Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes flushing, persistent redness and sometimes acne-like bumps and visible blood vessels. Rosacea is most commonly seen in people with fair skin, blue eyes, and European or Celtic ancestry, but rosacea is a condition that crosses ethnic boundaries.
Symptoms typically begin in early adulthood and peak between the ages of 30 and 50. And while rosacea is more common in women, men often experience more severe manifestations, such as phymatous rosacea, which involves thickening of the skin around the nose. Epidemiological studies show varying prevalence rates of rosacea, with a Swedish study reporting an incidence of 10% and UK studies reporting a range of 0.09% to 22%.
With this in mind, and knowing how many people suffer from the condition, this article aims to explore the causes, triggers, and ways to prevent rosacea. By gaining a deeper understanding of what triggers this condition, we can better manage our symptoms through informed lifestyle and skincare choices.
A Peak Behind the red curtains
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea’s complexity stems from genetic and environmental influences, making its inheritance unpredictable. People with a family history of rosacea are significantly more susceptible, suggesting a strong genetic link. However, environmental and lifestyle factors also have a significant impact on the expression of the disease.
So far, although some studies have suggested a strong genetic link to rosacea, nothing has been proven for sure. We may not know the cause of rosacea, but we can still identify the triggers that make it worse.
What are the symptoms of Rosacea?
Most of us recognise rosacea as a persistent flushing or blushing, which can progress from intermittent flushing to a permanent flushing in some cases.
Less well known but still common rosacea symptoms include:
- Visible veins: Often called spider veins, these are small blood vessels that break and become visible, especially on the nose and cheeks.
- Swollen bumps: These acne-like bumps may contain pus and can appear on the face, chest, and back.
- Burning sensation: The affected areas may feel hot and tender.
- Eye problems: Many people with rosacea also experience dry, irritated, and swollen eyes and eyelids (a condition known as ocular rosacea).
- Enlarged nose: Over time, rosacea can cause the skin around the nose to thicken, a condition known as rhinophyma, which is more common in men.
Rosacea can be divided into four subtypes, each with different symptoms. The exact cause of rosacea is still being researched, with theories ranging from vascular irregularities to environmental factors and micro-organisms such as Demodex folliculorum and Helicobacter pylori.
What are the Triggers?
Triggers of rosacea vary widely among individuals, but common ones include:
- Environmental factors: Sun exposure, extreme temperatures, wind, and humidity can exacerbate symptoms.
- Emotional stress: This is a well-documented trigger that can lead to flare-ups.
- Diet: Certain foods and beverages, particularly spicy foods, alcohol, and hot drinks, may trigger rosacea.
How to spot the red and stop the spread: Tips on managing rosacea
Although there is no cure for all rosacea treatments, it is possible to prevent flare-ups. This mainly involves avoiding known triggers and taking proactive skin care. Some simple things you can do is choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and use it every day, as sun exposure can significantly worsen rosacea symptoms.
Some other things you can do is to invest in skincare solutions with ingredients that can both calm rosacea and be used on sensitive skin so as not to aggravate rosacea.
Here’s a list of skincare ingredients you can look into:
- L22 Blend: This natural oil blend mimics the lipid profile of 22-year-old skin, combining jojoba, macadamia, and olive oils to hydrate and soothe rosacea-prone skin without causing irritation.
- Saponaria Officinalis Leaf/Root Extract: Known for its cleansing properties, this extract offers gentle exfoliation and can help reduce inflammation and redness associated with rosacea.
- Niacinamide: This form of vitamin B3 strengthens the skin’s barrier function, reduces inflammation, and can improve skin texture and tone.
- Hydrolysed Hyaluronic Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate: These derivatives of hyaluronic acid penetrate the skin deeply, offering significant hydration and promoting a more resilient skin surface.
- Pomegranate Oil: Rich in antioxidants, pomegranate oil protects against environmental damage and reduces inflammation, making it beneficial for calming rosacea flare-ups.
- Yarrow Oil: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, yarrow oil can reduce skin redness and provide relief from irritation.
The ingredients above are actually found in Fresh Face Skin’s Hydrate Me travel pack mini, which contains a hydrating rosacea cream and a soothing treatment. Their soothing cleanser may also be beneficial in preventing and treating rosacea acne. However, if you are looking for products that focus on acne treatment to cure acne associated with rosacea, Fresh Face Skin also has a Hydrate Me starter pack with a soothing cream that can act like an acne cream which could be beneficial for acne scars.
Fresh Face Skin’s Recovery mask can also be a great way to treat yourself to a rosacea facial or acne facial at home to help promote a more resilient skin barrier while soothing irritation and reducing redness.
Final thoughts
Understanding rosacea is key to managing its symptoms and improving quality of life. By identifying personal triggers and making targeted skincare and lifestyle changes, individuals can significantly reduce the impact of this condition. By taking a proactive approach to treatment, such as investing in brands like Fresh Face Skin by Amelia Goff with specific soothing treatments and prevention, those affected by rosacea can take greater control of the red and redefine their skin.
