What is Rosacea? Rosacea is a chronic skin auto-inflammatory condition that primarily affects the face, causing redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes small, red, bumps that resemble acne. Though it’s common, rosacea can vary widely in appearance and severity, often leading to discomfort and frustration.
What is Not Rosacea: Many people experience occasional redness or sensitivity, but that doesn’t always mean it’s rosacea. Redness from other conditions, like sensitive skin, eczema, or reactions to skincare products, can mimic rosacea. Unlike rosacea, these issues are often temporary, can appear in different areas of the body, and are less likely to have visible blood vessels or long-term progression.
How to Tell the Difference: Rosacea often comes with additional symptoms like flushing, visible blood vessels, or a warm sensation on the skin that persists or flares with triggers. If you’re unsure, consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis.
Signs and Types of Rosacea
Rosacea comes in different forms, each with its own characteristics. The four main types include:
- Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea (ETR): Persistent redness, flushing and visible blood vessels.
- Papulopustular Rosacea: Redness and swelling with acne-like breakouts across nose and cheeks.
- Phymatous Rosacea: Thickened, bumpy skin, commonly affecting the nose.
- Ocular Rosacea: Affects the skin around the eyes. Skin may be red, stinging or swollen with watery eyes.
It is possible to have more than one type of rosacea.
Tips for Dealing with Rosacea, Naturally
Managing rosacea requires a gentle approach and lifestyle adjustments. Here are some strategies:
- Identify Triggers: Common triggers include sunlight, stress, spicy foods, alcohol, and extreme temperatures. Keep a journal to help pinpoint yours.
- Sun Protection: Rosacea can be triggered by sunlight. Use a broad-spectrum mineral SPF 30 or higher daily to protect your skin.
- Gentle Skincare Routine: Avoid harsh exfoliants and actives. Choose soothing, products specifically for calming sensitive skin or rosacea.
- Avoid Extremes: Hot and cold can aggravate rosacea. Use luke warm water to wash your face and always protect your face with a barrier-enhancing balm or moisturizer when going outside in the winter.
- Diet and Hydration: Staying hydrated and incorporating anti-inflammatory foods can support skin health.
Best Ingredients and Products for Rosacea
Choosing the right skincare products and ingredients is essential for calming and nourishing rosacea-prone skin. Here are some ingredients that can help:
Niacinamide
A superstar for reducing redness and strengthening the skin barrier. We recommend: Blissoma's Smooth A+ Correcting Serum—ideal if you experience breakouts alongside rosacea.
Soothing Botanicals
Botanicals like Aloe, Chamomile, Calendula, and Blue Tansy help calm inflammation. We recommend: Laurel Skin's line-up, including the Support Cleanser, Elixir I or II and Recovery Balm.
Ceramides
Strengthen the skin's moisture barrier, essential for rosacea-prone skin. Found naturally in oils like jojoba and sunflower. We recommend: Blissoma Lavish Mask or Josh Rosebrook Ultra Peptide for barrier support.
Azelaic Acid
This gentle exfoliant reduces redness, inflammation, and rosacea-related breakouts. We recommend: Eminence Willow Bark Exfoliating Peel (use monthly or seasonally) or Josh Rosebrook C Complex Serum, a Vitamin C specifically formulated for sensitive skin.
Other Rosacea favourites:
- Eminence Calm Skin Chamomile Moisturizer
- Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream SPF
- Blissoma Pure Sensitive Complex Moisturizer
- Eminence Yellow Sweet Clover Anti-Redness Masque