Rosacea could be the cause of your skin blushing and here is how to deal with it
It’s Rosacea Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to talk about this often-misunderstood skin condition – and how to keep it under control. If your skin flushes at the slightest trigger, whether it’s spicy food, a glass of wine or just stepping outside in harsh weather, you’re not alone. Rosacea affects millions of people, and while it’s more common in those with fair skin, it can impact anyone. Here’s how to identify and manage it.
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic and unpredictable skin condition that can lead to persistent redness, sensitivity, dry patches, occasional swelling and even acne-like bumps. It primarily affects the central part of the face, especially the nose, cheeks and chin area, where you will notice visible blood vessels, redness and sometimes small bumps that can often be mistaken for acne. The condition varies from person to person and typically presents in flare-ups. While the exact cause of rosacea is not fully understood, common triggers include stress and certain foods. We also know that some people have a genetic susceptibility to it, an overactive immune system and environmental factors can also contribute.
How to manage and treat rosacea
While there’s no one-size-fits-all remedy, managing rosacea is all about understanding your triggers, strengthening the skin barrier and picking the right skincare.
Identify and avoid triggers
Try keeping a diary to help you pinpoint what triggers your flare-ups. Common culprits include sun exposure, heat, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol and stress. When cleansing, avoid rough flannels and cleansing brushes which can aggravate the skin barrier.
Use the right skincare
Rosacea-prone skin tends to have a fragile barrier, which means it needs extra care. Fragrance, essential oils and harsh exfoliants can do more harm than good, so stick to gentle, skin-friendly formulas. Look for ingredients like niacinamide, glycerin and centella asiatica – these can help calm redness, strengthen the skin and treat those dry patches that so many people with rosacea struggle with. Our Anti-Redness Concentrate was created to soothe and strengthen sensitive, reactive skin without feeling heavy. One of its key ingredients is centella asiatica exosomes, which we call nature’s own skin healer. Researchers in Asia found that when animals would roll around in tiger grass after they hurt themselves, it would reduce and heal inflammation. It works in a similar way on the skin, helping to reduce irritation, calm redness and support repair. In a consumer trial of 60 people, 75% said that the product reduced the appearance of redness on their skin, and 93% said that it left their skin feeling calm.
See a professional
For more persistent cases, dermatological treatments like laser therapy, LED therapy, prescription creams or oral antibiotics may be recommended. If your rosacea is causing discomfort or affecting your confidence, it’s always worth speaking to a skincare professional to tailor a treatment plan that works for you.
Rosacea can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to take over your life. With a little patience and the right approach, you can keep flare-ups under control and maintain a calm and happy complexion.
Dr Munir Somji is a cosmetic surgeon and co-founder of DrMediSpa, located in Marylebone, Knightsbridge and Loughton. He has over a decade of experience in performing and teaching advanced aesthetic non-surgical and surgical procedures. Recognising the impact of skin health and the link to confidence and wellbeing, Dr Somji is passionate about restoring patient confidence and has gained himself a reputation for his meticulous work, reassuring manner and performing treatments that deliver subtle results.