Rosacea and Micro-needling
Rosacea. When it appeared on my face I knew instantly that it was Rosacea. I worked in two dermatology hospitals in Beijing for three years and Rosacea was something that I saw and treated everyday! However I was a bit shocked to see my familiar friend appear on my face. “Oh hello, you are not welcome here. Bye.” I started to think ‘How could this this happen over night?’
There’s no significant causing factor when it comes to rosacea, but there are a few things that may play a role which are…
Your genes (Rosacea runs in the family)
Blood vessel troubles (Sun damage can widen the blood vessel so it becomes visible)
Mites (They are called Demodex folliculorum, they normally live on your skin and aren’t usually harmful, but some people who have sensitivity to the mites or have more of these bugs than usual can experience irritation
These factors can increase the chance of getting Rosacea…
Light skin
Blonde hair
Blue eyes
Between the age of 30-50
Women
Family history
Had severe acne
Smoke
Here I feel lost.. because there’s no one who has or had Rosacea in my family. I have no blood vessel issues and my skin isn’t light (Hey, I am Asian) nor blonde hair or blue eyes. I am 27 years old. Didn’t have acne issues and I don’t smoke. So it comes down to… Ta-Da! WOMEN WITH MITES!?!?!??????
I knew that there’s no CURE for rosacea but there are topical creams that may help with the redness, bumps and other symptoms. Then I thought, “why don’t I try to treat myself since this is something I used to treat my patients for?” That night, I gave myself a micro-needling session and LED therapy.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure. It involves pricking the skin with tiny sterilized needles. The small wounds cause your body to make more collagen and elastin, which heal your skin and help you look younger. You might also hear it called collagen induction therapy.
Microneedling Benefits
Microneedling may help with issues like:
Acne
Acne scars
Hair loss (also called alopecia)
Dark spots or patches on your skin (hyperpigmentation/ melasma)
Enlarged pores
Reduced skin elasticity
Scars
Stretch marks
Fine lines and wrinkles
ROSACEA!
If you are reading this far and that I am writing this blog with excitement… You know how my first treatment for my rosacea turned out. SUCCESSFUL, so far!
There are the before and after photos of the very first treatment.
Can you see the physical differences of the redness and purpura (skin hemorrhages)? I was so glad to see such huge differences with only one treatment. My redness is almost gone! How unfair it would feel to look drunk when you haven’t actually drank… Imagine how my skin will look after 9-10 micro-needling treatments (Usually recommended amount of treatment for chronic diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine)!
How does micro-needling work?
Collagen induction therapy or micro-needling works by stimulating the immune system and wound-healing mechanisms. As the micro- needles penetrate the skin causing micro- wounds, it triggers an intense inflammatory reaction that begins a cascade of subsequent reactions.
The skin's nerve receptors and defense mechanisms sense these fine needle intrusions as a specific type of injury and heals accordingly. Also it reduces inflammation and improve blood circulation.
It can be performed on face, neck and chest (decolletage), scalp, stomach, elbows, knees, thighs and arms.
I am very excited to see the progress and will continue to upload my rosacea journey here on this blog.
Here are some suggested life style changes if you have rosacea.
Avoid hot and spicy food
Reduce alcohol intake
Minimize wheat and dairy intake
Take vitamins and zinc supplements
Avoid long time sun exposure
Have you been struggling with rosacea and want to try the natural way to improve the condition?
Call me at (425) 202-5060 to speak with me. I am here for you!
