Weight loss effects on rosacea and hyperpigmentation

I have rosacea, which I now know worsens when I use witch hazel, so I won't be using that anymore!  I also have hyperpigmentation around my eyes.  I was wondering if any of you had either (or both) of these conditions before your surgery and if you found your weight loss to have any type affect on either, positive or negative? 

Hi Shauna,
I had rosacea the heavier I got the worse it got.
After surghery I had mine treated with lazer.
I am very pleased with the sesults.
I have also heard there is a cream you can get by perscrition for rosacea.
Is the hyperpigmentaion dark circles under your eyes?
I am wondering because I know there is a name for it because Lee has that.
                                                      Annie

Hi Annie,

I was thinking that maybe with weight loss the rosacea might get better.  I'm planning on seeing a dermatologist about treatment for it if it doesn't.  So glad the laser treatment worked for yours!  Did you have that done by a dermatologist?  Does insurance help cover that or is it considered "cosmetic?" 

The hyperpigmentation is different than dark circles.  It's like a brown "mask" around the eyes.  I didn't start getting that until not too long ago and boy, it has gotten really bad.  Thus far, I can cover it up with my mineral makeup pretty well, but I would really like for it to just go away!  I had read something about weight loss making it worse so I hope that isn't the case.

I have rosacea too but I have never sought any remedy for it. I don't know if it is any consequence health wise but cosmetically it is a bit weird. I hate to wear makeup of any kind and almost never wear it. I have the dark circles under the eyes but my glasses seem to hide that pretty well LOL! Is there a reason to treat rosacea other than cosmetic reasons?

I think the "need" for treatment depends on the severity, Ann.  If it's not causing you any problems, I wouldn't worry about it.  It tends to be progressive in nature and I've seen mine worsen from time to time, but for the most part mine is pretty mild.  Since it has something to do with increased blood flow, I was just wondering if weight loss had any, hopefully positive, affect on it!  Here's the Mayo Clinic's list of Risk Factors:

• Hot foods or beverages
• Spicy foods
• Alcohol
• Temperature extremes
• Sunlight
• Stress, anger or embarrassment
• Strenuous exercise
• Hot baths, saunas
• Corticosteroids
• Drugs that dilate blood vessels, including some blood pressure medications

Hi Shauna,

Oh my! I'm sure we are distantly ... or maybe not so distantly related. I too have rosacea and a bit of hyperpigmentation. The rosacea is considerably better since I've lost the weight. I'm not sure if it's because I don't overheat as easily or what, but I'm delighted to not have to deal with much any more. The hyperpigmentation didn't get better or worse. Mine is just a relatively small patch on one cheek. My dermatologist suggested I use one of the mineral makeups and said that it actually seems to help the rosacea for reasons that are not totatlly understood ... Hey! Whatever works, right?

Soooo..., I would say that you might see some reasonable improvement in the rosacea and the hyperpigmentation may not worsen or improve with the weight loss.

Barb

Barb,  I think you are right about the relative thing...and we just keep finding reasons why that is probably the case, don't we?! 

The idea behind your rosacea improvement is probably spot-on...not overheating as easily.  I agree that the mineral makeup helps a lot with complexion issues.  My 15yo daughter has also found that to be true.  I LOVE the stuff!  (I use EverydayMinerals, btw...it is very affordable and does not contain any toxic fillers.)  I'm planning on going for a facial sometime in the not-too-distant future so I will talk with her about the hyperpigmentation.  My rosacea is honestly very mild but it would be nice if it would clear up completely one of these days!  Thanks so much for your reply! 

HI Shauna - I too have rosacea, but it has improved with my weight loss.  Like Barb mentioned, I think it may be due to the fact that I don't get overheated nearly so easily now which was a big trigger for me.  My husband and I went out of town this past weekend (had a blast!) and I did consume hot and spicy foods as well as some alcoholic beverages.  I hadn't even thought of it until now, but those things used to trigger my face to flush, and I didn't have that happen not even one time this weekend.  I guess that's a wow moment for me! 

I do use the prescription facial gel called Metrogel which my dermatologist prescribes.  It has never prevent the flushed face from happening, but it did help to prevent the occasional (cyclical caused) acne that rosacea tends to create.  It is my understanding as well that it helps to keep the broken vessels from forming on your face so that you hopefully won't need to have the laser treatment done. 

I know you're counting down the days now until surgery! 

Take care,

Rhonda,  So I'm seeing possibly good news ahead in the rosacea department.  :)  Will make a note of the Metrogel to ask about later if I feel the need.  Thanks so much for informing me about that option! 

I'm so glad that you had a great time going out of town and that you now realize you had a wow moment while you away! 

My rosacea also improved with my weightloss. I have not used my Rosac Cream in over 2 years. 

My skin is still sensitive. But I rarley have flaming cheek days even with vigorous exercise.

Belinda