Expert Tips for Keeping Rosacea and Skin Redness Under Control

We need to normalise having rosacea.

There's so many people living with this inflammatory skin condition and it’s much more common than you think!

So let’s tackle it with some tips that can help you manage the condition and the redness that can come with it.

But first...

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition where your skin can look red and inflamed.

There are four types of rosacea - FYI the first two are the most common:

Erythematotelangiectactic rosacea: Where you might have a lot of dilated blood vessels, flushing and redness on your face. Over time these can get worse.

Papulopustular rosacea: This is an acne type of rosacea commonly associated with redness, sensitive skin and breakouts - and yes, very much confused with adult acne at times, however if you have this type of rosacea you won’t have blackheads. That’s often an easy way to tell the difference. So your pimples might have whiteheads and your face may often be quite red.

Phymatous rosacea: Typically includes a bumpy skin texture, enlarged pores and a thickening of the skin. Your nose, chin and even forehead may also appear bigger because of enlarged sweat glands.

Ocular rosacea: Affects your eye area including the eyes and eyelids, which can make them feel irritated, dry, and itchy. This type of rosacea may even lead to issues with vision.

Also there aren't really any well known reasons as to why rosacea starts, however genetic, immune and environmental factors are all known to contribute.

Want advice on rosacea treatments, skincare for rosacea and red skin?

Here are some of my expert rosacea tips...

Firstly, if you have rosacea it’s really important to get to know your skin because what may flare your skin - won’t flare someone else’s.

Every skin is different, however the most common types of triggers are: spicy foods, alcohol, weather extremes (ie. extreme hot or cold), the environment like sun/wind, exercise, gut issues, certain medications and emotional stress! That is a big one.

Heat is such a big contributor to so many skins and I’m not just talking about the weather.

If you have rosacea you need to be mindful of things like saunas, hot yoga - and even how hot your drinks are.

This is so important when it comes to rosacea and inflammatory skin.

You need products and ingredients in your routine that will soothe and calm.

This will look after your skin barrier and help reduce inflammation.

You may also need to avoid fragrance - sad.

However, it does have the potential to flare the skin or make the condition worse. And never forget your SPF!

And obviously in clinic laser therapy and LED light therapy.

Honestly clinical LED is so underrated but it is a great treatment for any inflammatory skin conditions, including rosacea.

There are also laser treatment options available (like laser genesis) which can be beneficial.

Always best to chat through the best options for you with your clinician.

Start with a simple, cream cleanser, something like the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser can be great for a rosacea skin especially during flares.

Then add a calming and anti-inflammatory serum like: Osmosis Skincare Rescue Epidermal Repair Serum 30ml which focuses on calming inflammation and redness with botanical extracts and peptides.

Or if you’re after something a little more hydrating and barrier-boosting try Aspect Red-Less 21 30ml which blends 21 botanicals and vitamins to reduce redness, soothe irritation, and hydrate the skin.

Or SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel which contains calming botanicals and antioxidants to improve skin tone and reduce redness.

And if you love oils the Cosmedix Remedy Omega Complex Treatment Oil is also a fave as it nourishes and strengthens the skin barrier with omegas and botanical extracts.

Throw in a simple moisturiser like the Bioderma Sensibio Defensive Lightweight Soothing Moisturiser 40ml (there is a lightweight and richer version) and never forget your SPF. Try Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF50 Sunscreen 75ml and top up with an SPF mist. Try Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF50 Reapplication Mist SKINSCREEN 75ml.