Rosacea 101

Rosacea understanding has come a long way in recent years, but we know that receiving a diagnosis and finding appropriate treatment can still be a struggle. In this blog, we're taking a step back and going through rosacea facts, causes, symptoms and possible treatments. So if you have just been diagnosed with rosacea, or think you might be suffering from it, then keep reading!

The key facts:

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is medically understood to be a disease – more accurately, a chronic disorder of the facial skin – with a wide variety of signs and symptoms that affect millions of people worldwide every year.

Who gets rosacea?

1 in 10 people in the UK are affected by rosacea! It occurs in both men and women; it is more common in women, but symptoms are often more severe in men. It tends to affect people with light to medium skin tones.

When does it begin?

Although it can occur at any age, it's more likely to start any time after the age of 30, and can become more persistent with age. Many women have found that menopause is a big trigger. 

What causes rosacea?

The exact cause of rosacea is still unknown, though there are various theories. Recent research suggests an inflammatory reaction occurs in the skin, resulting in widened, weakened capillaries, resulting in various symptoms.

What are the symptoms?

Rosacea can present differently in different people, however there are some common symptoms:

• Redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead
• Small visible blood vessels on the face
• Bumps or pimples on the face
• Watery or irritated eyes

If you think you may be suffering from rosacea, finding a good dermatologist can set you on the path to managing your symptoms. Whilst there is no cure currently, there are definitely things you can do to help reduce the redness and discomfort and skin irritation that comes with it. 

Top tips for keeping rosacea-prone skin calm:

• Avoid common skin irritants in skincare products or, at least, make sure you’re using products specifically designed for sensitive skin. Sensitive skin and rosacea often go hand in hand, so be sure to avoid anything containing harsh chemicals and try using natural remedies where possible.
• Moisturise! Keeping skin lubricated and stretchy is vital in combatting rosacea flare-ups. Make sure to lather yourself up in sensitive areas several times a day. Bonus points if your moisturiser contains anti-inflammatory ingredients like Rosalique. Your skin rejuvenates overnight, so make sure to use a good night cream, like our Soothing Night Cream which contains rosacea busting ingredients such as groundbreaking IBR-CalmDeAge®.
• Make sure your diet is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory foods, such as olive oil, green leafy veg, healthy fats, such as those found in fatty fish, as well as lots of fruit, like strawberries and oranges.
• Manage sun exposure. Make sure to wear at least SPF30 sun cream throughout the day, to make sure your skin isn’t affected by the UV rays. Rosalique contains SPF50, offering you plenty of protection! Find out more about our SP50 here. 
• Limit foods that aggravate your skin. Common triggers for rosacea sufferers include alcohol, hot drinks, spicy food, tomatoes, chocolate and dairy. Try and figure out which triggers apply to your skin!
• The most important one: Don’t feel embarrassed! Easier said than done, we know, but it’s vital to remember that our skin flaws are much more apparent to ourselves than they are to anyone else. Millions of people in the UK alone are struggling with the same skin condition, and, if you need a little boost, Rosalique 3 in 1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula SPF50.

Hopefully, this article have given you some insight into what rosacea is and how it affects people. It’s incredibly important to remember that you’re beautiful in your skin, however it happens to look today. If you have questions or concerns about your rosacea and Rosalique don’t hesitate to reach out to your friendly team.