Rosacea Awareness Month: What is Rosacea?

At Face the Future, not only are we experts in skin, but we are also passionate about achieving the best possible results for every patient and customer we treat, speak with or meet. April is Rosacea Awareness Month, and to mark the occasion we asked our Clinic to give us a closer look at Rosacea and the best products to use to help control the symptoms.

Let's take a closer look at Rosacea, who it affects, the different causes and products to help manage the symptoms...

We have definitely seen a rise in patients seeking clinic-based treatments for Rosacea. I think patients are now less likely to just 'accept' skin disorders, particularly those that have a detrimental effect on confidence and self-esteem. Patients are much more informed thanks to better access to information and improved treatment modalities. As we move away from traditional treatment methods, that can be quite drug focused, we move towards a multi-dimensional approach, so there is no need for Rosacea patients to put up with their symptoms or allow them to escalate.

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a long-term inflammatory skin disorder, which affects both the blood vessels and skin. Rosacea can affect both men and women, and although men tend to get more aggressive symptoms, it is more commonly seen in women. It is thought that as many as one in ten women between the ages of 30 and 55 struggle with the symptoms of Rosacea. Symptoms can range from the typical 'flush/blush' to the more obvious swollen capillaries and fluid filled pustules that can often resemble acne. Rosacea can be distressing and have a significant impact on confidence and self-esteem.

Who does Rosacea affect?

Rosacea is primarily seen in fairer skinned individuals and it's likely to run in families, so there's a probable hereditary link. There's also a possible link to UVA/UVB damage but frustratingly, the real cause of Rosacea is unknown. What we do know is that it's a disease not only of the blood vessels, but also the structures of the skin.

What causes Rosacea?

Rosacea has been linked to a multitude of factors, including hormonal changes, diet and lifestyle issues and even a tiny mite, called Demodex Follicular that normally lives quite harmlessly in and around the hair follicles. However, there is no one conclusive cause, which leaves us with an incredibly frustrating skin disorder that we aim to improve and control, rather than cure.

Can Rosacea be cured?

Unfortunately there is no known cure for Rosacea and gaining control of Rosacea symptoms can be like a jigsaw puzzle. But with better access to information and improved treatment modalities, there is no need for Rosacea symptoms to escalate. There is no 'one fix for all' approach; each patient should be assessed individually with a treatment plan and regular reviews agreed. With careful treatment planning, significant improvements can be achieved.

Products to treat Rosacea

There are some incredibly efficient skincare products that can help control symptoms. Check out our top five picks:

1. Jan Marini RosaLieve Redness Reducing Complex

This innovative, lightweight and non-greasy lotion from Jan Marini soothes and calms skin that is prone to redness, flushing and inflammation. It is formulated with a blend of natural extracts, Azelaic Acid and anti-redness Tetrapeptide-14, to visibly reduce flushing and restore comfort. Oat Extract and Allantoin soothe irritations to minimise and prevent redness and flare ups, while the antioxidant powers of Green, White and Red Tea help to protect sensitive and fragile skin against environmental damage.

2. Mesoestetic Couperend Maintenance Cream

This cream is ideal for desensitising and treating hyper-reactive and sensitive skin. It can also treat skin that is susceptible to suffering from diffused redness and/or visible blood micro capillaries visible on the surface. The soothing, anti-erythematous and decongesting action helps to minimise skin irritation by acting on skin's impaired perivascular structure.

3. iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance+

With its scientifically advanced Vitamin C time release technology combined with a superior form of olive leaf extract and pure vitamins A & E, this clinically proven formula delivers high levels of antioxidant protection and exceptional healing properties. The healing, protective and inflammation reducing action makes this product perfect for Rosacea sufferers.

4. SkinCeuticals Redness Neutralizer

This lightweight gel/cream has been formulated to hydrate skin and reinforce its barrier function to reduce the appearance of redness. It is formulated with patent-pending NeuroMed Complex, alongside an innovative combination of biomimetic neuropeptides and natural actives to help to reduce the inflammation cascade responsible for vasodilation, the main causes of redness and flushing. This neuropeptide combination regulates pro-inflammatory mediators and reduces skin's temperature while bisabolol, zinc gluconate, and shea butter further soothe and comfort skin.

5. Environ Focus Care Comfort+ Vita-Enriched Colostrum Gel

5. La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR Intense

Specially created for sensitive, dry and fragile skin that is prone to flushing, La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR Intense provides instant relief from skin discomfort. Free from soap, parabens, perfumes, alcohol and colourants, this formula uses a combination of Ambophenol, Neurosensine and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water to calm the skin. 

For further advice from one of experts, read our guide to our in-clinic Rosacea treatments available at Face the Future.