Why is the sun bad for rosacea?
Forum Moderator
Joined: 17 Aug 2007
Location: UK
| Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 1:00 pm Post subject: Why is the sun bad for rosacea? | |
| What's the theory, I mean? Is it just the heat, and it inducing a flush? Or are the free radicals supposed to be bad for our capillaries? Or what? | |
Site Admin
Joined: 07 Jan 2006
Location: Australia
| Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 1:26 pm Post subject: | |
| Hey Dog (silent snicker LOL)
I believe (and from what I have read) we all need some sun. At least 10 minutes in the morning and arvo...outside of the 'hot' hours of 10am to 2pm. That is before 10am and after 2pm. Gives us some vitamin D naturally and for the short stint in the sun it's not damaging to us Rosies. I went on a bike ride last weekend (Harley). I wore a half face mask and sunnies under my helmet to protect my face and eyes from the wind. The wind still got in but my face seemed better for it? Go figure?! Maybe it was about de-stressing? Jen |
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Joined: 02 Oct 2006
Location: UK
| Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 5:27 pm Post subject: | |
| I think I heard a theory that the sun leads to blood vessel growth in those with rosacea.
i try to get a bit of sun on me when I can but hide my face under a ridiculously large hat. _________________ dx early 2006. current stategy; finacea twice a day, lightstim nightly, 5 x IPL and 2 x n-light. |
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Forum Moderator
Joined: 12 Dec 2005
Location: Northwest USA
| Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 6:54 pm Post subject: | |
| Here's what I've heard and read about the sun and rosacea...
Direct sunlight during peak hours (10-4) causes blood vessels to dilate, mainly because the skin is getting hot. Hence a red flush. Rosacea skin is often thinner with more blood vessels exposed which makes the flushing even worser than it would be for a person with more normal skin. Also people with thinner skin are more prone to skin cancers. When the flushing starts then those with p&p's start getting them too because the skin becomes inflamed, etc. It's a snowball effect that's not good. A great hat for both sexes is at www.sundayafternoons.com. I get lots of compliments on my hat. c _________________ Bactrim, Spironolactone, Metrogel 1%, Cetaphil Gentle Face Wash. |
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Joined: 26 Jun 2006
Location: BC
| Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 7:18 pm Post subject: | |
| Just to expand on the excellent comments already.
Sunlight has some very beneficial aspects. Skin therapy with UVB light has been used for many years for eczema and psoriasis (and recently for Acne). Full spectrum light is good for the brain to beat the winter blahs. "New research into the preventive benefits of vitamin D has raised hopes that the sunshine vitamin, which is produced naturally in the body through exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays, could extend and improve people's lives." And, of course, single frequency light is getting some attention here lately (see the LLLT section) and many have found that their skin benefits from light from the far-red/near-infrared spectrum. Regardless of the treatments that utilize it, I've always thought it was the UV that affected us the worst. Even with narrow band UVB (Blue light) treatment, the risk of skin problems and long term risk of cancer is considerable, and eye damage can be quick and permanent. Moomy and Claudia, I also always wear hats and have noticed that after almost two years my hair has become so dark it looks like I dyed it! Great hat, thanks for including the link! Jen, I think what you experienced is the exhilaration benefit!  _________________ Do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't. – Eleanor Roosevelt |
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Joined: 02 Mar 2006
| Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 9:32 pm Post subject: | |
| I remember when I was younger I had the best skin when I was on summer vacation, hanging outside all day (without sunscreen) and without makeup.
For some reason I think the lack of sun (vitamin D) on my skin is actually making it worse.. or contributing to my condition. Tanning beds dont cut it...no I stay out of it..... I use to fall asleep in the sun on a daily bases while growing up..... stupid sun..... :lol: |
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Joined: 15 Oct 2007
Location: Toronto
| Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 9:41 pm Post subject: | |
| In the winter I take vitamin D via pill.
In the summer, I let my back get some sun in the backyard -- no sunscreen for 15 minutes -- but use sunscreen on my face. |
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