Course Description

Although multiple therapeutic options characterize the Naturopathic Medical approach to managing rosacea, the bulk of these focus on internal treatments such as dietary, oral supplement, and homeopathic considerations. By contrast, familiarity and clinical knowledge pertaining to the topical aspects of rosacea care often are underrepresented. Yet, possessing this knowledge is key since day-to-day skincare regimens play an essential role in rosacea treatment. Ironically, many of the rosacea-influencing skin skincare topicals on the market today include various nutraceutical and herbal agents. Much research in recent years has sought to elucidate the clinical role, effect, and importance behind the use of various topical products and cosmeceutical ingredients as part of a skincare regimen to complement both conventional and Naturopathic treatments.

This course is designed to provide Naturopathic Doctors and healthcare providers with a detailed review of the key components in a topical skincare regimen to better manage rosacea.

Specific aspects reviewed include:

• Facial skin cleanser and moisturizer considerations, particularly within the context of skin barrier support

• The wide range of cosmeceutical agents for managing rosacea

• This explores the role of nutrient and herbal-based topical ingredients in addressing various aspects of rosacea pathophysiology, ultimately helping to reduce facial erythema and other rosacea symptoms

• Such cosmeceuticals are often featured in rosacea-focused topical products as well as in skin cleansers and moisturizers

• The role and importance of sun protection and what to consider when selecting a sunscreen for rosacea patients

• Basic makeup considerations and an evidence-based look at cosmetic camouflage

• Clinical tools for managing sensitive skin

Who might benefit from this course?

Any healthcare provider who:

o Is looking to become familiar with, and refine their knowledge regarding, what topical products to recommend as an adjunct to their standard rosacea treatments

o Is wanting to augment their ability to answer patient questions surrounding topical product selection

o Wishes to explore the clinical evidence behind the use of skin cleansers, moisturizers, treatment-based cosmeceuticals and sunscreens in rosacea care

Learning Objectives

Understand the basic clinical features of rosacea

Recognize and be aware of the differences between the previous subtype classification and the current phenotype classification of rosacea

Recognize common co-morbid conditions associated with rosacea

Recognize how rosacea symptoms can present differently in patients with skin of colour

Understand the common triggers of rosacea

Review the detailed pathophysiology of rosacea

Explore the evidence supporting the relationship between rosacea and the epidermal skin barrier

Understand common conventional medical treatment approaches in rosacea care

Understand common Naturopathic/Integrative approaches in rosacea care

Review the general goals of skincare for rosacea

Explore approaches to proper facial skin cleansing

Review the role, effect, and differences between various types of skin cleanser categories and product types

Explore approaches to proper skin moisturization

Review the role, effect, and differences between various types of skin moisturizers

Understand the role and effect of physiologic vs non-physiologic moisturizers in skin barrier support in rosacea

Explore the clinical research relating to both cleansers and moisturizers in rosacea management

Identify skincare ingredients which retain an irritant potential and could possibly trigger symptoms

Understand what cosmeceutical ingredients/actives are, the biological activities they retain, and what role(s) they can play in managing rosacea symptoms

Recognize what types of skincare products cosmeceuticals are found in

Review and understand the potential role, effects, and clinical research supporting the use of various cosmeceuticals for rosacea care

Recognize which cosmeceuticals may be used in certain clinical situations, such as those used in topical products for sensitive skin

Understand what concentrations specific cosmeceuticals are found in, both as based on clinical research and what levels are available in over-the-counter preparations

Review the essential aspect of sun protection measures in rosacea care

Understand what to look for in sunscreen topicals relating to the needs of rosacea-prone skin

Identify approaches toward makeup selection and removal and cosmetic camouflage in rosacea care, including research studies exploring their integration into managing dermatoses like rosacea

Explore how to integrate the information reviewed into clinical practice