In today’s image-obsessed society where millions of photos are uploaded daily through digital networks such as Facebook and Flickr, how much of an impact can a common skin condition like acne have on the life of teens? Based on first impressions, teens with acne are perceived to have different personality and social traits than if they had clear skin, according to results of a new online perception survey sponsored by the American Acne & Rosacea Society (AARS), and co-authored by Dr. Eva Ritvo, psychiatrist and co-author of The Beauty Prescription.(1) The survey asked thousands of teens and adults to offer their impressions of a group of teens based solely on photos of their faces - with clear skin or digitally enhanced to simulate acne. The results, which are being released to mark the first-ever National Acne Awareness Month, also expose the significant lengths that teens with acne would go to if it meant they could get rid of their acne forever.(1a)

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Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the skin and blood vessels, the exact causes of which continue to evade our grasp.  As such, a cure doesn’t exist, although many rosacea skin treatments can greatly reduce the symptoms and potential damage.

The symptoms of rosacea are quite easy to notice: redness, visible blood vessels on the face, flushness and a regular blushing.  It can look like acne, at times, although there are never any blackheads.  Get an expert’s opinion if you can’t determine whether you’ve got acne or rosacea to avoid wrong medications.

When choosing rosacea skin treatments, it’s important to recognize that the skin is ultra-sensitive at that point.  As such, dispensing products indiscriminately can lead to further problems.  The wrong rosacea skin treatments can actually exacerbate the condition, severely worsening its appearance.

For rosacea skin treatments, mild products are key.  Everything you use, from cleansers to moisturizers to topical healing solutions, need to designed for extra-sensitive skin.  If your rosacea is showing signs of aggravation, make sure to consult with a dermatologist for a proper management plan.  While early signs may be easily cared for, persisting conditions will need a complete solution that may be beyond an untrained person’s abilities to provide.