Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the face, most commonly in adults aged 30–60, and is more frequent in people with fair skin, light hair, and blue eyes. It often starts with a tendency to blush or flush more easily than others.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Persistent facial redness (especially on cheeks, nose, chin, forehead)
Visible small blood vessels (telangiectasia)
Red, swollen bumps that can look like acne (papules and pustules)
Burning, stinging, or itchy sensation
Dry, rough, or scaly skin
Eye irritation (ocular rosacea): watery or bloodshot eyes, gritty feeling, styes
Thickened skin, especially on the nose (rhinophyma) – more common in men and in advanced cases

Four Main Subtypes

Erythematotelangiectatic (redness + visible blood vessels)
Papulopustular (acne-like breakouts, often called “adult acne”)
Phymatous (skin thickening, irregular surface, most often rhinophyma)
Ocular (eye symptoms)

Common Triggers

Sun exposure
Hot drinks, spicy foods, alcohol (especially red wine)
Temperature extremes
Stress
Strenuous exercise
Certain skincare products (those containing alcohol, fragrance, exfoliants)
Some medications (e.g., vasodilators, topical steroids if overused)
Menopause night sweats, hormonal changes
Andropause

Treatment Options

There is no cure, but it can be very well controlled.

Medical treatments (prescribed by a dermatologist)

Skincare treatments such as monthly facials with your Esthetician and a daily skincare regimen

Topical medications or products: metronidazole, azelaic acid, ivermectin, brimonidine, oxymetazoline
Oral antibiotics (especially for papulopustular type): doxycycline (low-dose anti-inflammatory), minocycline, sometimes isotretinoin in severe cases
Laser and light therapies: IPL (intense pulsed light), vascular lasers (PDL, KTP, Nd:YAG) – excellent for redness and visible blood vessels

Daily management & lifestyle

Gentle skincare: non-soap cleansers, fragrance-free moisturizers
Broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+ daily, mineral-based preferred)
Avoid known triggers
Green-tinted primer/makeup can neutralize redness
Cool compresses for flare-ups

Important Notes

It’s often misdiagnosed as acne, eczema, or lupus – see a dermatologist for accurate diagnosis.
Long-term use of topical steroids on the face can actually worsen or trigger rosacea (“steroid-induced rosacea”).
It tends to be progressive if untreated, so early intervention is helpful.

If you think you have rosacea or want personalized advice, a board-certified dermatologist or your Esthetician is the best person to see. Most people achieve excellent control with the right combination of treatments and trigger avoidance.

Over the counter skincare products recommended;