Rosacea Awareness Month: Top Tips

Rosacea Awareness Month: Understanding & Managing Rosacea

April marks Rosacea Awareness Month, so I thought it'd be the perfect time to shed light on this often misunderstood chronic skin condition that affects millions worldwide, including me!

While rosacea can be a source of frustration, raising awareness and using the right approach can help manage it effectively.

 

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that typically affects the face. It often begins with episodes of flushing or redness on the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead. Over time, the redness can become more persistent, and small blood vessels named capillaries may become more visible. Some people also experience bumps, spots, rough texture, skin sensitivity, and in more severe cases, thickened skin or eye irritation.

Common Signs & Symptoms:

- Persistent facial redness (especially central face)

- Flushing and blushing easily

- Visible blood vessels (telangiectasia)

- Red, pus-filled bumps that resemble acne

- Burning or stinging sensation

- Dryness or rough skin texture

- Eye irritation (ocular rosacea)

Over-the-Counter Options (Available in UK Supermarkets & Pharmacies):

While rosacea often requires professional management, some gentle skincare and barrier-repair products can help reduce irritation and calm the skin:

- La Roche Possah Anthelios SPF 50 Sunscreen

- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

- La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR Intense 

- Simple Kind to Skin Moisturiser (hydration, fragrance-free, minimal ingredients)

- iUNIK Beta Glucan Moisture Serum (great serum for added hydration and barrier repair)

- Avène Cicalfate + (great for flare-ups)

- Bakuchiol based night serum (an alternative to retinoids if your skin struggles with the dryness and breakouts that can be caused by them)

- Avène Thermal Water (for spritzing and relief from hot flushing of cheeks)

- Aveeno Oat Cleanser (super gentle and cost effective)

- HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice toner (Korean brand)

- Centella Oil Cleanser (gentle and can be used for your nightly double cleanses)

- Thatchers Milky Toner

- Cicapair line from Dr Jart (calming products)

*Look for ingredients like niacinamide, allantoin, panthenol, ceramides, and **thermal spring water — and always avoid harsh exfoliants, alcohol-based products, and added fragrance.

Prescription Treatments:

For moderate to severe rosacea, prescription medications can be highly effective:

- Topical ivermectin (Soolantra) – anti-inflammatory and anti-parasitic (a real holy grail product)

- Topical metronidazole (Rozex) – reduces inflammation and redness

- Azelaic acid gel – gently exfoliates and calms redness (a must have)

- Oral antibiotics – for more inflammatory or ocular cases

- Brimonidine gel – temporarily constricts blood vessels to reduce redness

Advanced Aesthetic Treatments:

In cases where skincare and prescriptions don’t fully manage symptoms, aesthetic treatments can offer excellent results:

- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) – targets visible vessels and diffuse redness

- Laser therapy (e.g., Nd:YAG)– for more stubborn vascular issues

- LED light therapy – especially blue or red light to reduce inflammation

- Chemical peels – very mild, specialised peels can help with texture (avoid harsh ones)

- Microneedling with Polynucleotides - helps rebuild collagen, strengthens blood vessels and reduces inflammation (don't sleep on this minimal downtime treatment!)

*These should only be performed only by qualified medical or healthcare practitioners familiar with rosacea-prone skin.

 

Lifestyle Tips for Managing Rosacea:

Rosacea is deeply linked to lifestyle and environmental triggers. Common triggers include:

- Spicy foods, alcohol (especially red wine), and hot drinks like tea or coffee

- Sun exposure – use a mineral-based SPF 30+ daily, and re-apply when required

- Heat (including saunas and hot showers)

- Stress and anxiety – practice calming techniques like deep breathing or yoga

- Harsh skincare products or over-washing

 

Rosacea is highly individual, but with a combination of lifestyle changes, gentle skincare, medical treatment, and if needed, advanced therapies, it can be well-managed.

If you suspect you have rosacea, don’t self-diagnose - see a GP, pharmacist, or dermatologist for an accurate assessment and personalised plan.

Let’s continue to raise awareness and compassion for those navigating rosacea—not just in April, but every day 🖤