Already available in Canada, Cetaphil will introduce a new line of products for dry sensitive skin in August in the US. The line is called RestoraDERM and is targeted at Eczema sufferers who struggle to maintain the natural moisture balance of their skin. For

For those rosacea sufferers who also have eczema or also struggle with moisturizing extra dry or itchy skin, this range may be worth a try.

I suspect that the moisturizer may initial seem thick compared to other moisturizers familiar to rosacea sufferers. Please leave a comment below if you do try them. What are they like ? Do they help you battle with any of you rosacea symptoms ?

The Canadian web site for RestoraDERM tells us that the soap-free liquid cleanser is said to encapsulate high levels of moisturizing oils to cleanse and hydrate dry skin, whilst the lotion is said to contain patented ceramide technology to replenish the skin’s natural oils to help the skin to retain its natural moisture.

We are also told that both products are `clinically proven to be suitable for total-body use—including the face’ and are `ideal for the entire family’ and that the products have been demonstrated to relieve dryness and itching.

When Galderma acquired Collagenex in 2008, Collagenex listed a technology known as Restoraderm (along with Oracea and Sansrosa) as one of the assets acquired. Restoraderm at that time was described as a “proprietary, foam-based, topical drug delivery technology”. It isn’t clear to me whether this product is related to this technology or is something else entirely.

Ingredients

Thanks to sans002 for the list of ingredients for this new range.

Cetaphil RESTORADERM Eczema Moisturizing Wash Ingredients

water, shea butter, sodium trideceth sulfate, glycerin, sunflower seed oil, sodium chloride, sodium laurampoacetate, cocamide MEA, citric acid, niacinamide, sodium PCA, tocopheryl acetate, 1,2-Hexanediol and caprylyl glycol, disodium EDTA. guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, allantoin, potassium sorbate, arginine, methylisothiazolinone

Cetaphil RESTORADERM Eczema Moisturizing Lotion Ingredients

water, glycerin, caprylic/capric triglyceride, sunflower seed oil, pentylene glycol, shea butter, sorbitol, cyclopentasiloxane, cetearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, tocopheryl acetate, hydroxypalmitoyl sphinganine, cetyl alcohol, arginine, disodium ethylene dicocamide PEG-15 disulfate, glyceryl stearate citrate, niacinamide, sodium PCA, ceteareth-20, sodium polyacrylate, caprylyl glycol, allantoin, citric acid, panthenol, dimethiconol, disodium EDTA, sodium hyaluronate

Highlighted Product

Related Articles

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• Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser well tolerated
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• Cetaphil spending a million pounds this spring

This just published paper details a `new’ product that comprises a slight twist on an old formula. It seems that much of modern research and development involves tweaking existing treatments to see how their efficacy and product lifecycle can be extended.

This new product is known as CLARIFOAM EF Emollient Foam, and is indicated for the topical control of acne vulgaris, acne rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis. The company web site boldly claims that Clarifoam EF effectively treats all 3 conditions.

In combination with sulfacetamide, sulfur has been reported to inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnes thereby reducing the inflammation associated with acne.

The active ingredients of Clarifoam EF are a combination of 10% sodium sulfacetamide and 5% sulfur.

The Clarifoam Prescribing Information mentions two forms of application: The Wash-Off application and the Leave-On application. The Wash-Off application suggests a 10 minute application 1-3 times a day to clean dry skin and rinsing thoroughly with water. The Leave-On application suggests the same 1-3 times a day, but wiping off any excess and otherwise leaving the foam application untouched.

The product comes in an aluminium can which needs to be primed before its first use and shaken vigorously before each use. A Clarifoam Rebate Coupon of up to $30 is available until the end of December 2010.

Here is the abstract of the study suggesting that Clarifoam is useful in treat the 3 conditions at once.

Dr. Draelos is well known to rosacea sufferers being on the expert panel that recently published the Standard Rosacea Management Options, the Cetaphil Cleansing Bar and Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, Clarisonic as well as cleansing and the management of rosacea.

The multifunctionality of 10% sodium sulfacetamide, 5% sulfur emollient foam in the treatment of inflammatory facial dermatoses. J Drugs Dermatol. 2010 Mar;9(3):234-6., Draelos ZD.

Prior to 1962, some of the most versatile drugs in dermatology were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) solely on the basis of safety.

One of these is the combination 10% sodium sulfacetamide and 5% sulfur. Sodium sulfacetamide possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties while sulfur is a nonspecific antibacterial and antifungal. A new emollient foam formulation of 10% sodium sulfacetamide and 5% sulfur allows a thinner application film and leaves behind no residue on hair bearing or non-hair bearing skin. The sulfur smell is also more quickly dissipated with reduced irritation.

This uncontrolled, observational, prospective, open-label, single site, eight-week study enrolled 24 subjects (eight with rosacea, eight with seborrheic dermatitis, eight with acne vulgaris) to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this novel foam formulation.

At eight weeks, statistically significant improvement was seen in inflammatory rosacea lesion counts and the signs of seborrheic dermatitis. A 50% reduction was noted in the total acne lesion counts. These findings confirm the versatility of an emollient 10% sodium sulfacetamide and 5% sulfur foam.

Clarifoam EF is made by Onset Therapeutics which is a subsidary of Collegium Pharmaceutical.

Other products that also feature a combination of Sodium Sulfacetamide and Sulfur include: Clenia, Rosaderm, Plexion, Ovace, Klaron, Rosanil, Rosac and Rosula. Yes indeed there is a lot of products you can choose should you wish to try out a formulation of these two actives.

