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Sun Sense: Tips For Sensitive Skin

Posted: 9/7/2011

It’s a bright idea to protect yourself from too much sun, especially if you have a skin condition such as rosacea.

(NAPSI)—A smart way to save your own skin, experts say, is to stay out of the sun.

While too much ultraviolet light can be bad for anyone, leading to sunburn, premature aging and skin cancer, for people with sensitive skin or rosacea the sun can quickly become a real nightmare. Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition that can be triggered to flare up by the heat.

In fact, a survey by the National Rosacea Society found that 81 percent of patients said sun exposure was their number 1 trigger. Daily sun protection is a must for any skin type, but people with rosacea should be especially vigilant. Researchers found that when they questioned rosacea patients about their skin, patients reported significantly higher rates of blistering sunburns.

A condition commonly confused with sunburn or acne, rosacea is estimated to affect more than 16 million Americans. It is often characterized by persistent facial redness, blemishes and bumps that appear on the forehead, nose and cheeks. Although rosacea can affect anyone, people over age 30 with fair skin and a family history are most at risk.

Expert Advice

Debra B. Luftman, M.D., a nationally recognized dermatologist based in Beverly Hills and co-author of “The Beauty Prescription,” says that proper skin care is an important measure to protect rosacea sufferers from the severe redness and irritation often associated with sun exposure. She recommends the following:

• Tip No. 1: Always wear a broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB protection) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, no matter what your skin color or the time of year. Some sunscreens can sting or burn, so talk to your dermatologist about a gentle option for your sensitive skin.

• Tip No. 2: In hot weather, your skin can produce more oil, but you still need to use mild products that don’t strip moisture. Also, stay away from toners, which can be too harsh for skin with rosacea. To remove perspiration, dirt and makeup on hot days, wash your face twice a day with a soap-free, nonabrasive cleanser using your hands or a soft cloth. The key is to use a cleanser that won’t cause additional irritation to the skin, as can some scrubs or heavily fragranced face washes.

• Tip No. 3: Even though warm days may tempt you to stay out later and longer, be sure to get adequate sleep, which not only reduces stress-a common rosacea trigger-but also allows your skin time to rejuvenate.

• Tip No. 4: Especially in warm weather when rosacea flare-ups can be at their worst, talk to a dermatologist about your symptoms. While there is no cure for rosacea, proper treatment can make it manageable. There are several Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatments available to help reduce the inflammatory lesions of rosacea. Dr. Luftman commonly prescribes a topical gel called METROGEL® 1% for the bumps and blemishes of rosacea, but a dermatologist will determine which treatment is best for you.

For more information about rosacea, visit www.MetroGel.com or your local dermatologist.

Important Safety Information

METROGEL® (metronidazole) Gel, 1% is indicated for the topical treatment of the inflammatory lesions of rosacea. The following adverse experiences have been reported with the topical use of metronidazole: burning, skin irritation, dryness, transient redness, metallic taste, tingling or numbness of extremities and nausea. METROGEL® 1% gel is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to metronidazole or any other ingredients in this formulation. For more information about METROGEL® 1%, see Full Prescribing Information at www.MetroGel.com.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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