Listen up, rosacea sufferers! The spotlight is on you this month as we take a look at this incredibly frustrating disorder.  Take heart, there are solutions out there for you and we’re ready to help you look and feel your best!

The Facts:

An estimated 14 million Americans have rosacea, yet only a small fraction are being treated.  In recent surveys by the National Rosacea Society, more than 76 percent of rosacea patients said their condition had lowered their self-confidence and self-esteem, and 52 percent reported it had caused them to avoid public contact or cancel social engagements.

Although rosacea can affect all segments of the population, individuals with fair skin who tend to flush or blush easily are believed to be at greatest risk. The disease is more frequently diagnosed in women, but more severe symptoms tend to be seen in men — perhaps because they often delay seeking medical help until the disorder reaches advanced stages.

While there is no cure for rosacea and the cause is unknown, medical therapy is available to control or reverse its signs and symptoms. Individuals who suspect they may have rosacea are urged to see a dermatologist or other knowledgeable physician for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

The Triggers:

Below is a list of common rosacea trigger factors that may affect various individuals. It is the result of a patient survey by the National Rosacea Society.   It doesn’t necessarily include everything that may cause a flare-up, but it may be helpful in determining one’s own trigger factors.   Patients are encouraged to keep a diary of daily activities or events and relate them to any flare-ups they may experience. A rosacea diary booklet is available here.

The Help:

While the cause of rosacea is unknown and there is no cure, help is available that can control the signs and symptoms of this potentially life-disruptive disorder.  Enjoy beautiful, bright, and healthy skin once again with the help of Obagi Rosaclear System.  This is the first and only complete therapeutic system for treating the signs and symptoms of rosacea.  We’d love to tell you more about these wonderful products and while you in for a visit, check out our glominerals makeup to achieve a flawless complexion.  Mineral makeup is a great choice for skin with rosacea, as it typically doesn’t contain potentially irritating ingredients.  These products are talc-free, non-comedogenic and free of perfumes and chemical dyes, making them suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. 
We look forward to serving you!

PAISLEY

One of the big trends this season is paisley prints.  It will be infused into so many great fashions this spring and summer.  Paisley is colorful and fun!

BLACK AND WHITE

This combo will always have its place in fashion.  Look for it to be mixed with the trendy colors of spring. 

STRIPES

Another trend this spring is anything striped.  Expect to see lots of stripes, not only on wonderful knit nautical tops, but on handbags, dresses, and even shoes. 

BOLD JEWELRY

In 2009, jewelry is all about making a big statement.  From ethnic beading to exotic stones, one thing is constant: it must be big, bold and colorful. 

 PINK PEARL JEWELRY

An exception to the bold color you’ll see is the soft pink pearl jewelry.  This is a hot item for spring and you’ll look ultra feminine wearing these on necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

What is your favorite spring trend? What do you plan to add to your wardrobe?

 Happy Shopping!

What Will You Do on St. Patty’s Day?

We live in an area that has one of the best St. Patrick’s Day celebrations across the country. The best part of this annual city-wide celebration is the parade. The parade starts in St. Paul at noon and runs in and out of the city streets passing many Irish pubs on the way. The parade is thick with floats, local Irish royalty and leprechauns. Attendees are of course encouraged to wear green and donning a “Kiss Me I’m Irish” is a near must. The parade lasts a few hours and there is plenty of parking along the parade route.

The parade is Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 12:00 NOON. It begins at Fourth and Sibley Streets, heads West on Fourth Street and ends at Rice Park. For more information on events in St. Paul/Minneapolis on this glorious, green holiday, visit the events webpage at www.stpatsassoc.org. This website will give you complete rundown on events of the day, times, and what to expect. Irish or not, you cannot help but have a blast when you are downtown St. Paul on St. Patrick’s Day. Have fun!

Click here to send some fun St. Patrick’s Day greetings to your friends. Post any other fun events you know of that are occurring on St. Patrick’s Day! And don’t forget to wear green!