User Reviews

1. Nora in the thread Clarifoam at the Rosacea Support Community;… However, he gave me a sample of Clarifoam and I used it for about 4 days. It made my skin so dry and chapped it was painful. I tried rinsing it off after application as the website says, but that didn’t help. I stopped using it and had to use Aquaphor for a few days to lubricate my skin. So, I guess this is not for me!!
2. harrysinghnyc in the thread Clarifoam at the Rosacea Form;I have tried pro-topic, metrogel and locoid lipocream and none could remedy my seb derm but today is the 2nd day I have applied clarifoam and i notice that the outbreak is 90% gone! I have never had this type of turnaround this fast! One day after using it, i am prescribed this foam lotion 2x daily, so this is awesome!
3. rf11 in the thread My rosacea is gone!! at the Rosacea Forum;Anyway, to update, I have been using clarifoam and Cerave soap for almost a month now, and my skin looks better than it has in years.
4. J-Mill in the thread clarifoam ef at the Rosacea Forum;I have tried this stuff recently and really like it. … In short, both medications attack some key Rosacea/Seb Derm aggravators. What I like about Clarifoam is I find the base really non-irritating, unlike most topicals I have tried. Everyone is different though and as always you should test patch topicals, especially one with sulfacetamide as some peopl are very allergic to it.
5. fyd in the the thread Clarifoam EF is the greatest! at the acne.org message board;… on Christmas eve my derm prescribed me with this stuff. He said that they were making my face look much more worse than it was and he was absolutely right. This product just came out about a month ago, so it’s brand new. I started using it on Christmas and in about a week and a half to 2 weeks, i saw a big difference. They were fading away, I couldnt believe it! To be honest, i couldnt stop smiling at what my face looked like. Now, they are very much still there, but very faint and they are starting to blend in very nicely. They are more of a light brown then red now. Ziana and Clarifoam are working great together.

Related Articles

• Product Page: Clarifoam EF
• RSRP: Sulfur / Sodium Sulfacetamide Topicals

I have to admit that I hate shaving. It seems such a waste of time to me. Every morning I need to devote 10-15 minutes to scrape the dead wire-like hair off my face. Not only is it messy, but it hurts. I have tried an electric razor but it just doesn’t cut it. Only in recent years have I been able to shave with a blade razor. My facial skin has been too sensitive to cope with a razor blade. Any small cuts would turn into a pustule. Any small papule was in danger of being sliced open. The irritation from shaving certainly didn’t enhance the redness of my rosacea.

I have seen shaving oils talked about in the past. Surely they don’t work though right ? The best way to shave is to have a heap of creamy lather ? Well now I’m not sure. In fact I’m almost ready to discard shaving cream for good.

For the last 2 weeks I have been using Dermalogica Close Shave Oil. For the first time in as long as I can remember, I no longer cut myself during my early morning facial scraping. Not only do I emerge from the bathroom without several nicks (suggesting that I don’t know how to shave) I also have the closest and smoothest shave I can remember.

As the oil is clear and you apply so little, you can see exactly where you are shaving. Until you get used it actually working you won’t believe that something you can’t see actually does a good job.

The slight smell reminds me a bit of camphor oil, it is a little bit of an unusual smell, certainly not the perfume I used to.

The instructions say to shake a few drops into a wet palm and smooth over dampened area to be shaved. Rinse razor often. This last tip is important as the oil tends to cause the razor to become blocked with the accumulation of the stubble. If you don’t rinse often and vigorously, you will certainly clog the razor solid.

Afterwards I find that my usual cleanser – Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser doesn’t give a great feeling of washing off the oil. I moisturize anyway with Cetaphil Moisturizer and so far I haven’t noticed any bad reaction from the oil.

The price may seem a little steep for a small bottle, but 4 drops is enough for a strong beard. I expect my bottle to last several months at least. The oil is perfect for travelling, the bottle is so much smaller and lighter than a can of shaving foam.

Hey one last tip – it is great for shaving your legs too.

Official Product Description

“This slick oil is perfect for shaving goatees, moustaches and sideburns, or for those who prefer maximum visibility while shaving. Formulated with a rich blend of botanicals, Close Shave Oil comforts and soothes the skin while lifting the hairs for an irritation-free finish. Silicones allow the razor to glide evenly over the skin to minimize the risk of nicks, cuts and razor burn. Camphor diminishes irritation while thyme, clove, lavender and tea tree condition and soften the skin. Free of artificial colorants and fragrances, and suitable for shaving the head.”

Ingredients

The first ingredients give a clue to why to works so well – lubricants that help the razor smooth across the skin.

Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Amodimethicone, Dimethiconol, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citris Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Ocimum Basililicum (Basil) Oil, Cananga Odorata (Ylang-Ylang) Flower Oil, Pinus Palustris (Pine) Oil, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Oil, Eugenia Carypophyllus (Clove) Flower Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Cedrus Atlantica (Cedarwood) Bark Oil, Melaleuca Leucadendron Cajaput Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Camphor, Limonene, Linalool.

Final Remarks

OK, I don’t think I have raved about a product in this way for a long time. It is nice to find a product that you really like, one that works as it is advertised. I think this oil will remain in my box of toiletries.

If you find shaving is causing you irritation, please let us know if this product helps you.

