What Is Rosacea And How To Treat It

Rosacea is a common inflammatory skin condition that often begins with a tendency to flush, with redness slowly spreading beyond the nose and cheeks to the forehead and chin, and is often seen with bumps, small pin head sized watery blister like pustules, broken capillaries and breakouts.

WHAT CAUSES ROSACEA?

Rosacea is particularly common in women over 30 with fair skin, with possibly a family member that has had rosacea or severe acne. Scientists are still trying to find out what causes rosacea, however scientists have found some important clues:

Rosacea runs in families, and many people who get rosacea have a family member that has rosacea, so it is possible that people inherit genes for rosacea.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE ROSACEA?

Symptoms and signs can vary from person to person, however some of the most common symptoms are:

1. Flushing and redness in the centre of the face.
2. Visible broken blood vessels (spider veins)
3. Swollen skin.
4. Skin may be very sensitive.
5. Skin may sting and burn.
6. Dry skin, roughness or scaling.
7. Have a tendency to flush or blush more easily than other people.

PROGRESSION OF ROSACEA

Although the progression of rosacea can vary from one individual to another, flushing and persistent redness is the most common early signs of this skin disorder, that progresses in stages known as pre-rosacea, mild rosacea, moderate rosacea and severe rosacea and has periods of exacerbation and remission.

If you suspect you have rosacea then it is important that you speak to your GP or dermatologist.

ROSACEA TREATMENT

Early diagnosis of Rosacea is the key to minimizing the effects and keeping symptoms under control as there is no permanent cure.
If you suspect you have Rosacea then it is important to speak to your GP or Dermatologist for individualised treatment. Many rosacea sufferers may need to make lifestyle changes that trigger flare-ups and aggravate it, such as stress, hormones, sunlight, spicy foods, alcohol, hot baths and showers, and irritating skincare.

SKINCARE FOR ROSACEA SO YOU CAN CONTROL IT

Pro tips from our Skin Therapist Alex.

I experience very mild Rosacea myself and often don't know what causes a flare-up, having a stable and nurturing skincare routine really does help to keep my Rosacea in check. Rosacea is a sensitive skin condition and many skincare products can cause irritation. Skin is often fine and delicate so it is important to choose calming and hydrating products that restore the barrier function of the skin.

Prep - Use a gentle, non drying cleanser and avoid harsh drying formulas like soaps, scrubs and cleansing brushes, that can irritate and make Rosacea worse.

Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser 250ml effectively cleanses the skin removing, dirt, oil, pollution and impurities without damaging its protective barrier, perfect for those with even the most sensitive of skin types, restoring skins radiance with essential hydration.

Skinceuticals Gentle Cleanser 200ml is a creamy, mild cleanser formulated with an emollient rich surfactant and ha a concentration combining allantoin, glycerin, and orange oil to soften and restore skins surface.

Exfoliate - Exfoliants can irritate Rosacea prone skin so use a non abrasive exfoliant, preferably one with Beta Hydroxy Acids that also reduces redness and dry, flaky skin as well as helping with spots, breakouts and open pores.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant 75g- Ensure skin is kept smooth everyday with Dermalogica’s most gentle exfoliant. A great choice for all skin including sensitive. The rice bran powder-based formula releases actives including Phytic and Salicylic Acids upon contact with water.

Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel 30 Packettes - This gentle formula contains a combination of three acids, ideal for sensitive and fragile skin types. Step 1 is packed with rejuvenating, powerful yet gentle exfoliating acids. Step 2 controls the alpha hydroxy acid activity and delivers anti-ageing actives that nourishes and soothes skin while keeping it balanced, soft, and luminous.

Do not over do exfoliation, try once to twice per week and see how your skin responds.

Hydrate - soothe and replenish your skin am and pm, choose soothing formulas with hyaluronic acid and calming botanicals.

Dr Murad Intense Recovery Cream - Clinically proven, comforting cream for face and eyes reduces the visible signs of stress induced ageing and redness. Deeply moisturises even severely dry skin as it relieves visible redness and encourages recovery.

Murad Nutrient Charged Water Gel 50ml - Water light, oil free gel moisturiser instantly hydrates, plumps and locks in moisture. Enriched with 5 vitamins, 5 minerals and 5 peptides to minimise dryness and strengthen skins barrier.

Protect - Avoid excessive sun exposure and wear an SPF of 30 daily, choosing gentle formulas with mineral ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Medik8 Physical Sunscreen SPF50 - is fortified with multi weight hyaluronic acid and squalene to provide hydration and support for the skins barrier, making it also ideal for post treatment and sensitive skins.

Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense SPF30 - uses ultra sheer zinc oxide to defend against the suns UV rays, whilst a bio active mushroom complex will soothe and reduce UV induced redness and dryness. With its weightless feel on the skin, it gives excellent wear-ability, making this product the best choice if you like to wear a sunscreen daily.

Rosalique 3 In 1 Anti Redness Miracle Formula SPF50 30ml - a high performance 3 in 1 face cream with a unique triple action effect, so it can be applied as a foundation or concealer and used as an active cosmetic, instantly improving the evenness of the skin. If preferred, it can also be used as a base under your daily makeup.