentle textures featuring Spa™ Thermal Water have been formulated to respect the sensitivity of all skin. Each product is fragrance free, color free, paraben free and hypoallergenic.
This essential serum with Spa™ Thermal Water, Wild Jasmine leaf extract and Tetra-Peptide quickly neutralizes permanent or temporary sensations of discomfort, and limits their appearance. Blue ageratum leaf and brown algae extracts limit the inflammatory reaction and visibly reduce redness- a MUST if you’re “seeing red”..
And the most exciting new product we now offer to address the symptoms of Rosacea and general redness attributable to overactive, fragile capillaries:
Jan Marini Skin Research introduces “RosaLieve” Redness Reducing Complex
This face lotion reduces facial flushing and calms skin with key ingredient, azelaic acid, an anti-redness peptide, as well as several other antioxidants and extracts.
The results speak for themselves in several clinical studies, shown above.
Top trigger for Rosacea Flare-Ups
81% of Americans affected by rosacea said that sun exposure was a top trigger for a Rosacea flare-up, so staying protected from the sun is key. Did you know that titanium dioxide actually keeps the skin surface a few degrees cooler, minimizing the heat reaction that exacerbates Rosacea and redness?
SUNFORGETTABLE SPF50 BRUSH
Colorescience Minerals provide chemical-free, oil-free, paraben-free PHYSICAL sun-protection (preferred by dermatologists) that provide all-in-one cosmetics and sun care .With the FDA recommending application and RE-application every 80 minutes, you won’t find a better option to keep in your purse than SUNFORGETTABLE SPF50 , formulated with 100% zinc and titanium, delivering high-performance UVA nd UVB protection.
And be sure to stop into the salon for a complimentary mini-application session, showing you how to eliminate the red, creating a natural, soft and even-toned complexion with these go-to products~
- Tint du Soleil SPF 30– protective foundation that provides hydration and coverage
- Sunforgettable SPF 50 Brush– mineral sunscreen, allows for easy and continuous application
- Skin Calming SPF 20 Primer– helps neutralize redness while soothing the skin
PLUS Colorescience All Calm® Clinical Redness Corrector SPF 50 and NEW! All Calm® Multi-Correction Serum
Pair with All Calm® Clinical Redness Corrector and Total Protection™ Brush-On Shield SPF 50 for a 3-step regimen clinically proven to calm sensitive skin and diminish the appearance of redness over time.
Call to schedule your appointment and experience the French Touch difference in skincare~ Vive la difference!