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Dermalogica Close Shave Oil

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Recently the manufacturers of Finacea, Intendis, and Coria Laboratories, have begun promoting a new combination package it is calling Finacea plus. This package encourages rosacea sufferers to combine a tube of Finacea with CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser and/or CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion. In theory this sounds like a good idea. Many rosacea sufferers have discovered that a gentle cleansing and moisturizing combination is a key part of their rosacea beating rosacea.

Official Web Site Comments

According to the official CeraVe web site, CeraVe is suitable for rosacea sufferers; “If you are taking a prescription medication for a skin condition, CeraVe Skin Care products are designed to enhance a medication’s therapeutic effect. That’s why many dermatologists recommend CeraVe Skin Care products as part of their therapeutic regimen. The gentle and moisturizing ingredients in CeraVe Skin Care products can also help offset the drying effects of certain prescription medications used to treat conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, and rosacea.”

Further, the My Finacea web site claims the following benefits from using the CeraVe products.

Delivered with MVE technology.

CeraVe Skin Care products offer the unique Multivesicular Emulsion —MVE™— delivery technology. This patented system provides a controlled release of barrier-rebuilding protective ingredients that penetrate deep into the skin to hydrate and nourish, while locking in precious moisture.

So the manufacturers are convinced, then.

Medical Opinions

From Rosacea: No laughing matter, Dr. Bikowski stresses skin care to make sure the outer layer, called the stratum corneum, is healthy. “That stops water from leaving, the skin from drying out, and stops things like microbes from getting in, also irritants and allergens.” He advises the use of the over-the-counter cleanser, moisturizer lotion and/or moisturizer cream marketed under the name CeraVe. …

“There is nothing over the counter that is of any medical value for treating rosacea except for the skin products [CeraVe],” he said.

Hmmm, Dr. Bikowski sounds convinced too.

Paula Begoun seems to be generally happy with the CeraVe range;

“Hydrating Cleanser deserves serious consideration by anyone with normal to dry skin that’s also sensitive, including those dealing with rosacea. It is an exceptionally gentle, soothing cleanser that contains several ingredients that mimic the structure and function of healthy skin …”

“Moisturizing Lotion is the lotion version of the Moisturizing Cream, and other than having a lighter texture and smoother dry-down, the same formulary comments apply. The blend of glycerin, ceramides, cholesterol, and hyaluronic acid will help normal to dry skin look and feel very good …”

How To Use

Instructions that accompany Finacea Plus recommend that rosacea patients wash their skin with lukewarm water and CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. This should be followed by an application of Finacea. Finally, it recommends applying CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion to the entire face.

What is the special offer ?

Well perhaps the package is slightly less than exciting. The prescription for Finacea Plus offers patients a $10 coupon towards the prescription cost of Finacea and a $2 coupon toward the purchase of either CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion or CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. A fairly modest discount scheme indeed.

The coupon itself is available at the My Finacea web site.

User Reviews

For more information on Finacea itself, see the Rosacea Support Group page containing Finacea User Reviews.

Here are some comments from rosacea sufferers who have tried the CeraVe range of products;

Artist said: I had also started using Finacea, a topical medication for rosacea, while still using the Cerave (the last few days using it.) I distinctly remember that the Finacea was extremely irritating to my skin, as if my face were on FIRE, when combined with the Cerave. Cerave is known to release moisture throughout the day due to microbeads or some such technology. It also contains ceramides, so maybe that has something to do with it. Who knows. I think this kept re-activating the finacea or just did not combine well with it. I then switched from Cerave moisturizer to Vanicream Lite Lotion

Carol, Brooklyn, Ohio said: (They) mentioned CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. I tried it and i hope coria labs never stop making it! In three days, my face looks like it did so long ago. I am in love with my skin on my face! I knew from the first night i used it. It was not greasy, it washed off very quick, no residue, no redness, no drying, no itching! I love it!!!!!! I have not had to use my acid mantle or clindamycin for the last three days! love it love it please please please do not stop making CeraVe hydrating cleanser.

DmanChicago said: This relatively unknown brand of cleanser has proven to be the best for my skin. I have moderate Rosacea-mainly the redness, bumps, pimples, and at times even cysts. I’m 47, I have tried literally every product out there and this is my pick. It is completely non-irritating, doesn’t dry my skin, and simply works to clean without the greasy feeling of Cetaphil.

Mikel said: Cerave Lotion is the only lotion I can use on my face, other than DML Lotion. Cerave is far more effective but DML works on the principle of less is more. I cant use the Cerave Cleanser though as my pores get clogged. Go Figure! I use the lotion as the cream is a bit heavy for my combo skin.

MelissaW said: I have a similar reaction to the Cerave cleanser interestingly enough. I find it breaks me out a bit. However I use both the Cerave lotion and cream successfully (so far) and find it very soothing and calming for my rosacea. I have dry skin though so that is probably why I can use the cream without any issues re clogging my pores.

CrabbyCathy said: Hold on to your socks, everyone. I think I have found a moisturizer I love, that beats my beloved Canvas Base Cream! In a matter of days, it has returned moisture to my skin, or at least helped my skin heal so that it can retain it’s own moisture, as nature intended. No more dry, itchy, stinging skin. I guess ceramides do work! I apply a dab to damp skin, concentrating on my cheeks, and dab the little bit left on my fingers onto my t-zone, where I don’t need as much.

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Final Comment

OK, the discount offer is pretty modest, but do you think you’d like to try any of the CeraVe products ? Are the something you will want to keep as part of your daily regime ?

