Rosacea, an inflammatory skin condition that causes reddened, irritated skin and often rashes, is common but can be tricky to treat. It most commonly affects the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin but some people can experience symptoms on their neck, back, scalp, arms, and legs.
It’s typically diagnosed between the ages of 35-50, but the first signs of persistent facial flushing can sometimes appear as early as the teenage years.
What’s hardest about living with and treating the condition is its exact cause is unknown. Because there are a range of symptoms that closely resemble other skin conditions, it can also be challenging to have it diagnosed. That being said, it’s important to see a health professional if you think you could be dealing with the condition.
Common signs of rosacea include persistent redness, flushing, bumps and pimples and visible blood vessels.
We asked two experienced skincare founders their advice and approach to managing the condition.
Dr Clara Hurst
Dr Hurst is the owner of BLANC skin clinic and co-founder of The Secret, a results-driven, made-to-order prescription skincare brand.
Which ingredients or products can be helpful in targeting the condition?
Rosacea is usually coupled with sensitive skin, so it’s important this is treated with a gentle approach.
Unfortunately, there are so many factors that can trigger rosacea, while these are different for everyone, some common triggers include; heat, stress, spicy food, medications, introduction of active ingredients and more.
It’s important to focus on barrier-strengthening ingredients, as well as anti-inflammatories to reduce redness and strengthen the lipid barrier. While you are experiencing a flare up, we recommend avoiding exfoliants and retinoids.
We prioritise barrier-strengthening ingredients like Niacinamide, as well as anti-inflammatories (Azelaic Acid) and a topical antibiotic that gently removes bacteria and reduces inflammation.
Although SPF50 is non-negotiable for everyone, those who suffer from rosacea should be particularly careful when it comes to sun exposure and heat as this can be a huge trigger and cause flare ups. Our Solar Serum SPF50 is non-comedogenic and suitable for sensitive skin types.
Is prescription skincare better at managing rosacea than over-the-counter products?
When it comes to rosacea, a topical antibiotic is generally recommended to remove and control bacteria associated with rosacea papules and pustules. This is of course only available with a prescription. At The Secret Skincare we approach rosacea by controlling the inflammation and creating healthier skin cells that are more resilient to the grips of rosacea.
Which in-clinic treatments can support an at-home skincare routine?
Laser genesis is a great in-clinic treatment to help with rosacea. It is a non-invasive laser treatment that targets the deepest layers of the skin without damaging the skin on the surface. It specifically helps to reduce redness, and overall health of the skin.
Kiri Yanchenko
Kiri Yanchenko founded probiotic skincare range Amperna to help provide a solution to skin challenges she herself had battled with. The range features ultra-gentle formulas that target chronic conditions like acne and perioral dermatitis, as well as rosacea.
What are some steps people can take to manage rosacea?
If you think you are suffering from rosacea and awaiting consultation with a health professional, the first step you can take is to trade any harsh skin care products with gentle ones.
Amperna products can help rosacea through the power of probiotics. Probiotics work in a similar way to antibiotics in the treatment of rosacea, with the advantage of not killing off the good bacteria. When applied directly to the skin they create a “bacterial interference” and their antimicrobial properties mean they can kill bad bacteria that is responsible for triggering inflammation.
The hero ingredient in the Amperna range is the active probiotic complex, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate. This probiotic complex helps support the skin barrier; helping to protect you from aggressions such as environmental pollutants, helps keep your immune system in check and helps reduce inflammation. It acts as a protective layer on the skin, helps boost healthy looking skin and calm & soothe skin.
We suggest incorporating Amperna’s Ultra Gentle Soothing Cleanser, a light gel cleanser specifically formulated with rosacea prone skin in mind. Amperna’s Probiotic+ DS Soothing Serum also helps to reduce the appearance of redness as well as cooling and soothing irritated skin. The zinc and copper gluconates help to limit bacterial proliferation and replenish the skin barrier.
Retinols Pro+ Bio Resurfacing Retinol ALT serum and the Pro+ Bio Resurfacing Retinol RX serum will be the next step in your rosacea journey. They both contain niacinamide, liquorice root extract and zinc & copper gluconates to help calm redness and help improve the skin’s texture.
