Many spas, salons and clinics offer cosmetic procedures touted to make your skin look younger and healthier, but rosacea patients with sensitive skin need to be particularly aware of potential side 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 procedures such as those involving lasers, make sure that a qualified physician will be on site during the procedure.

•  Ask questions. Instead of making an appointment for a specific procedure, ask what treatment would be the most likely to achieve your goal 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.

•  Follow directions. Be sure to adhere to any care instructions following treatment to minimize side effects. Call your doctor if you have pain, discomfort or discoloration.