Many spas, salons and clinics offer cosmetic and medical procedures touted to make your skin look younger and healthier, but rosacea patients with sensitive skin need to be particularly aware of potential adverse effects. Here are some tips to keep in mind when considering such treatment:

• Do your homework. Make sure the person who will be performing your treatment is qualified. For nonmedical cosmetic procedures such as facials, look for a licensed aesthetician who has experience working with rosacea patients. For noninvasive and invasive medical procedures such as those involving lasers, make sure that a qualified and experienced physician will be on site during the procedure.

• Ask questions. Instead of simply making an appointment for a specific procedure, ask what treatment would be the most likely to achieve your goal (such as removing wrinkles, reducing acne scarring or fading age spots) but the least likely to aggravate your rosacea. Treatments that involve heat can stimulate flushing, and many product ingredients can trigger a rosacea flare-up.

• Get a patch test. Ask if the proposed treatment is appropriate for your particular skin type and request a patch test in an inconspicuous place if you have any doubts.

• Follow directions. Be sure to adhere to any care instructions following treatment to minimize adverse effects. Contact your doctor if you experience pain, discomfort or discoloration after the procedure.

Photo by Mr. Harold