What Is Rosacea? Causes, Symptoms and Skincare Recommendations

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the face, especially the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin. It is most commonly seen in adults, particularly fair-skinned women between the ages of 30 and 50. However, men who develop rosacea often experience more severe symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Rosacea

Facial Flushing (Redness)

The face becomes easily flushed, especially in the central areas (nose and cheeks), often accompanied by a burning or stinging sensation.

Persistent Redness and Visible Blood Vessels

As the condition progresses, persistent redness may appear, along with dilated blood vessels (visible thread-like veins).

Papules and Pustules

Many patients experience mild to moderate itching, and sometimes stinging or burning sensations. These discomforts can worsen with scratching or friction.

Thickened Skin and Nose Deformation

The skin on the nose may become thickened with enlarged pores, forming uneven, bumpy textures (commonly known as "rhinophyma" or bulbous nose), which is more commonly seen in men.

 

Common Areas Affected by Rosacea

Rosacea typically appears in the central areas of the face, with the following regions being the most commonly affected:

Nose

The nose is one of the most common sites for rosacea flare-ups. Early signs often include persistent redness, followed by visible blood vessels, papules, or pustules. In more severe cases, especially in men, the condition can develop into rhinophyma, where the skin thickens, pores enlarge, and the nose takes on a bulbous shape. This type of change is usually chronic and requires medical treatment.

Cheeks

The cheeks are highly sensitive due to the dense network of blood vessels and tend to react strongly to temperature changes, emotional triggers, or certain foods. Symptoms often include flushing, stinging, and a burning sensation. As the condition progresses, red bumps, pustules, and visible blood vessels may appear, affecting one’s appearance and self-confidence. Using gentle, alcohol-free skincare products can help reduce irritation.

Forehead

While symptoms on the forehead are typically less pronounced than on the nose or cheeks, it remains a common area for rosacea to appear. Patients may experience persistent redness, small papules, or excess oil production. Triggers such as stress and hormonal fluctuations are often linked to forehead outbreaks, so maintaining a healthy lifestyle and stress management routine is recommended.

Chin

Rosacea on the chin is often mistaken for adult acne, with common signs including small red bumps, pustules, and redness. Female patients may notice flare-ups around their menstrual cycle due to hormonal changes. It's important to avoid heavy or pore-clogging skincare products in this area.

Around the Eyes (Ocular Rosacea)

Some individuals develop ocular rosacea, which affects the eyelids and surrounding skin. Symptoms include dryness, redness, stinging, a foreign body sensation, or inflammation along the eyelid margins. If left untreated, this can lead to chronic conjunctivitis or eyelid dysfunction. Early medical attention is recommended, and patients should avoid applying makeup or using eye drops without guidance.

 

Causes of Rosacea

Rosacea isn’t just sensitive skin — here are the three key factors behind the condition:

Damaged Skin Barrier

Just like I often mention with eczema products, when the stratum corneum (the skin’s outermost layer) is compromised, like a “leaky roof”, it loses its ability to protect. This allows irritants to penetrate more easily. In rosacea patients, the skin barrier is impaired, which explains why:

• Almost everything causes stinging
  
• Flare-ups happen with seasonal changes
• Even doctor-prescribed creams can feel irritating
  

 

Overactive Immune Response

Innate immune dysfunction
The skin reacts excessively to external triggers (like UV rays or microbes) and releases large amounts of inflammatory substances such as cathelicidin (an antimicrobial peptide).

Demodex mites (Demodex folliculorum)
Some patients have an unusually high number of facial Demodex mites, which may overstimulate the immune system and worsen inflammation and breakouts.

 

Environmental & Triggering Factors

These factors don’t directly cause rosacea but can trigger or worsen symptoms:

✅ Diet: Alcohol (especially red wine), hot drinks, spicy food

✅ UV Exposure: Sunlight commonly triggers inflammation and dilated blood vessels

✅ Extreme Temperatures: Heat, cold, wind (e.g., moving between heated or air-conditioned spaces)

✅ Emotional Stress: Anxiety and tension can lead to flushing

✅ Improper Skincare: Over-cleansing, exfoliation, or using irritating cosmetic products

Recommended Products for Rosacea Treatment

Why Are These Products Suitable for Rosacea?

• Natural and Organic Formulas: Free from fragrance, alcohol, and harsh ingredients to minimise the risk of irritation.
• Soothing and Anti-inflammatory Effects: Contain natural anti-inflammatory ingredients that help calm redness and swelling.
• Focus on Hydration and Repair: Strengthen the skin barrier to reduce recurring inflammation and support overall skin stability.

5 Daily Habits to Help Prevent Rosacea Flare-Ups

Rosacea (also known as rhinophyma in severe cases) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Adjusting your daily habits plays an important role in preventing and relieving symptoms. Here are five simple and practical ways to reduce flare-up risks through everyday routines.

 

Gentle Cleansing to Protect the Skin Barrier

Rosacea-prone skin is often sensitive. Over-cleansing or using harsh products can damage the skin barrier and worsen redness and dryness. Choose a mild, pH-balanced (around 5.5) amino acid-based cleanser, and use lukewarm water (around 32–35°C) to wash your face. Avoid hot water, as it can dilate blood vessels. Massage gently without scrubbing to reduce irritation.

 

Strict Sun Protection, Prioritise Physical Block

UV exposure is one of the main rosacea triggers, increasing inflammation and vascular dilation. When going outdoors, prioritise physical sun protection such as hats and sunglasses to minimise direct sun exposure. If sunscreen is needed, opt for mineral-based options containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, which are gentler and less likely to irritate sensitive skin.

 

Simplify Skincare and Avoid Irritants

People with rosacea should avoid skincare products that contain alcohol, fragrance, menthol, or other irritants, as these can trigger flushing or burning sensations. Focus on hydration using products with soothing and repairing ingredients such as aloe vera, tea extract, chamomile, licorice root, zinc, rosehip oil, or cucumber extract. These help strengthen the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.

 

Adjust Your Diet and Avoid Triggers

Certain foods can trigger or worsen rosacea, such as spicy foods (capsaicin can dilate blood vessels), hot drinks (temperature-related flushing), and alcohol (especially red wine, which contains histamines). Consider keeping a food diary to identify personal triggers. Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods like omega-3-rich fish, blueberries, and green tea for added skin support.

 

Control Environment and Stress

Temperature changes (e.g., heat or cold wind) and emotional stress can trigger rosacea. Aim to keep indoor temperatures cool (around 22–24°C), and use a humidifier to maintain optimal humidity (40–60%). Practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga can help reduce stress and lower the chance of flare-ups caused by emotional fluctuations.

Conclusion

It’s important to note that while rosacea cannot be completely cured, most patients can achieve good symptom control through long-term daily care and the use of suitable skincare products.