Do you notice redness on your cheeks, tiny visible veins, or irritation whenever you try new products? It can be confusing to know whether your skin is simply sensitive or if rosacea is at play. Understanding the difference is the key to finding the right treatments that work for your skin.

Redness That Comes and Goes Might Be Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin reacts easily to environmental factors, skincare ingredients, or lifestyle changes. Common signs include:

• Redness that appears and fades
• Itchy or burning sensations
• Dry or flaky patches
  

These reactions usually calm down once the trigger is removed. Sensitive skin does not cause long-term damage but requires gentle care and the right products to prevent flare-ups.

Persistent Redness Could Be Rosacea

If your redness sticks around, you see tiny blood vessels, or acne-like bumps, rosacea might be the cause. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead, and it appears in four main types — each with its own signs and symptoms.

Type 1: Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea (ETR)

This type is the most common and often mistaken for sensitive skin. Signs include:

• Persistent facial redness that doesn’t fade easily
• Visible small blood vessels (telangiectasia)
• A tendency to flush easily after triggers like heat, spicy foods, or alcohol
  

Type 2: Papulopustular Rosacea

Often referred to as “acne rosacea,” this type includes:

• Red bumps and pus-filled spots on the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead
• Background redness that may worsen with irritation
• Skin sensitivity or stinging sensations
  

Type 3: Phymatous Rosacea

A rarer form that can cause:

• Thickened skin, often around the nose (rhinophyma)
• Enlarged pores or uneven skin texture
• Gradual thickening that worsens without treatment
  

Type 4: Ocular Rosacea

This type affects the eyes and surrounding area. Common signs include:

• Red, irritated, or watery eyes
• A gritty feeling or sensitivity to light
• Swollen eyelids or small bumps around the eye area
  

Rosacea can present as one or more of these subtypes at once, and symptoms may evolve over time. It’s important to get a professional assessment early to manage it effectively.

How to Tell the Difference

Knowing whether your skin is sensitive or affected by rosacea helps you choose the right care. Here’s a simple comparison:

How Euphie Clinic Can Help

If your skin shows persistent redness or visible veins, professional care makes a difference.
 

At Euphie Clinic, our doctors offer treatments that calm inflammation, repair the skin barrier, and reduce flare-ups safely and effectively:

• Fotona Laser: Targets visible blood vessels and persistent redness associated with rosacea.
• Skinboosters: Hydrate deeply, restore the skin barrier, and soothe inflammation for healthier, more resilient skin.
• Topical Treatments: Prescribed by our doctors to calm irritation and minimise flare-ups.
• Oral Medications: Used for moderate to severe rosacea to control inflammation and prevent new redness.
  

Each plan is tailored by our doctors to your skin’s specific needs, ensuring gentle and effective care.