Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea (Erythema) is the most common type of rosacea and is characterised by flushing and persistent redness in the central part of the face. Chronic flushing can lead to visible blood vessels. Papulopustular Rosacea involves permanent redness with sporadic bumps and pimples (not to be confused with spots that you can pop!). Phymatous Rosacea is associated with skin thickening and enlargement of the nose, along with enlarged pores. Ocular Rosacea affects the eyes, causing symptoms like dryness, irritation, reddening around the eyelashes, increased tear production, and styes.

A condition related to rosacea is perioral dermatitis, which manifests as reddened skin, small bumps, and a pimply rash around the mouth and sometimes under the nose.

There are indications that rosacea sufferers have higher levels of Demodex mites living in their skin (I know… I also had no idea we had mites on our skin until I retrained as a facialist!). Demodex mites live in our hair follicles and sebaceous glands and they may be responsible for triggering an inflammatory response in our skin.

Treatments

There's no cure for rosacea currently but there are treatments that focus on managing symptoms and preventing flare-ups. You must seek medical advice from a GP or dermatologist for effective management of rosacea.

Commonly prescribed treatments include:

• Antibiotics: Both topical and oral antibiotics, due to their anti-inflammatory properties, are effective in reducing certain types of rosacea symptoms

• Azelaic Acid (15 or 20%): A topical treatment known for its ability to reduce inflammation and redness

Azelaic acid has an antibacterial effect against acne-causing bacteria. It also functions as a potent anti-inflammatory, so it helps reduce swelling and redness.

In addition to medical treatments, you may wish to try some lifestyle modifications such as avoiding known triggers (see section below), using appropriate skin care products, and protecting the skin from sun exposure.

Another option you could explore is laser treatment, whilst not currently available at Aion, there are many good laser specialists available.

How do you calm a rosacea flare-up?

The flushing and redness of rosacea are challenging to treat but the first step is to do your best to avoid your triggers, particularly sun exposure.

Whilst it’s not currently known what causes rosacea, common triggers include:

• Alcohol

• Spicy foods

• Hot drinks

• Sunlight

• Hot or cold temperatures

• Aerobic exercise, like running

• Being stressed

Rosacea patients have hyper-reactive skin, partly as a result of damaged skin barriers allowing irritants to penetrate, but also because irritants can induce irritation when already inflamed. One study showed that rosacea sufferers are more likely to react to allergens in cosmetic skincare products than the general population**.

Sometimes rosacea can manifest as tiny bumps or pimples but these are not for picking or squeezing! If you do squeeze, you might notice a clear liquid coming out. That is because these are not the pus-filled spots acne sufferers contend with but are actually oil glands that have dilated and become visible. Squeezing them can cause more irritation and worsen the rosacea.

Simplifying your skincare products by using a simple cleanser and moisturiser. Look for a cleanser that is gentle and moisturising and does not contain harsh chemicals. Choose a moisturiser that is gentle and fragrance-free. Avoid products containing alcohol, which can make rosacea worse.

What foods reduce rosacea?

There is relatively little research into rosacea and diet, however, one study carried out by the US National Rosacea Society found that when 78% of its participants changed their diets, 95% reported significant improvements by cutting out spicy sauces, cayenne pepper and chili pepper. Many of the participants reported improvements thanks to cutting out tomatoes, chocolate, alcohol, coffee, tea and citrus fruits.

These foods contain capsaicin and cinnamaldehyde which trigger the TRPV1 receptor in the skin, the bits that stimulate blood vessels so that they open, causing a sensation of heat, flushing and irritation.

Whilst there is no concrete proof that any specific substances in food can relieve the symptoms of rosacea, there are promising results from some scientific studies that suggest taking an omega-3 supplement may improve the condition.

Which facial works best for rosacea?

Whilst a facialist can’t cure your rosacea, we can help you to manage your condition as long as you have agreed this with your GP or dermatologist.

If your rosacea is too painful and severe to treat, we aren’t able to treat you unfortunately as we may make things worse! In this case, we will recommend you speak to a dermatologist or doctor, who will recommend the best treatments and skincare that work for you and prescribe medication if required.

The Signature Facial 

The Signature Facial is recommended as the first facial for anyone new to treatments at Aion. The Signature Facial is tailored to your skin concerns. After a gentle cleanse, our therapists will do a full skin assessment and talk through your current skincare routine and any triggers you are experiencing. They can then use facial massage to stimulate blood circulation and work on trying to improve your skin’s barrier with Dermalux light therapy, a certified medical device using clinically proven wavelengths with blue light and red light to help reduce inflammation and bacteria.

We will then work with you on a bespoke treatment plan and recommend a skincare programe to maintain at home to help you to manage your rosacea at home.

Contact us at hello@aion-aesthetics.com if you have any questions.

*The Scandinavian Skincare Bible, Johanna Gillbro

**Contact sensitization to cosmetic series of allergens in patients with rosacea, J Cosmet Dermatol, 2020