Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that often appears as persistent redness, flushing, or visible blood vessels; most commonly on the cheeks, nose, or chin. It can be mistaken for acne or sensitivity, but rosacea requires a different approach to treatment and care.

What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that affects the facial blood vessels, leading to visible redness, heat, or bumps. It tends to develop gradually and may worsen over time without treatment.

While rosacea isn’t contagious, it can flare up due to heat, stress, spicy food, or certain skincare products. Because symptoms vary, personalised care is key to managing it effectively.

Types of Rosacea

Rosacea can present in different forms, and individuals may experience more than one type at a time:

  • Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea: Persistent redness and visible blood vessels (telangiectasia)
  • Papulopustular Rosacea: Red bumps or pimples resembling acne
  • Phymatous Rosacea: Skin thickening, usually around the nose (rhinophyma)
  • Ocular Rosacea: Affects the eyes, causing redness, dryness, or irritation
  • Neurogenic Rosacea: A less common subtype involving burning, stinging, or flushing

What Causes Rosacea?

The exact cause of rosacea is still unclear, but several contributing factors have been identified:

  • Abnormal blood vessel function
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Immune system overactivity
  • Environmental triggers: Sun, heat, wind, or cold
  • Dietary triggers: Spicy foods, alcohol, hot drinks
  • Stress and emotional changes
  • Use of harsh skincare products
  • Microorganisms: Such as Demodex mites, which may aggravate symptoms

Available Treatments

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rosacea the same as acne?

No. While papulopustular rosacea may resemble acne, it has different causes and requires gentler treatment.

Rosacea is a chronic condition, but symptoms can be well-managed with proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments.

Common triggers include alcohol, spicy food, hot drinks, direct sun, heat, and harsh skincare ingredients.

Yes. Many with rosacea have sensitive or reactive skin, which makes barrier-repairing treatments especially important.

Yes — opt for mineral or non-comedogenic makeup, and always remove it with gentle, fragrance-free cleansers.