Related Articles

• Finacea Plus (get $2 off CeraVe and $10 off Finacea)
• finacea user reviews
• finacea is good for acne and hyper pigmentation as well
• adding `Licochalcone A’ to finacea and metrogel
• metrogel less irritating than finacea
• finacea available Over The Counter in Australia

Some interesting discussions from both experts and users of botox treatments for rosacea have are emerging online and are worth reviewing.

A quick search on Google shows that several clinics are now offering botox as part of their rosacea treatments. Better known for it’s cosmetic use, the highly toxic protein known as C. botulinum, Botox shows promise as an adjunctive treatment for rosacea. Botox blocks the release of acetylcholine, a neural transmitter that is part of the autonomic nervous system.

Expert Comments

The friendly and always helpful Dr. Soldo posted in the Ask a Doctor forum on botox ;

Botox is only an adjunct to many ways to address flushing. Most commonly used are IPL, clonidine in low doses, oracea and topicals such as metrogel etc to name a few. Botox does not reach peak effect for at least 2 weeks and sometimes even longer. If not effective by then, then a larger dose may need to be used. Botox is not foolproof however and is not always totally effective. N. Soldo, MD

User Reviews

Andrew Reid tells us that as “someone who has had botox injections experimentally to try and treat rosacea and rosacea flushing, this is a step forwards. I had a frozen face for 2-3 months and effect on flushing was difficult to gauge. There have been very mixed reports on botox for facial flushing and redness, based on my personal experiences I would not recommend this to others (for the face).”

Bob Bear tells us “the results were pretty startling. It didn’t help my rosacea flushing at all, but my blushing was gone in the treated areas. No word of a lie! Since then, it seems that several people from the ESFB group have achieved similar results with this treatment.”

Ann replied with “I too have HAD injections of botox after numerous treatments of IPL. I have found it to be very helpful with the flushing component of rosacea as well as eliminating the symptoms of the heat related facial areas. In conjuction with IPL, I have found botox to have been very helpful in managing my condition.”

Samina tells us “I have had severe rosacea for 3 years, I was in the 0.1% of people with severe and uncontrollable flushing and intense burning 24/7, i have been house bound, cancelled my wedding, unable to work etc.. I have tried so many meds over a 3 year period to no avail. I had botox done 7 days ago and I am 90% better, occasional fan, no icepacks or chillow (icepack even came with me to the toilet b4 the botox. Its a christmas miracle, I cant quite believe that 3 years for nothing working and then a week after botox 90% better. I am in heaven.” and followed up with this update “just a quick update. although i am loads better than i was b4 the botox, i have felt since yesterday that i need to have a fan on low all the time, day and night for comfort. I am not flushing or burning, but just feel the need, weird, cheecks can be slightly pink but again bnothing like i was. I dont know if this being my 12th day since having botox that I have meet the full effects or whether it will continue to improve over the coming weeks…does anyone know?”

WrinkledClue followed up with “Botox worked very well for me in the early stages of my rosacea. My Dr said it takes a week or two (I think that’s the time frame he said) to fully be effective. Unfortunately it soon became apparent that the Botox was no match for the heavy flushing of menopause, and so I found that I was swamped by a tidal wave of horrific flushes. I sure hope your experience is different and that it works well for you for a long time. I’ve read other success stories online about Botox being used to stop flushing successfully.”

glamormon at the Rosacea Forum talks about botox as part of IPL treatments with Dr. Soldo, “We did Botox this week injected into the skin (dermis I think) . A little punch feeling and the needle was in, no big deal (but thenI was slathered in topical). Tiny little pin point bruises in a couple spots, can’t see them at all under makeup. We used 20 units all over the flush zone including on the ears. Even the top of nose got 2 units. I’m pretty exicted about the possibilities this offers, and feel really lucky to have such easy access to Dr. Soldo.”

Related Articles

• Flushing: it’s all in your nerves and emotions
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Showing just how important the internet is becoming for marketing new cosmetics, Pyratine XR has recently launched with a lot of press activity. As well as Senetek’s press releases on the internet I was also contacted by 2 PR representatives trying to get me to cover the release of this `new’ product. Pyratine XR was launched at the South Beach Dermatology Symposium in Miami on Feb 14 and also on March 6 at the AAD Annual Meeting in San Francisco.

The press release activity is based on an as-yet unpublished study of 18 mild to moderate rosacea over a period of 48 weeks.

So what is the difference between Kinerase, Pyratine-6 and Pyratine XR ? Well firstly they are all expensive over the counter cosmetics. The active ingredient in these products is furfuryl tetrahydropyranyladenine. As cosmetic products none of these can make claims to treat any particular disease.

Kinerase

Kinerase Cream contains 0.1% N6-furfuryladenine.

The ingredients of Kinerase are listed as: purified water, glyceryl stearate and laureth-23, isopropyl palmitate, propylene glycol, stearic acid, cetyl alcohol, carthamus tinctorius (safflower) seed oil, soya sterol, stearyl alcohol, dimethicone, imidazolidinyl urea, citric acid, sodium hydroxide, methylparaben, soluble collagen, carbomer, N6-furfuryladenine, panthenol, propylparaben, triethanolamine, ascorbic acid, hydrolyzed elastin, and aloe barbadensis leaf juice.

Pyratine-6

Pyratine 6 contains 0.1% N6-furfuryladenine and is marketed as an anti-aging product and as Senetek’s `second-generation patented cytokinin’

Pyratine XR

Pyratine XR contains 0.125% N6-furfuryladenine and is marketed as a rosacea product once Senetek increased the amount of the active ingredient and initiated the unpublished study mentioned in this article. It looks to me that the Red R in the labelling is also trying to suggest that this product is for rosacea sufferers.

