Rosacea is a long-term skin condition that causes persistent redness across the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead, often with visible small blood vessels, flushing that comes on suddenly, and sometimes small bumps that look like acne but are not. It usually starts between thirty and fifty, is more common in fair skin, and tends to run in families. It cannot be cured, but it can be controlled well, and most people with rosacea can get their skin to a point where it rarely troubles them.
What is happening
The blood vessels in rosacea-prone skin react too readily, dilating in response to heat, sun, alcohol, spicy food, stress, exercise and harsh skincare. Over time some vessels stay dilated, which is the persistent redness and the fine visible veins. The skin barrier is also weaker than average, so it is easily irritated and stings with products other people tolerate. Tiny skin mites called Demodex, which everyone has, are present in higher numbers in rosacea and are thought to drive the bumps.
What helps
The foundation is gentle, barrier-supporting skincare and avoiding your own triggers, which vary from person to person. Daily sun protection is essential. For the bumps and inflammation, prescription creams and occasionally tablets from your GP or a dermatologist are often needed, and we work alongside that rather than instead of it.
In clinic, carefully chosen light medical peels can reduce redness and improve texture without irritating the skin, and a HydraFacial with a calming booster hydrates and soothes. We avoid anything aggressive; rosacea skin does better with little and often than with strong treatments. Persistent visible vessels are best treated with vascular laser or IPL, which we can refer you for.
What a consultation involves
We will look at the pattern of redness and bumps, assess how reactive your skin is, and ask what seems to set it off. You will get a gentle plan, a skincare routine that will not aggravate it, and a clear steer on whether you need a GP or dermatologist alongside us.
