Rosacea is a complex, yet common skin condition that affects the face, causing persistent redness due to dilated blood vessels, bumps and spots resembling acne, flushing and it often comes with an unpleasant stinging or burning sensation. Although more prevalent in individuals with lighter skin tones, it can affect anyone and tends to worsen over time if left untreated.
Rosacea myths : separating fact from fiction
There are a few myths about rosacea that can cause confusion and misconceptions about its causes and triggers. Contrary to popular belief, rosacea is not a form of adult acne, nor is it related to poor hygiene. While hot beverages can trigger rosacea symptoms, it’s actually the temperature, not the caffeine content, that’s responsible. And, while alcohol doesn’t cause rosacea, it can aggravate the condition and increase the chances of flare-ups.
Rosacea’s common symptoms
If you think you might have rosacea, there are some key symptoms to keep an eye out for. These include persistent redness, bumps and breakouts, visible blood vessels, enlarged pores, and skin that reacts quickly to triggers like weather changes or certain foods and drinks. Secondary symptoms can also happen, such as eye irritation, dry and flaking skin, thickened or rough skin and swelling. Keep in mind that rosacea can vary a lot between individuals, and not all sufferers will experience every symptom.
How does rosacea start: triggers and how it progresses
The exact cause of rosacea is still unclear, although researchers have identified several factors that can trigger or worsen the condition. Common aggravating factors include alcohol, hot or spicy food, hormones, irritating skincare ingredients, stress, sunlight, and certain medications like vasodilating drugs and corticosteroids. Hot showers can also exacerbate rosacea symptoms.
Rosacea typically starts with redness and flushing, which can come and go initially. Over time, the redness may become darker or even purplish, and it may not fade as quickly as before. Visible blood vessels can also become more prominent. If left untreated, rosacea can progress to more severe symptoms, such as bumps and breakouts, and in some cases, swelling and lumpiness of the nose (this can be more common in men). Rosacea can also cause irritated or inflamed eyes.
What’s the impact of rosacea on the skin barrier?
Rosacea can disrupt the skin’s protective barrier, which is crucial for defending against environmental threats such as sun, wind, dry air, allergens and pollution. This disruption also affects the skin’s ability to maintain its moisture balance, making it more susceptible to dryness, irritation and flare-ups. People with rosacea often experience increased sensitivity, especially during harsh weather conditions like winter when dry air can exacerbate symptoms further.
Skincare products to help manage rosacea
Choosing the right skincare products can make a world of difference in managing rosacea and minimising flare-ups. Check out our carefully chosen rosacea skincare products designed to address the unique needs of this skin condition.
A few of our top picks :
O COSMEDIC NOURISHING CLEANSING BALM : Balm-oil-milk cleanser. Sure to become your favourite pre-cleanser or straight out cleanser, Nourishing Cleansing Balm is heavenly and cloud like, goes on as a balm, is massaged in as an oil and turns to a milk with water, picking up dirt, pollution and makeup as it goes. Offers intense antioxidant protection, hydrating and soothing benefits while supporting deep cleansing of the skin and the removal of oil soluble build-up
O COSMEDICS MEDI-SOOTHE : Formulated to assist calming and soothing, the repair of skin integrity and increase barrier recovery associated with skin irritation. Skin saviour for sensitive, irritated, compromised skins.
O COSMEDICS REPAIR SERUM : This super potent repair serum contains a unique blend of next generation ultra-strength antioxidants, EGF, ceramides and anti-irritants to help fortify the skin’s barrier, assist in healthy cell production and support the reduction of inflammation. Pure TLC! Perfect for weakened, irritated, red and reactive skin (including rosacea).
NORDIC NATURALS PRO OMEGA : An integral part of the cell membrane, omega-3 EPA+DHA play a significant role in modulating nearly every cellular activity. These critical nutrients need to be continually replenished to help keep our cells functioning properly.
OPTY.NC CELLULAR RENEW : Supercharged whole food blend multi. Expertly formulated to meet the needs of those with depleted skin, hair, and nail health. Cellular Renew supports essential nutrient intake to the gut, enriching and nourishing the body to readily absorb the vitamins and minerals that enhance skin structure, collagen formation, and overall body system wellness.
The best treatments for Rosacea
Like all skin conditions the best plan is treating the condition with a combination of different treatments. It comes down to a lot of factors like lifestyle, medication, hormones, the incorrect skin care to mention just a few. Our team will conduct a thorough skin consultation prior to treatment to select the correct skin journey for you.
Our recommendation for treatment :
LED LIGHT THERAPY : Phototherapy is a non-invasive LED (Light Emitting Diode) therapy whereby light of specific wavelengths is delivered to the skin to stimulate and activate cellular processes deep within the skin layers. Phototherapy works on a cellular level, therefore skin conditions can be treated from a cellular level. Phototherapy has many cosmetic and aesthetic applications assisting in skin rejuvenation, reduction and reduced appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, collagen stimulation, acne and pigmentation. Phototherapy is a safe, painless and gentle treatment suitable for all skin types.
EXCEED SKIN NEEDLING : Microneedling works by creating ‘micro wounds/channels’ in the dermis of the skin that over time encourage the body to stimulate the natural production of collagen and elastin. Collagen is responsible for skin elasticity and firmness. This treatment can be used to effectively treat concerns like the appearance of fine lines, enlarged pores and stretch marks as well as acne scarring and dispersion of pigmentation also skin rejuvenation for dull, uneven or tired-looking to bring back your glow.Before we embark on your needling journey, we first must evaluate your skins health to make sure that we are treating it with respect to get the best results! In this consultation we will look at your skin’s history, your current skin care and internals regime and create a plan towards your goals.
IPL SKIN REJUVENATION TREATMENT : Reboost your skin with IPL Skin Rejuvenation Treatment. IPL is a highly effective way to treat pigmentation, premature aging, sun spots, redness and helps boost collagen production on the face, neck, chest and hands. This treatment is safe, non-invasive with no interruption to our busy lifestyle. IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and involves quick and powerful flashes of light penetrating the skins surface, where melanin exists. The procedure reduces redness,and blotchy brown areas at the same time as stimulating collagen production and brightening skin.
So, if you have any of these skin concerns reach out to our team and start your skin care journey with us today !