Product Feedback

There is some strong skepticism about Pyratine XR over at the Rosacea Forum

I agree with Melissa:

1. The stuff is ridiculously expensive
2. It went “cosmetic” as to avoid having to conduct rigorous testing
3. It’s claims are yet to be approved by the FDA as far as I could find
4. There are no 3rd party tests of this product, only in house research done by the company
5. In the tests that were done the claim was that it was tested on people with mild to moderate rosacea, but the test data itself remains largely unpublished.
   Further: http://www.dermatology.uci.edu/IID%2…er%20final.pdf
   Are you kidding me? If the two test subjects pictured are the best examples to sell this product then it appears to only work well for those with really, really, really mild Rosacea.
6. I haven’t heard one good thing about Pyratine 6 from a real Rosacea sufferer, it is hard to imagine why this is going to be that much better
7. Spamming Rosacea web boards for business suggests a $ grab
8. I don’t know why this plant derivative substance is significantly different from others that have been around for some time that claim to also be anti-inflammatory and effective on ROS.
   Bottom line, there is no real reason to believe this product will work imo, but the jury is out. Once is comes out, if some reliable people post good results it might be worth a try. I would prefer seeing a large scale 3rd party double blind study on it.

Pyratine XR was due to be launched at the SF AAD Meeting. An interesting post from badhairday gives some insight into what this launch actually meant ;

Hi all,

Thought this would be helpful info re: Pyratine XR. I realize I don’t regularly post but I thought this was important. My sister in-law is a Derm. She attended the National Dermatology Conference in San Francisco this past weekend. I asked her to find this product and try to get me the inside scoop – like all of us I am cautiously hopeful of anything new but also skeptical. Here’s what she found.

The Pyratine XR booth – was a VERY hard to find tiny booth. There were two women representing the product (she said the ladies seemed a little sketchy – not necessarily important info but I trust my sisters judgement ). Just a few before and after pictures of people who had trialed it for 48 weeks – but NO real data on how the product works and the women wouldn’t get into any detail. They would only conditionally commit to give her 6 free samples (enough for the 48 months per patient) BUT the Dr. had to commit to recording results of their patients (data and pictures) through the period of the trial and report back to the company. If the Dr. didn’t want to commit to the following though on data gathering they would need to pay $400 + per patient (for an 48 month trial). This product will be sold over the counter only in physician offices (no pharmacies). My sister-in-law was concerned that this company was trying to solicit Doctors to do the research for them for free rather than setting up an actual study where patients are paid. Further she was sceptical that they wouldn’t give any free samples (it is $150 per tube!)

She reported that b/c it’s over the counter it doesn’t have to go though any “real” testing (a lot easier to get approved). Just need to prove that it doesn’t harm anyone. It seems to be a glorified anti aging product with natural plant exact ingredients which probably will be ok for many of us to use as most of the ingredients looked fairly benign. But it’s hard to say if it will have any effect on rosacea at this point. Her recommendation was to wait a year and not spend the money as it didn’t look promising enough and it didn’t have enough to back it up that would make it a worth while product at this point. Sorry to burst any bubbles – and again what doesn’t work for one may work for another and obviously a few people on this sight have had some luck. The product representation just seemed a little sketchy for me.

Good luck all – hope this helps a few of us to save a few bucks and… Jen

Paula Begoun has this to say about Kinetin.

Kinetin is a plant-growth hormone, and its technical name is N6-furfuryladenine. What makes kinetin interesting are the in vitro and animal studies demonstrating its effect as a growth factor.

…

I suspect that when it’s applied topically, kinetin isn’t of much use to the skin cell, and even if it could be utilized, there probably isn’t enough kinetin in any product to have a negative or positive impact but that is only a guess, no one knows for sure (Source: Dermatologic Clinics, October 2000, pages 609-615).

User Reviews & Feedback

As Pyratine XR has only recently launched there aren’t many testimonials available yet. Here are some thoughts from users of the related product Pyratine 6.

From DukeCity; I still am using the creme and think it’s the best moisturizer I’ve ever had, as far as toning down redness it’s so subjective, as I’ve had multiple IPL/Laser TX and am taking Oracea daily. But it is the only topical I’ve been using since last Feb./March. I will definitly be buying the Pyratine/RX as soon as it comes to public sale…

From dallascowgirl; On March 14, 2009, I will have completed a year using Pyratine- 6 lotion. (I tried the cream but it made my skin break out.) I still like it as much as ever– the first moisterizer I’ve ever been able to use. In this year, I have only used two 2.5 oz. tubes. I use a pea size glop twice a day while my face is slightly damp. I have had acne rosacea since I was 13 years old. Today, I have no breakout and my face skin is smooth, a little pink on my chin. Though it is expensive, I think I’ve actually saved money this year from not running out and buying the newest cream every month. Will I try the the new one? I really haven’t decided yet.

From sophie; I started using Pyratine last sept or oct, and loved my skin more after only a week or two. There has been a SMALL reduction in P&Ps [I still have them]. Likewise a SMALL reduction in redness [I'm still red]. The BIG difference was in the overall smoothness of my skin. Its still rougher than your average persons, but I’m quite sure that its the smoothest its been since pre-puberty [I'm now 33]. Funnily enough, I wonder whether my spider veins are now more defined now cause my skin is clearer. The other downside is that prolonged use hasn’t made my skin any better i.e. the almost immediate improvement has remained but not increased.

Over to You

So now that you have read all this background information, do you plan on trying Pyratine XR ?

