Your Glow-To Facial For Clients With Rosacea

Facial treatments can pose a challenge when working with rosacea-inflamed skin. Many products typically used in spa facials can be irritating to the condition and cause a flare-up.

That doesn’t mean your clients affected by rosacea can’t take advantage of therapeutic treatments. It just means the treatments need to be tailored to suit their unique needs. In fact, studies have shown that light facial massage can help reduce the symptoms of rosacea and that active treatment can help in preventing telangiectasia (small, widened blood vessels).

What You Need To Know

Rosacea affected skin is highly reactive skin. Alcohol, witch hazel, fragrance additives, many exfoliating agents, heat and cold are often cited as triggers.

A characteristic of rosacea is often a weak moisture barrier and greater than normal transepidermal water loss. According to the National Rosacea Society,

both may contribute to the skin’s irritability and susceptibility to inflammation. Ingredients that help improve skin’s barrier function include topical niacinamide, aloe, green tea and lactic acid.

Skin with rosacea is antioxidant-depleted, so restoring balance and giving skin greater protection against elements that aggravate the condition (like UV exposure) is at the top of the treatment list. (Some antioxidants like vitamin C are too acidic and should be avoided.) And, of course, reducing inflammation is a must.

Vivant has designed a simple and effective four-step facial treatment that avoids triggers, while incorporating the most effective anti-rosacea agents to help red and inflamed skin become soothed and glowing skin.

The Process

1. Cleanse

Step one is a mild cleanse using either Vivant’s Green Tea Antioxidant Cleanser or Cleansing Milk Gentle Non-Drying Cleanser.

Cleansers containing green tea extract, which is known as one of most effective anti-oxidants in treating rosacea. Green tea is also a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic (inhibitor of the growth of blood vessels) properties. It’s provides UV and environmental protection, calms inflammation, stimulates cell repair, minimizes disruption to the skin barrier and reduces the appearance and formation of blood vessels near the surface of the skin.

If there is skin specially dry associated with the rosacea, you’ll want to use Cleansing Milk. This rich, creamy and non-comedogenic cleanser is especially formulated to be gentle on rosacea and sensitive skin, yet effective at dissolving unwanted particles that clog pores without leaving skin parched.

Choose either Green Tea Antioxidant Cleanser or Cleansing Milk based on your client’s individual need. Massage cleanser into skin with fingertips. A washcloth, sponge or brush will be too abrasive for this skin type. Water should be lukewarm, as heat and cold can be triggering. Gently blot skin with a soft towel or, ideally, allow to air dry.

2. Clarify

Step two is the application of Vivant’s gently clarifying Algae Soft Mask, which is rich with bioactive marine minerals, amino acids, sea proteins and polysaccharides to nourish and calm inflamed skin.

Apply to the entire face and wait seven to ten minutes. The National Rosacea Society recommends against using steam in this process, as heat can be a trigger for rosacea. Gently wipe away the mask residue with a soft cotton pad, wet sponge or damp towel.

3. Rebuild

Step three is Vivant’s Rejuv Rx® Peptide Concentrate. This silky serum uses oligopeptides for rejuvenation, lactic acid and urea to soothe, and niacinamide for strengthening and improving the integrity of the skin barrier.

4. Hydrate

Finish the treatment with Vivant's Totaloe™ Calming and Hydrating Gel. This intensely soothing and healing formula contains aloe, niacinamide, algae extract and green tea extract, all ingredients optimally suited to strengthen skin against rosacea.

The Results

Like any treatment for problem skin, the best results come from consistent, targeted care. Encourage your client to repeat this process with you every six to eight weeks and to use the products at home. Clients should expect to see a reduction in inflammation and redness, along with a smoother, more even skin tone.