Do you blush easily and don't know why?! You could be experiencing the most visible sign of rosacea, a skin condition that causes chronic redness on the face. The sensitive skin left behind by rosacea can suffer from a myriad of emotional and environmental factors, causing flare-ups and discomfort.
If you're feeling uneasy, let us tell you that you're not alone! We'll help you understand what rosacea is, how it's diagnosed, and its risk factors. We'll learn the #1 trigger of rosacea, the best treatments to relieve symptoms, and how to improve rosacea skin redness.
Skin rosacea: What is it?
Rosacea is characterized by redness, tenderness, and breakouts on the central part of the face. Studies have shown that rosacea skin redness often intensifies over time, and visible blood vessels may appear. This type of condition requires medical treatment because the appearance of inflammatory pimples can cause the nose to swell and the outer area to become bumpy due to excess tissue.
According to a National Rosacea Society (NRS) survey, despite the fact that rosacea skin disease is chronic and incurable, over 70% of patients who received medical treatment were able to enhance their emotional and social well-being. This number is noteworthy since 90% of those surveyed claimed that the illness had negatively impacted their quality of life, confidence, and sense of self.
Although the cause of skin rosacea is unknown, researchers have discovered how the pathological processes that lead to this condition develop. This has led to advances in medical treatments and better understanding of the possible causes.
Possible causes of rosacea:
- Studies have shown that facial redness may be the result of an ongoing inflammatory process caused by an imbalance in the innate and neurovascular immune system.
- The skin mite Demodex folliculorum is more abundant in the skin of people with rosacea.
- Two genetic variants of the genome may be associated with the condition.
How is Skin Rosacea Diagnosed?
The wide variety of symptoms means that the condition varies from person to person, with only some of the signs being present, rather than all of them. To facilitate the diagnosis, experts have classified the symptoms into two categories: phymatous changes (thickening of the skin) and central-facial erythema (redness). The presence of either of these means that the patient has rosacea.
Signs and Symptoms of Rosacea
Rosacea can be diagnosed if at least two of the following signs or symptoms are observed:
- Persistent facial redness: The most common sign of rosacea. It may appear as a flush or sunburn that doesn't improve over time, typically affecting the cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin.
- Flushing: Frequent episodes of facial redness, often accompanied by a burning or warm sensation.
- Visible blood vessels: Small, prominent blood vessels often appear on the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and other areas of the face.
- Bumps and pimples: Small, solid bumps or pus-filled pimples may develop. These differ from acne vulgaris as they are often accompanied by burning or stinging and typically lack blackheads.
- Skin thickening: In some cases, skin may thicken and develop a bumpy texture, especially on the nose. This can lead to facial disfigurement and impaired nasal airflow.
- Eye irritation: Ocular rosacea can cause bloodshot, watery, or irritated eyes. Symptoms may include light sensitivity, visible blood vessels around the eyes, and a gritty sensation. Eyelids may become swollen, red, or crusty.
- Burning or stinging: The affected skin may feel sensitive, with sensations of burning or stinging, especially when applying cosmetics or other facial products.
Secondary Symptoms of Rosacea
These secondary symptoms are often found with the main symptoms of rosacea.
- Dryness: Facial skin may appear scaly and rough, although some patients have oily skin.
- Burning: It is common for people with rosacea to have a burning sensation, a feeling of tightness, and itching on the face.
- Swelling: Facial edema may be present without the presence of other signs, appearing as raised red spots.
Some people experience signs of rosacea on their neck, chest, ears, and scalp. If you suspect you have rosacea, we recommend seeing a dermatologist or ophthalmologist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment before the signs of the condition become more severe and affect your daily life.
Risk factors of Rosacea
Rosacea's sensitive skin is chronic and is characterized by facial redness, visible blood vessels, and bumps. Although the cause of this condition is unknown, several risk factors have been identified that increase the chances of developing it. The most important are:
- Genetic predisposition: Genetics plays a key role in the development of the condition, as it is more likely to appear in patients with relatives who have rosacea. It is also more common in people of Northeastern European descent.
- Skin type: People with sensitive or fair skin that blush easily are more likely to develop rosacea. However, it can affect people regardless of their skin color, phenotype, or biotype.
- Age: Rosacea usually appears between the ages of 30 and 50 but can sometimes appear earlier or later.
- Gender: The condition is more common in women but tends to be more severe in men.
Sun exposure is the #1 reported rosacea trigger
The list of possible triggers for this condition is practically endless, as it varies from person to person. However, a survey conducted by the NRS of 1,066 patients with diagnosed rosacea found that 81% considered sun exposure to be the element that aggravates their symptoms.