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Those who have been around on the internet for a while won’t have failed to notice ZENMED. ZENMED (they use all capitals) are good at advertising and have a high profile through their advertising campaigns. In fact because Zenmed use Google Adwords you can sometimes see advertisements for them here on rosacea-support.org.

When you have a company that you don’t know much about, but has a good marketing department  it can be tricky to break through the marketing to find an answer to `Does ZENMED actually work for Rosacea ?`

ZENDMED Ingredients

Here is the list of ingredients as detailed on the Zenmed web site. Some of the ingredients `sound ok’ but as we know making a successful formulation is not just the result of combining any number of good ingredients in any number of ways. Do you like the look of the ingredients listed, surely some of them hold some promise of contributing to a good product ?

ZENMED Skin Support System – Dry Skin

ZENMED Anti-Redness Mask: Purified Water, Vegetable Glycerin, Willow Bark Extract, Sclerotium Gel, Aloe Vera Gel (Certified Organic), Yucca Extract, Green Tea Extract, Cucumber Extract, Licorice Root Extract, Allantoin, Chamomile Extract, Kelp Extract, Propylene Glycol, Methyl & Propyl Paraben.

ZENMED Gentle Cleansing Cream: Purified Water, Sunflower Oil (Certified Organic), Octyl Palmitate, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearic Acid, Vegetable Glycerin, Aloe Vera Gel (Certified Organic), Coco-Caprylate Caprate, Jojoba Oil, TEA Carbomer, Vitamin B5 & E, Cetyl Alcohol, Rose Hip Oil, Vitamins A & D3, Methyl & Propyl Paraben, Diazolidinyl Urea.

ZENMED Support Serum : Purified Water, Aloe Vera Gel (Certified Organic), Vegetable Glycerin, Sunflower Oil (Certified Organic), Octyl Palmitate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Emulsifying Wax, Vitamin E, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Vegetable Squalene, Green Tea Extracts, Cucumber Extracts, Vitamin B5, Allantoin, Soy Lecithin, Hydrolysed Soy Protein, Vitamin A & D3, Xanthane Gum, Rose Hip Essential Oil (Certified Organic), Evening Primrose Essential Oil (Certified Organic), Sweet Almond Essential Oil (Certified Organic), Dimethicone, Cocoa Butter, Rose Essence, Methyl & Propyl Paraben, Diazolidinyl Urea, Lavender Essential Oil, Lemon Essential Oil, Ylang Ylang Essential Oil, Lime Essential Oil, Tea Tree Essential Oil, Rose Geranium Essential Oil, Rosewood Essential Oil.

User Comments

Read on to make up your own mind. Feel free to add your own thoughts in the comments section below.

RSComm: Re: Zenmed, mel63.

I just recently purchased the zenmed system for dry skin and I am very disapointed. It made things worse and I hate the smell.
Good that it as a 60 day return policy, because I am sending mine back!!

RSComm: Re: Zenmed, bentherebefore

I hate the stuff. Was very irritating on my skin, made my rosacea worse (and that was 4 years ago when my skin was much tougher!)

RSComm Re: Some questions, thanks: Jacque

am about to use ZenMed. I used it years ago when I wasnt having outbreaks, but now that I am having the outbreaks again, I am going to give it another try. I was really happy with the ZenMed cleanser. I will let you know.

How to cure a red face, Comment #56 Kim

I have tried ZenMed products which seemed to bring only temporary relief.

RSComm Re: aloemaxx, whizz-dude

I’ve tried using using Zenmed and Rosacea care line of products and none of them helped. In fact I am sure they may have exacerbated it.

RSG Message 59007, msml

I have used the Zenmed products. I like both the cleanser & the serum and still use the cleanser every morning & night. I have about 1/2 of the serum left and just switched to trying the Clinique Redness Relief cream (which contains caffeine and salicylic acid – but so far, it’s doing okay for me). I didn’t switch because I didn’t like the Zenmed – rather, I switched just because I wanted to give the Clinique a try. I didn’t notice anything  remarkable from using Zenmed – no amazing improvements, etc. – but I also didn’t have any ill effects and my skin seems to like it. It’s hard to judge what’s doing what though, because I had to start on Doxycycline for a bad ocular rosacea flare-up around the same time I began the Zenmed. My skin looks quite good right now and I guess it could be any combination of the Zenmed, Clinique CX and/or the Doxycyline.

RSG Message 9976, vicky

I’ve tried Zenmed.. I didn’t like it.. to put it mildly, IT HURT!!! I have very light sensitive skin. I have also tried the Rosacea Care line.. I love their products and absolutely no problems. I just couldn’t afford them. A little bit goes along way.. I think they are comparable in price to Zenmed.

RSG Message 55260, t0xic_honey

I’ve been using ZenMed for a while now, just ordered some more…I’ve also used rosaceacare and zinco for sunscreen, concealing etc.
I ‘ve found ZenMed to be the best for me, the most soothing and least irritating as a cleanser/moisturiser. rosaceacare was good too, but I think zenmed is better in my case.

Rosacea Forum: 17089, rachzon

tried Zenmed with no result. Didn’t make things worse though.

RSG Message 57299, griff81.rm

I have been using it for a few months and I am not impressed. It is a nice cleanser and the treatment cream smells nice, neither break
me out, but neither have lessened my rosacea either. Zenmed has DREADFUL customer service IMO so I will not be replacing my product when I run out.

