HOW TO MANAGE ROSACEA

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HOW TO MANANGE ROSACEA

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Affecting at least 5% of the world’s population¹, rosacea is one of the most common skin complaints seen by dermatologists. However, when people experience clinical signs of redness, flushing, and discomfort, many don’t know the name for what they’re experiencing.

So, what is rosacea? In this guide, we’ll unpack the four stages of rosacea, along with its common triggers and early markers. While medical intervention may be needed, a targeted skincare plan combined with lifestyle changes can go a long way towards improving this sensitive skin condition and boosting your confidence.

WHAT IS ROSACEA?

Rosacea is a chronic and progressive skin condition that primarily affects the face and manifests through extreme skin sensitivity. It presents as temporary redness or flushing, which can become permanent.
Key signs include small, dilated blood vessels and spots on the cheeks, sides of the nose or chin and, in some cases, dry, allergy-prone eyes. As well as these visible signs, individuals with rosacea may experience discomfort in the form of stinging, hot flashes, tightness, and burning sensations.
Although rosacea can impact anyone, it is more common in people with fair skin. Generally, women are more likely to experience rosacea; but when men do, it can be more severe².

WHAT ARE THE FOUR STAGES OF ROSACEA?

Rosacea may worsen with age, so managing rosacea with the right skincare strategies can be highly beneficial. If left unchecked, rosacea can progress through four distinct stages:

Stage 1: Pre-rosacea
Stage 2: Mild rosacea
Stage 3: Moderate rosacea
Stage 4: Severe rosacea

If you suspect you may have rosacea, it’s important to spot the signs as early as possible. Read on as we guide you through the four stages of rosacea.

STAGE 1: PRE-ROSACEA

In the pre-rosacea stage, you will experience frequent – though fleeting – bouts of redness and flushing on the cheeks, nose and forehead. It’s best described as a ‘sunburn’ or ‘windburn’ look. In this beginning stage of rosacea, facial redness is often temporary and known to fade soon after it appears, though this will depend on when you were triggered.

STAGE 2: MILD ROSACEA

Rosacea’s second stage is characterised by diffuse redness and the appearance of small vessels on the skin surface. You might also be more prone to dry skin at this stage. Signs of mild rosacea are more persistent, and you’ll notice that your facial redness or flushing does not subside as quickly as it did in the pre-rosacea stage.

STAGE 3: MODERATE ROSACEA

In contrast to the beginning stages of rosacea, moderate rosacea is more pronounced and prolonged. Small spots that look similar to blemish-prone skin emerge, and capillaries enlarge and become noticeable through the skin. The nose, cheeks and chin are visibly affected, and rosacea characteristics may appear for long periods of time – or permanently.

STAGE 4: SEVERE ROSACEA

This stage of rosacea can be noticeably uncomfortable as the skin is thickened and areas of swelling may occur. Pustules and papules are visible and may cause tingling or stinging sensations. This severe form of rosacea is more common in men – and you may notice an enlargement of the skin around the nose.

COMMON TRIGGERS OF ROSACEA

We know what rosacea can look and feel like, but what is rosacea caused by? The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, but there are many environmental and lifestyle factors that can trigger rosacea. Common triggers include:

Sun exposure
Extreme temperatures
Hot baths and showers
Alcohol
Dairy
Spicy foods
Topical steroids
Intense physical exertion/exercise
Stress and anxiety
Menopause
Skincare and cosmetics containing alcohol and fragrances

HOW TO MANAGE ROSACEA: 5 TIPS

There is no definitive cure for rosacea, but you can learn how to manage rosacea by using an efficacious sensitive skincare routine and taking preventive measures to avoid or eliminate triggers. Below are some expert-backed tips for managing rosacea:

Use a gentle cleanser twice daily
Moisturise to support the skin moisture barrier
Apply SPF to protect the skin
Identify triggers and reduce your exposure
Make a few lifestyle adjustments

Read on for a detailed breakdown of these five tips.

1. USE A GENTLE CLEANSER

Cleansing is an essential part of any skincare routine, but since rosacea-prone skin is hypersensitive, it’s important to use a gentle face cleanser that won’t rob the skin of its natural oils. It’s best to steer clear of products containing alcohol, menthol and other triggering ingredients.

We recommend using the Toleriane Gentle Cream Dermo-Cleanser to remove impurities. This minimalist, hypo-allergenic formula is enriched with glycerin to hydrate the skin and our patented La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water to comfort allergy- and redness-prone skin.

Rubbing or using abrasive towels can exacerbate rosacea, but this cleanser is designed to remove makeup and other debris in a single step – no rubbing required. Using your fingertips, simply pat the cleanser on in a circular motion, wiping gently with a cotton ball or cotton pad. Use morning and night.

2. NOURISH SKIN WITH A MOISTURISER

Moisturising is a key step in managing rosacea since it helps fortify the skin moisture barrier, reduce dryness, and mitigate sensitivity. Like your other skincare, you’ll want to choose a rosacea-friendly moisturiser that’s packed with nourishing ingredients and free from fragrances and harsh additives.

Toleriane Rosaliac AR Moisturiser for Anti-Redness is formulated with a trio of supportive ingredients: 2% sphingobioma to rebalance the skin microbiome and reduce redness; neurosensine to minimise skin sensitivity; and thermal spring water to comfort sensitive skin. Apply morning and night: after cleansing, but before sunscreen.

3. PROTECT WITH SPF

According to a survey from the National Rosacea Society (US), sun exposure is the number one trigger for rosacea3. However, making the effort to shield your skin from sun exposure may help reduce the sudden appearances of your rosacea.

Daily application of a high-level broad-spectrum sunscreen is crucial for managing rosacea. A mineral or ‘physical’ sunscreen containing physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide – which are less likely to agitate sensitive skin – can be particularly effective.

La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios range of sunscreens is specially formulated for maximum tolerance for ultra-sensitive and allergy-prone skin, including rosacea. Ensure that you apply sunscreen 20 minutes before sun exposure and re-apply every two hours.

4. IDENTIFY AND AVOID TRIGGERS

Whether you’re in the beginning stages of rosacea or your condition is more advanced, limiting exposure to rosacea triggers can help prevent the recurrence of rosacea concerns. Start by keeping a log or diary to track the development of your rosacea – this will help you pinpoint your personal triggers.
While certain triggers (like fluctuating weather) can’t always be avoided, you can reduce your exposure to external stressors – like cosmetics and harsh soaps – while cutting back on trigger foods and beverages.

5. MODIFY YOUR LIFESTYLE

A few lifestyle adjustments can support the work of your rosacea-friendly skincare and help minimise contact with your personal triggers. To minimise the recurrence of your rosacea, consider making these changes:

Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods into your diet and consider probiotics to support gut health (which may influence skin concerns).
Cut back on trigger foods and beverages like spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine.
Engage in stress-reducing activities: such as yoga, meditation, or regular exercise.
Reduce your exposure to inclement weather where possible.
Avoid hot showers and washing your face with hot water.
If you wear makeup, opt for gentle, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic formulas.

One of the key steps in managing rosacea is taking care of your skin moisture barrier. Up next, we explore the skin microbiome in depth, and how it can impact your skin’s sensitivity.
¹https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29478264/
²https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/rosacea
³https://www.rosacea.org/patients/rosacea-triggers/rosacea-triggers-survey