ASCP Esty Talk: Episode 320 – Facing Rosacea: Breakthroughs in Care and Treatment
Release Date: April 30, 2025
Host: Associated Skin Care Professionals
Authors: Ella Cressman and Maggie Stasek
Introduction
In Episode 320 of ASCP Esty Talk titled "Facing Rosacea: Breakthroughs in Care and Treatment," hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Stasek delve deep into the complexities of rosacea, exploring the latest advancements in its care and treatment. Aimed specifically at estheticians, this episode provides invaluable insights into both the scientific and practical aspects of managing rosacea, ensuring skincare professionals are well-equipped to assist their clients effectively.
Understanding Rosacea
Ella begins by highlighting the significance of discussing rosacea during National Rosacea Awareness Month, emphasizing its prevalence and the evolving nature of its treatment. Rosacea is characterized by persistent facial redness, flushing, and sometimes acne-like breakouts, affecting individuals across various skin types and ethnicities.
Notable Quote:
"Rosacea is an unexpected flushing or pesky redness or that why is my face mad at me feeling. A lot of people have felt that and they are not alone."
— Ella Cressman [02:30]
Prevalence and Demographics
The hosts share compelling statistics to underline the widespread impact of rosacea:
- Global Impact: Approximately 5.46% of the adult population worldwide, equating to 415 million individuals, suffer from rosacea.
- United States: Over 16 million Americans are affected, with a higher prevalence in women (5.9%) compared to men (4.4%).
- Age Distribution: Rosacea commonly manifests between ages 30 and 50, with a significant 3.7% prevalence among individuals aged 25 to 39.
Notable Quote:
"There is something that is afflicts all Fitzpatrick types, all skin types, all skin tones, all ethnicities."
— Ella Cressman [02:30]
Client Story and Clinical Experience
Ella recounts a case study of a client whose rosacea symptoms intensified concurrent with perimenopause, illustrating the interplay between hormonal changes and rosacea flare-ups. This real-world example underscores the importance of personalized treatment approaches and the need to consider underlying factors such as hormonal shifts.
Notable Quote:
"Let me tell you say this real quick. There was a recent study published in Skin Research and Technology that delved into the correlation between perimenopause and the incident in the severity of rosacea in middle-aged women."
— Ella Cressman [05:00]
Recent Research and Scientific Insights
The discussion shifts to recent scientific findings shedding light on rosacea's pathogenesis:
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Hormonal Influence: A study from a West China hospital explored the role of estrogen levels in rosacea's development, suggesting hormonal changes significantly impact the condition.
Notable Quote:
"Hormones play a huge role and we don't really address more than are you in your menstrual cycle or not."
— Ella Cressman [07:09] -
Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP): Elevated plasma levels of CGRP have been observed, linking it to vasodilation and inflammation in rosacea patients. This opens potential therapeutic targets for future treatments.
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Microbiome Imbalance: The proliferation of Demodex mites and imbalances in the skin microbiome contribute to rosacea's persistence and severity.
Notable Quote:
"There is something called the calcitonin gene related peptide. And what they've found is there's elevated plasma levels of this."
— Ella Cressman [08:11]
New Treatments and FDA Approvals
Ella introduces the latest FDA-approved medications and innovative treatments revolutionizing rosacea care:
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IMRASI (Minocycline Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsule): Approved in November 2024, IMRASI is an oral medication effective in reducing inflammatory lesions and facial redness while minimizing safety concerns. It's suitable for all stages and grades of rosacea, particularly pustular rosacea.
Notable Quote:
"In November 2024, so really recently, the US Food and Drug Administration approved this IMRASI for treating rosacea."
— Ella Cressman [09:02] -
Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) Sprays: Initially popular for acne treatment, HOCl sprays are now being explored for rosacea due to their ability to cleanse the skin and restore microbiome balance.
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Encapsulated Benzoyl Peroxide Cream (5% by Epsila Galderma): Utilizing silica encapsulation, this formulation releases benzoyl peroxide gradually, reducing irritation while controlling bacteria. Clinical trials have shown significant reductions in inflammatory lesions with tolerable side effects.
Notable Quote:
"This cream actually releases gradually this 5% benzoyl peroxide into the skin, which is important for minimizing irritation and controlling bacteria."
— Ella Cressman [11:00]
Treatment Strategies for Estheticians
Ella and Maggie emphasize the importance of personalized treatment plans for rosacea patients. Key strategies include:
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Customization and Adaptability: Each client’s rosacea presents uniquely, necessitating tailored approaches rather than one-size-fits-all protocols.
Notable Quote:
"You can't just go off of a protocol that was designed by somebody. You can take it, but you have to make it, like, custom to that person."
— Ella Cressman [15:16] -
Managing Triggers: Identifying and managing triggers such as stress, hormonal fluctuations, and environmental factors are crucial for effective treatment.
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Simplifying Routines: Minimizing product variables and allowing adequate time between treatments help in assessing the skin’s response and preventing over-irritation.
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Holistic Approach: Incorporating additional modalities like neck massages or relaxation techniques can enhance the overall treatment experience and provide relief.
Notable Quote:
"The key to relief is you’re not going to cure it. It is the second thing. It’s relief and it can come back really quickly."
— Ella Cressman [16:31]
Conclusion and Takeaways
Ella concludes by reiterating that rosacea, while extensively researched, remains a complex and often misunderstood condition. Personalized care, continuous education, and staying abreast of the latest treatments are essential for estheticians to provide optimal care.
Call to Action:
Listeners are encouraged to share their experiences with rosacea and engage with the ASCP community via social media or email to foster a collaborative learning environment.
Final Thoughts
Episode 320 of ASCP Esty Talk serves as a comprehensive guide for estheticians navigating the challenges of treating rosacea. By integrating the latest research, innovative treatments, and personalized care strategies, Ella Cressman and Maggie Stasek equip skincare professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to enhance their practice and improve client outcomes.
Disclaimer:
This summary is based on the transcript provided and aims to encapsulate the key points discussed in the podcast episode. For a more detailed understanding, listening to the full episode is recommended.