Everyone suffers with bad skin days. But if the flush you get after a few glasses of wine has developed into a persistent redness, you could have rosacea.
The inflammatory skin condition causes a tell-tale rosy hue to the cheeks, as well as visible blood vessels, dryness and bumpy skin texture. It’s also way more common than you think, with one in 10 people suffering from it in the UK.
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a long-term skin condition, which means that although there’s no cure, it can be managed well to minimise the effects on the skin, says skin expert Natali Kelly (natalikelly.com).
“It’s most common in women and manifests itself as flushing redness or red pimples. The nose, cheeks, forehead, chin and chest are most commonly affected, and the redness can also be accompanied by a burning or stinging feeling, causing discomfort.”
She continues: “Rosacea can also cause a thickening of the skin, usually on and around the nose.”
It’s a very different condition from acne, too. “Rosacea and adult acne are two distinct skin conditions, but they do have similarities, so it’s easy to confuse the two,” says Dr Adam Friedmann, consultant dermatologist at Stratum Clinics (stratumclinics.com). “Rosacea suffers may have pimple-like breakouts but, unlike acne, they won’t consist of blackheads.
“Blood vessels are also more likely to be visible in rosacea sufferers, whereas in acne patients, the redness tends to be around the breakouts only.” If you’re in any doubt, he says it’s worthwhile seeing a dermatologist for an expert diagnosis.
Me: Ugh I hate rosacea. My skin is the worst!
My husband: I think your skin is the best! Because it holds your insides on your inside! And I like that!
— Lisa Marie Walters (@TheLisaWalters) January 1, 2020
Do we know what causes it?
The root causes of rosacea are not fully understood, according to Dr Alia Ahmed, a consultant dermatologist at Get Harley (getharley.com).
“It’s likely multifactorial and includes immune dysregulation, neurovascular changes, microbial imbalance and genetics. Rosacea is a female predominant condition and this may be due to female hormone imbalances acting as triggers.”
Lifestyle and dietary choices can also trigger the symptoms of rosacea, so it’s important to figure out what might be irritating your skin. “Triggers can include exercise, stress, eating hot and spicy foods, alcohol consumption, caffeine intake, hot drinks and for some, cheese,” says Kelly.
Checking out the causes of rosacea outbreaks. Exercise, spicy food, alcohol. My entire lifestyle, excellent
— pitiful cat (@JoannaMang) May 7, 2021
How is rosacea treated?
With sun exposure being one of the biggest triggers for rosacea, it’s important for people who are affected to limit their exposure to sunlight and use SPF 50+.
Ahmed adds that you should “use gentle cleansers to wash your face in the morning and evening” and to “avoid greasy moisturisers”. She recommends Effaclar H cleansing cream by La Roche Posay (£12.50, lookfantastic.com).
“Remove any make up with micellar water, consider supplements that include probiotics, collagen and omega 3 fatty acids, and if stress is a trigger, try to manage the issue with mindfulness or talking therapies,” she adds.
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A dermatologist may also prescribe a combination of antibiotic and antiparasitic creams, oral medication and topical retinoids, to help soothe the skin.
“If your skin isn’t improving, despite using a skincare regime and medical treatment, or if you are having frequent flares, you should consider reviewing treatment with your dermatologist,” says Ahmed.
“It’s always worth discussing with your healthcare practitioner the way your skin condition is making you feel and the impact it has on your life too, as rosacea can also cause knock-on psychological effects, like low self-esteem, embarrassment and emotional distress.”
Your GP can point you in the direction of talking therapies and mental health services, should you need them.
Best-selling rosacea treatments
Stuck for inspiration? Check out our list of best-selling Amazon products!
- Unique Tri-solve technology: Repairs and strengthens the skin’s barrier function from symptoms such as redness, flushed cheeks and spider veins
- Creates a protective film for daily support against external triggers
- Practical for daily usage: Easily absorbed by the skin and is non-greasy
- OVERNIGHT MOISTURISATION: Reduce visible redness and discomfort, leaving skin calm and soothed for the night time
- IMPROVES SKIN TEXTURE AND DRY APPEARANCE: Strengthens and supports the skin's barrier function with continuous hydration through the night
- EFFECTIVE CETAPHIL PRO FORMULA: Formulated with Allantoin, Essential Vitamins E, B3 and Pro-Vitamin B5; Vegan Friendly
- Ideal Product
- Easy to use
- Effective product
- Rosacea Treatment Cream: Soothe and reduce redness, irritation and acne with our calming cream. Naturally healing ingredients provide protective and anti-inflammatory benefits
- Soothing Facial Moisturiser: Our cream helps dry and sensitive skin, providing calming relief with anti-irritant properties
- Reduces Redness: Our cream helps to reduce redness on the face caused by rosacea, acne, and other skin conditions. It provides a calming effect and helps to soothe irritated skin
- TOPICAL TREATMENT FOR PSORIASIS & ECZEMA — HEALPSORIN treats inflammation of the skin caused by a number of conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or allergic reactions. The cream slows down, and...
- DAILY TREATMENT FOR SMOOTHER, SOFTER SKIN — Keeping the skin lubricated on a daily basis is an important part of psoriasis care because it reduces redness and itching and helps the skin heal....
- MILD OR MODERATE PSORIASIS UNDER CONTROL - The goal of therapy with Healpsorin Cream is to decrease the number of lesions and improve symptoms, such as itching and irritation. Healpsorin is an...
- GENTLE YET EFFECTIVE DAILY CLEANSING: Removes make-up, impurities and excess oil whilst rinsing easily; non-comedogenic/does not clog pores
- NON-IRRITATING: This soap-free formula is suitable for people with skin that may be prone to rosacea; leaving skin clean and soft
- EFFECTIVE CETAPHIL PRO FORMULA: Formulated with Glycerin and Allantoin, helps soothes sensitive skin prone to redness; Vegan Friendly
Last update on 2024-04-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
