What is Rosacea and How To Calm & Soothe Your Skin

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that typically affects the face. It’s most common in individuals with fair skin, but it can affect people of all skin types. Rosacea often begins with episodes of facial flushing, where the skin temporarily turns red, but over time, it can lead to persistent redness, visible blood vessels (telangiectasia), and even small, red, pus-filled bumps resembling acne. While the exact cause of rosacea is unknown, it is believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and vascular factors.

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Symptoms of Rosacea

Rosacea presents itself through various symptoms which can confuse people when they wonder what is rosacea that can range in severity and appearance:

1. Persistent Redness (Erythema): 

What is rosacea of this kind is a constant flush or blush on the face, particularly around the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin.

2. Visible Blood Vessels:

Small, broken blood vessels that become visible on the skin’s surface, often around the nose and cheeks.

3. Bumps and Pimples:

 Acne-like breakouts that can form on the affected areas, often mistaken for regular acne, but without blackheads.

4. Flushing: 

Episodes of intense facial redness and warmth that come and go, usually triggered by heat, alcohol, spicy foods, or sun exposure.

5. Eye Irritation: 

In some cases, rosacea can affect the eyes, causing dryness, irritation, and even swelling of the eyelids (a condition called ocular rosacea).

6. Thickened Skin: 

Over time, untreated rosacea can lead to the thickening of the skin, especially around the nose, a condition known as rhinophyma.

Before & After Photos

Triggers of Rosacea

Various triggers can cause rosacea to flare up or worsen, and these can vary from person to person. Common triggers include:

Sun exposure: UV light can exacerbate rosacea symptoms.

Extreme temperatures: Both hot and cold weather can trigger flare-ups.

Stress: Emotional stress and anxiety often worsen the condition.

Certain foods: Spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, and hot beverages can trigger redness.

Skincare products: Harsh cleansers, fragrances, and certain ingredients can irritate the skin.

Types of Rosacea

  • 1. Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea (ETR):

    Characterised by facial redness and visible blood vessels.

  • 2. Papulopustular Rosacea:

    Often confused with acne, this type involves red bumps, pus-filled pimples, and swelling.

  • 3. Phymatous Rosacea: 

    Leads to thickened skin and can cause disfigurement, especially around the nose (rhinophyma).

  • 4. Ocular Rosacea: 

    Affects the eyes, leading to dryness, irritation, and in severe cases, vision problems.
Person receiving a facial treatment with gloved hands applying cotton pads to their cheeks.

Why Treatment is Essential

Whilst now you know what is rosacea, it should be known that it cannot be cured but early intervention can significantly reduce symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening. Without proper treatment, rosacea can progress, potentially leading to permanent redness, thickening of the skin, and even damage to the eyes in cases of ocular rosacea. Regular treatments, combined with a gentle skincare routine, help manage flare-ups and improve the skin’s appearance.

At Skin Lab By Leah, we offer treatments specifically designed to reduce the redness, inflammation, and irritation associated with rosacea while soothing the skin and preventing future flare-ups.

How Skin Lab by Leah Can Help with Rosacea

At Skin Lab By Leah, we understand the sensitivity of rosacea-prone skin and offer a range of treatments designed to soothe, calm, and improve its appearance. These treatments are customised to minimise flare-ups while enhancing your skin's texture and overall health. Our approach includes therapies that focus on reducing redness, inflammation, and discomfort without aggravating the skin.

Recommended Treatments for Rosacea

Treatments to Avoid for Rosacea

While treatments like Chemical Peels, Microneedling, and Radio Frequency Skin Tightening are highly effective for other skin conditions, they may not be suitable for individuals with rosacea due to their intensity. These treatments can potentially aggravate sensitive skin, leading to increased redness or irritation.

At Skin Lab By Leah, we customise each treatment based on your skin's specific needs. Our team will assess your skin condition during a consultation and recommend the best course of action to manage rosacea, ensuring you get the results you need without causing additional discomfort or irritation.