Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that exclusively affects the face. It can be difficult to deal with, particularly emotionally. As well as severely impacting self-confidence, it can limit skincare and makeup choices. Understanding what causes rosacea, which is characterised by facial redness and occasionally small, pus-filled spots, is the first step to reclaiming your face. Learning how to effectively manage the condition is crucial.
How to recognise rosacea
Many people assume they have rosacea when, in fact, they may have an entirely different skin condition. For example, eczema or an allergy. While only a qualified medical professional can determine if facial redness is actually rosacea, it is important to make a note of your symptoms before seeking a professional diagnosis. Patterns in redness fluctuations, the texture of the skin and other visible signs can help a dermatologist reach the correct diagnosis quickly.
The signature hallmark of rosacea is persistent facial redness. This flushing of the skin is most often concentrated on the cheeks and nose, but can also occur on the chin and forehead. If the redness on your face fluctuates, becoming more intense during ‘flare-ups’, it could be rosacea. If this is the potential cause, you may see blood vessels, properly known as telangiectasia, appear which further add to the redness. In some cases, rosacea may present with pustules that could be mistaken for acne. However, their presence will be without accompanying blackheads or whiteheads.
Other symptoms of rosacea can include:
Flushing of the skin: Does your skin tend to blush or flush easily?
Ocular rosacea: For some people, rosacea can affect the eyes, causing redness, dryness and irritation. It can also sometimes cause a sensation that feels like there is grit in the eye.
Burning or stinging sensations: Do you suffer from discomfort on the affected skin? Is it uncomfortable?
Dry and rough skin: Does the skin may feel tight and flaky?
Rhinophyma: In severe cases, especially in men, the skin on the nose may thicken. Does your nose have a bloated, bulbous appearance?
Rosacea causes
While the root cause of rosacea is unknown, a number of things can contribute to its development and flare-ups. One of them lies in genetics. Your skin condition could be hereditary. Has anyone else in your family been diagnosed with rosacea?
While exposure to ultraviolet light and significant weather events can trigger rosacea flare-ups, or make an existing flare-up worse, they are not thought to be the cause.
Studies have looked at the condition and how faulty blood vessels in the face could be to blame. Emerging science is even studying how the skin’s microbiome could play a role in the development of rosacea. It’s not for the squeamish - some studies have focussed on a particular mite that is known to live on the skin as well as bacteria.
While the cause of rosacea remains a topic of debate and research, there are proven triggers. If you think you may have rosacea, cut out your intake of spicy foods and limit hot beverages.
Avoid alcohol consumption and try to lower the amount of stress in your life. Get support to reduce your anxiety levels, if you feel they are out of control.
Unfortunately, makeup and skincare products can make rosacea worse. Understand the types of products you can and cannot use to minimise flare-ups.
How to cope with rosacea
There is no magic cure for rosacea. It is often a life-long condition, once it develops. However, it is entirely possible to manage symptoms and minimise flare-ups.
The first step to dealing with rosacea, after a qualified diagnosis, is to get into the habit of avoiding triggers. Because these can vary from person to person, the only way to properly identify them is to chart your own experiences. During a flare-up, make a note of what you consumed, the weather and any products you used in the days leading up to the increased redness. By charting your potential triggers, you can try eliminating them from your life.
It can take time to single out what triggers your flare ups, but it is worth the effort if the end result is calmer skin.
Gentle skincare is the order of the day. That means fragrance-free products with non-irritating ingredients. Avoid retinoids, products containing alcohol and exfoliants. Be mindful that natural skincare can contain irritants in exactly the same way that synthetic products can. There are a number of skincare brands offering collections specifically developed for sensitive skin. They include Balmonds, among others, which recently launched a serum for those with skin intolerances.
Avoid elaborate skincare rituals. Use a gentle daily wash, a serum (either one specifically developed for sensitive skin or hyaluronic acid which mirrors a substance found naturally in the body) and a moisturiser. Look at brands such as E45 or CeraVe, which are continually tweaking their offer to cater for diverse skin needs.
Never buy skincare products from unknown brands or untrustworthy sources. Ignore skincare trends.
While all skincare specialists recommend daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen, the SPF level can vary. Don’t leave this vital part of your skincare routine to chance. Go for a Factor 50 and apply every single day of the year - no matter what the weather is like or what time of year it is.
When it comes to makeup, be careful. Yes, it is very tempting to camouflage redness with concealer - but choose your product carefully. Stick with known brands and go for a product that has been specifically developed for sensitive skin. You will be surprised how many mainstream brands cater for people just like you. Apply the same care when making foundation choices. Also, stay on top of hygiene. Keep brushes and your hands scrupulously clean.
Good makeup choices can significantly reduce the appearance of rosacea. By making wise purchase decisions, you can boost your self-confidence as well as your appearance
Removing makeup should avoid rituals such as the trending double cleanse. Use gentle micellar water followed by a mild face wash. Always carefully pat dry. Never use a product with an exfoliating attachment or vibrating facial tools.
When to seek medical help
If you suspect you have rosacea, you need to get a proper diagnosis. That means seeking medical help now. Once you know for certain that you have the condition, you can start to work out how you are going to deal with it going forward.
Your GP or dermatologist may be able to prescribe treatments that will reduce the inflammation and redness. The types of medicine commonly prescribed include topical gels and creams.
If you suffer a particularly bad flare up, a practitioner may prescribe a short course of antibiotics or refer you to a specialist for laser or similar therapy.
For rosacea that affects the eyes, you may be prescribed eye drops or be given specific care instructions.
Rosacea is a long-lasting condition that can have a devastating impact on your self-esteem. Just remember, you can overcome most of the drawbacks with careful trigger management and good makeup and skincare choices. By doing what’s right for your skin, and not getting caught up in fads or influencer marketing, you can get to that mindset that sees this common concern as a minor irritation - and not the big deal it can be.
*Always consult with a qualified medical professional to diagnose a skin condition.
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