UV rays stimulate the dilation of blood vessels in the skin, causing the characteristic redness of rosacea. It can also trigger an inflammatory response, which leads to the appearance of lesions or spots. Sun exposure can damage the skin barrier, making it vulnerable to irritations that can worsen symptoms. You've probably also noticed that certain factors trigger your flare-ups; among the most common ones identified in the survey are:
- Emotional stress 79%
- Hot weather 75%
- Heavy exercise 56%
- Alcohol consumption 52%
- Hot baths 51%
- Spicy foods 45%
- Indoor heat 41%
- Facial care products 41%
- Hot drinks 36%
Triggers and reactions vary from patient to patient, so those diagnosed are encouraged to keep a log detailing foods, activities, or events that they associate with flare-ups. To give you a starting point, here is a partial list produced by the NRS and compiled by Dr. Jonathan Wilkin from his patients' medical records:
Foods that trigger Rosacea
- Cheese
- Fish and seafood
- Sausages
- Fermented foods
- Chocolate
- Citrus fruits
- Spicy foods
Drinks
- Alcohol
- Hot drinks
Emotional Influences
- Anxiety
- Stress
Skincare Products
- Cosmetics with alcohol or fragrances
- Acetone substances
Rosacea Skin Disease: The Best Treatments
Although rosacea has no cure, there are oral and topical medical treatments that can control most of its symptoms. However, the variety of phenotypes and symptoms among patients makes it essential that each treatment be personalized to produce the appropriate results. Below we indicate the medical treatments and personal care that can improve your symptoms:
Topical Treatment for Rosacea
These initial medications are for patients with rosacea, usually formulated with azelaic acid or metronidazole to reduce redness and inflammation and provide antibacterial properties. Some products with ivermectin can also control the symptoms of rosacea.
Oral Treatments for Rosacea
In severe cases of rosacea, oral antibiotics such as tetracycline or doxycycline are prescribed to control the lesions and inflammation, which can be very painful. These treatments are administered under medical supervision and for short periods of time, due to possible side effects.
It is important to mention that topical antibiotics have minimal blood absorption, so there is almost no risk of developing bacterial resistance. New formulations of oral antibiotics for rosacea have improved patient safety.
Isotretinoin for Rosacea
Medicine is used to treat various skin conditions and diseases, such as rosacea, severe acne, and some types of cancer. It is administered in severe cases of rosacea or when oral antibiotics do not produce the expected effects. Isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative and can cause side effects such as dry skin, flare-ups, musculoskeletal pain, and headaches.
Laser Therapy for Rosacea
It is used to reduce extensive redness and eliminate visible blood vessels through lasers that emit light wavelengths beneath the skin. The heat generated by the laser energy builds up in the vessels, causing them to break up and significantly improve skin complexion and appearance. Vascular lasers improve the buildup of excess tissue, while in severe cases of facial disfigurement, CO2 lasers are used to remove unwanted tissue and reshape the nose.
Laser treatment can generate better results than oral and topical medication because it restores the appearance of dilated blood vessels for longer. In addition, new intense pulsed light devices generate multiple wavelengths to treat a greater number of signs of rosacea, but the results will depend on the skill of the treating physician.
There are also prevention and self-care measures that you can adapt to your lifestyle to further reduce rosacea signs and symptoms. We will tell you the best ones!
Sunscreen for Rosacea
Sun exposure is the main trigger for rosacea, so it is essential to have a good photoprotection routine that adapts to the needs of your skin and lifestyle. There are sunscreens formulated for sensitive skin, which use titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as mineral filters to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays without irritating.
Experts suggest the use of tinted sunscreens because most have the characteristics that a product suitable for skin with rosacea should have. However, the main reason is that they offer an extra layer of protection against high-energy visibility (HEV) by dispersing the energy instead of absorbing it. HEV penetrates 44% more of the skin than UV rays and can reach the deep layers of the skin, causing erythema and premature aging.
How to Evaluate Sunscreens for Rosacea
Look for broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher ratings. Its ingredients should include iron oxide, which provides color while filtering HEV. Soothing ingredients such as gotu kola, niacinamide, bisabolol, aloe vera, or hyaluronic acid may help reduce inflammation and redness.
What to avoid: Using body sunscreens on the face. Because the consistency is usually thicker and oilier, this can clog pores and cause skin irritation. The formulation should also not contain irritating agents such as fragrances, alcohol, or aggressive active ingredients.
Sun Supplements for Rosacea
There are dietary supplements in capsule form designed to offer extra protection against UV rays. Most of them are made from plant components, vitamins, and minerals capable of strengthening the skin and reducing some damage received by sun exposure. Although they do not replace the use of SPF or medical treatments, they can potentially improve some symptoms of rosacea and complement a skincare routine.
The 360 Sun Shield contains the essential daily nutrients that our body requires to optimize cellular function.
Among these, polypodium leucotomos extract stands out, as a tropical fern known for its photoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties—characteristics that are particularly beneficial for rosacea skin. It harnesses the combined power of vitamins E, C, and D, along with selenium, zinc, and other essential nutrients. Together, these nutrients work synergistically to fortify the skin barrier, minimize inflammation, and shield the skin from damage caused by free radicals. These benefits are important for people with rosacea, as they can help reduce the redness, sensitivity, and lesions associated with this condition. Also, the formula is natural, preservative-free, vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free, allowing people to protect their skin without guilt.
Final Remarks
While the cause of skin rosacea is unknown and there is still no cure, there are significant advances in understanding its signs and symptoms, which allows them to be treated effectively with medication and lifestyle adjustments. The key to successfully managing sensitive skin rosacea is to adapt your daily habits to the condition so that you can minimize the damage caused by triggers and so that prescribed treatments offer better results.
Skin rosacea redness is more than just an aesthetic condition; it can be painful and worsen in some patients. Therefore, we suggest that you consult a specialist, protect your skin from UV rays with appropriate sunscreen, and include supplements such as 360 Sun Shield in your daily routine.
Take care of your skin and improve your quality of life!