RSG Message 62080, parvati412

I was diagnosed about a year ago and tried Zenmed and loved it, until they changed the formula of the serum, it just made me flush harder. I also have really sensitive skin, so I can relate. I do like the cleanser though, and have stuck with that, but now I user Eucerin extra protective lotion spf 30 and I hardly ever flush anymore.

RSG Message 92328, yana

I have tried Zenmed before and actually I stopped using it about two weeks ago. I certainly liked its effect on my skin. I think that the redness and swelling has reduced somewhat. The only reason I stopped using it was because it contains parabens and I am try to avoid them. Other than that it is a good product. By the way, I only tried Skin Serum for Redness reduction, or something like that.

esfb channel: Mila

sorry to discourage you millerlite but zenmed rosacea products are not effective. Everyone I have chatted with online who has used their products haven’t had any good results.

I personally used the zenmed rosacea support serum for about 2 weeks. During this time I started having really watery and itchy eyes so I automatically thought that I had developped ocular rosacea. But then I stopped using the zenmed cream, which by the way smells like crap and was burning my face, and my eyes returned to normal. I think there are essential oils in this product that are very irritating to the eyes and skin.

Treatment Report 431, mmsdu4

I was diagnosed with a mild case of rosacea by a clinician. I would get severe burning and flushing when under stress and from strenuous exercise. By accident, I discovered Zenmed and decided to order it. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT – especially for those of you who still suffer from redness after your laser tx. I no longer have redness and am left with some broken capillaries on my both cheeks. I had only completed one course of tx and that was last year. Severe flushing has never returned but I do get burning sensation when doing strenuous exercise. For $65 (Cdn), it’s well worth it and it’s made from natural herbs.

RF: I Hate My Face, ajjacoby

Well, it used to be my triggers would be so bad that I would turn purple. I haven’t had one of those since I began using the Zenmed. In fact, it was one of those outbreaks that caused me to start using it. We were out drinking with friends, and my girlfriend of all people says to me, “Man, you’re purple.” I’ve never felt so crappy in my life.

It has helped a tiny bit to fade the redness, but not a whole lot. I’ll notice dots on my face where it has completely healed it, but they’re pretty unnoticeable unless you’re right on top of the mirror.

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Pycnogenol® is the patented trade name for a water extract of the bark of the French maritime pine ( Pinus pinaster  ssp.  atlantica ), which is grown in coastal south-west France. Pycnogenol® contains oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) as well as several other bioflavonoids: catechin, epicatechin, phenolic fruit acids (such as ferulic acid and caffeic acid), and taxifolin. Procyanidins are oligometric catechins found at high concentrations in red wine, grapes, cocoa, cranberries, apples, and some supplements such as Pycnogenol®.

From Pine bark extract is a potent antioxidant, and may help boost the effects of vitamin C and other antioxidants, UC Berkeley scientists report

BERKELEY — An extract of pine bark has proven to be one of the most potent antioxidants, a property that may explain why pine bark has been used in folk medicine around the world, according to a new report by scientists at the University of California, Berkeley.

Lester Packer and his colleagues at UC Berkeley screened many natural compounds for antioxidant activity and found that pine bark extract, marketed as Pycnogenol® (pik-nah-je-nal), is the most potent of the lot.

Antioxidants are chemicals that deactivate free radicals — highly destructive chemicals that damage cells and contribute to many diseases, ranging from stroke and heart attacks to degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Free radicals even contribute to aging.

In the past year and a half, Packer and his colleagues have documented a number of strong antioxidant effects of Pycnogenol that place it among the most potent antioxidants, ranking with vitamins E and C, and lipoic acid.

Packer also recently found that Pycnogenol extends the lifetime of vitamin C in the body, prolonging its beneficial effects as an antioxidant.

I just noticed that Derma E Skin Care is selling Pycnogenol Redness Reducing Serum. This is a topical product that also contains some interesting looking ingredients such as aloe, calendula and arnica montana extract.

Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth 20, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Panthenol, Allantoin, Pinus Pinaster (Pycnogenol®) Bark Extract, Epilobium Angustifolium (Canadian Willowherb™) Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract (6C), Alteromonas Ferment (Abyssine® 657) Extract, Xanthan Gum, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer (Aristoflex®), Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate.

If anyone gets to try this product please do leave us a comment below. I will be interested to know if pycnogenol is effective in a topical or whether it is better as a supplement.

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• Read all the Rosacea Support Group User Reviews

Rosacea-LTD has been discussed on rosacea forums the internet for a long time. In fact one of the first message I posted in 1998 was looking for some feedback on this product. The fact that the company is still in business is a good sign.

This product consists of compressed disks of various salts and sulphur. You gently slide the product over wet skin, leaving a tiny amount of the product on your skin.

When I first ordered them, they looked like round flat discs. They seemed to me like they would last at least a decade.

The next version I used was shaped more like a bullet. This is the third generation of Rosacea-LTD. These also felt like they would last many years.

I have used these for a few years in the past and there are many rosacea-support members who have also found them useful. I kept using them for quite a long time because I was happy that they were shrinking my papules and pustules – and thus were helping to reduce the redness. The benefit continued over the course of about a year I guess as I worked at reducing the inflammation of a red and acne looking nose.

Here are links to some other reviews from people who have used Rosacea-LTD.

