Understanding Rosacea: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that often causes redness, visible blood vessels, and sensitivity on the face. It can also lead to small red bumps that may look like acne. The symptoms can come and go, but understanding what triggers rosacea can help you manage it better.
Rosacea is common among those aged 30-50, and can be extremely uncomfortable to experience. Often the first stages are marked as redness caused by superficial broken capillaries under the skin. More severe cases include inflamed papules and skin thickening, which is a result of prolonged inflammation.
What Is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a skin condition that usually affects the face. Signs and symptoms include:
- Redness (often on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin)
- Visible blood vessels
- Small red bumps (papules and pustules)
- Burning or stinging sensations
- Feeling of ‘tightness’ in the skin
- Visible dryness or flakiness
- Disordered barrier function or sensitization
- Sensitivity to skincare products and environmental factors
Primary Causes of Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin condition that usually affects the face. Signs and symptoms include:
- UV exposure - rosacea can be caused by sunlight due to heat, sensitization, and inflammation
- Vasodilation - the dilation of blood vessels is part of the inflammatory response, but chronic overactive vasodilation can damage these vessels, leading to conditions like rosacea
- Demodicosis - this is an inflammation-causing infestation of demodex mites found on human skin. When the skin barrier is compromised, an overgrowth of these mites can result in symptoms of rosacea.
Common Triggers for Rosacea Flare-Ups
Certain factors can make rosacea symptoms worse, such as:
- Sun exposure: The sun’s UV rays can trigger redness and irritation.
- Hot or cold weather: Extreme temperatures can lead to flare-ups.
- Wind exposure: Wind can irritate sensitive skin.
- Stress: Emotional stress can cause the skin to flush or redden.
- Diet: Spicy foods, hot drinks, alcohol, and caffeine are common triggers.
- Exercise: Intense physical activity can cause overheating and redness.
- Stripping products: Harsh skincare products with surfactants
- Over-exfoliation: Using scrubs or overusing AHA’s/BHA’s
Skincare Routine for Rosacea-Prone Skin
To help manage rosacea, focus on rebuilding the skin barrier and defending against oxidative stress.
-
Cleanser
Use a mild, non-stripping cleanser that won’t irritate your skin. - Dermaviduals DMS Cleansing Milk – This gentle cleanser cleans without leaving your skin dry.
-
Serum
After cleansing, apply a targeted, anti-inflammatory serum - Osmosis Rescue – Rescue contains patented anti-inflammatory ingredient Trioxolane which accelerates the skin’s natural healing process, calms the skin, and repairs free radical damage
-
Moisturizer
Choose a moisturizer that repairs the skin barrier - Environ AVST Gel – A lightweight gel based moisturizer that feeds the skin with low levels of Vitamin A, C, E and antioxidants to gently nourish and repair
-
Sun Protection
Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every morning, even on cloudy days. Physical SPF’s are often a better choice for rosacea. - Coola Mineral Matte Cucumber SPF 30 – A daily mineral sunscreen that protects the skin from UVA/UVB damage.
Managing Rosacea: Simple Tips
To manage rosacea and reduce flare-ups, try these simple steps:
- Use gentle skincare products: Stick to mild products free from irritants like alcohol, fragrance, and essential oils.
- Avoid harsh exfoliants: Use gentle exfoliating acids like BHAs, AHAs or enzymes, and stay away from any physical scrubs.
- Protect your skin from the sun: As UV can exacerbate symptoms, wear a broad-spectrum mineral SPF 30+ sunscreen every day.
- Avoid known triggers: Keep a diary to identify and avoid foods, drinks, and activities that worsen your rosacea.
- Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga for overall symptom relief.
- Anti-Inflammatory Diet: A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids found in fish like salmon and sardines can be helpful.
When to See a Professional?
Healthy skin requires a delicate balance, especially when dealing with rosacea. Rosacea-prone skin needs the right combination of gentle skincare products and lifestyle adjustments to reduce redness and sensitivity while maintaining the skin's natural barrier.
Unsure which products are best for your rosacea? Consult with a licensed Face Club skin therapist today. Our experts can help you create a personalized skincare routine tailored to your skin's unique needs. Book an appointment now and start your journey towards calmer, healthier skin.
*If your rosacea symptoms are severe or don’t improve, speak to a doctor or dermatologist for topical prescription-grade options.