Rosacea LTD Disks Personal History, Debbie Gallegos

I was that convinced after only 2 weeks that the new product was far superior for treating my skin condition than anything I had ever tried before over the 14 years. And the dilated veins are almost all but gone, the itchy is gone, and my skin no longer feels bumpy. And it worked being tested initially during the greatest challenge I face yearly, summer sun, heat and dry wind that is so prevalent in my area of California.  Normally I wouldn’t bother to take the time to write a company back about their product if I liked it. I would just keep using it, and that would be my testament to it. But I know how lousy this condition can make you feel, both physically and emotionally, and if I can encourage anyone else suffering out there to give this a try, then my few minutes spent writing this was well worth it. What have you got to lose, except maybe the suffering? Anyone feel free to write me personally if you need more reassurance. Thanks Rosacea Ltd!.

Rosacea Ltd papules pustules, Pat Lucey

I didn’t notice much of a change for about a week, but then I discovered that I wasn’t getting any new papules, and that the redness in my face was starting to fade.  It improved every week after that.  After about a year of daily use, my breakouts were confined to my cheeks and chin, with occasional dots on my nose after a particularly bad flush.  The condition of my skin continues to improve (I’ve been using the disks for 3 years now), but it’s not just the disks, although they help quite a bit.

Rosacea ltd III disks

Hi SC, I’ve had the same problem occasionally, but have found the disks to be very effective … Best of luck to you. The disks have dramatically improved my skin, but they have taken a little experimentation.

Rosacea LTD Discs

I have talked to other people and they say the same about the yellow (it has more sulphur) in it and i am allergic to sulphur drugs so I was really worried about using the rosacea discs but topically is supposed to be different than internally. I really find them better than the metrogel.

This product is only available at the Rosacea-LTD website at www.rosacea-ltd.com. The makers of this product have created an informative website to go along with their product.

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Prosacea is promoted as a homeopathic topical gel to treat Rosacea. Prosacea is said to contain medically recognized homeopathic ingredients that provides “complete and effective treatment for rosacea”.

Prosacea is conveniently available over the counter at stores like Walgreens. Prosacea is only briefly mentioned in the online rosacea support groups. Below is a hopefully balanced selection of user comments from rosacea sufferers who have tried Prosacea.

Prosacea lists its Active Ingredients as Sulphur 1x (Rosacea/Acne Treatment Gel), and Inactive Ingredients as Acrylates, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Diazolidinyl Urea, Lactose, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Tetrasodium EDTA, Triethanolamine, Water.

Best I can tell, “Sulphur 1x” is a homeopathic measure which means 10% sulphur. So it would appear that any possible benefits seen when using Prosacea are based on the inclusion of sulphur. If you are a homeopathic expert, please feel free to leave a comment below to confirm that Sulphur 1X does indeed mean 10% Sulphur. Thanks.

User Comments

tkr on28th August 2006 wrote:

I tried it and reacted horribly, had to stop prosacea…strong stough!! tamara. Only used maybe 4 days made me terribly blotchy, irritated.

patricia49423 on Sat Sep 29, 2007 wrote:

I have some great news to share! I have had Rosacea since 1994 (my pregnancy brought it on) and Finally, an over the counter treatment that works!!!!! The Product is called “Prosacea” and I bought it at Walgreens for $9.99. It is a tube of “homeopathic gel”. I find it an ANSWER to prayers!!!  It’s good to be here to share the news…… Try it…… it may help a lot of discouraged sufferers!

hikari on Wed Jan 09, 2008 wrote:

Hi everyone!!! I’m back with my report!

I LOVE PROSACEA!! Many of the reviews said that the users saw immediate results within 1-2 days. For me, it took about 10 days to see results. However, now all of the bumps are gone and the redness has faded incredibly!

hikari on Tue Jan 22, 2008

I am bummed to say that one month after starting Prosacea my skin is not looking good again. The little bumps have re-appeared, although the redness and painful under the skin bumps have not yet. I guess it’s back to square one…

lynniegirl on 25th March 2007 wrote:

Prosacea is AWESOME!!. Have been using this product since NOV 2007, once a day in the morning. I’m on my second tube. $10 dollars for fixing a disheartening problem I’ve been dealing with for over 15 years. My skin is now beautiful. My nose is no longer red, not swollen or sore, no more pustules. I look in the mirror and can’t believe how great my skin looks, with or without makeup. Others have noticed the improvement, too.

My friend also has a bad case of rosacea like mine, her skin started looking so much better, I asked her what she was doing and it was the Prosacea she picked up at a drug store. I have spent literally thousands of dollars trying to correct my rosacea and can’t believe a cheap little tube of ointment cleared it up. I am still amazed. I’ve have never posted on any forum like this, but I had such a positive experience-I just wanted to share it.

Kelvweb on 26th November 2007 wrote:

I used it sparingly only once-I couldn’t stand the smell. It reminded me of other sulphur-containing acne products I tried as a teen.

gerlygerl on Wed Aug 30, 2006 wrote:

I’ve been using prosacea off and on since it first came out, with great results. i can’t use it everyday or it makes me peel. i also like to use it as a spot treatment.

Lucia on Wed Aug 30, 2006  wrote:

It does not work for me either!

rose jill on Tue Aug 29, 2006 wrote:

Bought it on ebay. Used it only 4 days or so, burned like hell and irritated my skin more than anything. Sorry, I thought it would be good too when I seen all the positive feedback. Stronger stough than I thought. not a good choice for rosacea skin. this is me though.

Rosacea-LTD: If you think you might benefit from using sulphur as a treatment, you may also wish to check out Rosacea-LTD. This consists which is a compressed `disk’ of various salts. The yellow disk contains a high percentage of sulphur.

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How about you, have you tried Prosacea ? What did you think ?

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