What Is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that most often affects the central face—such as the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. It’s most common in adults over 30, especially those with fair skin, but it can affect people of all skin types. Rosacea is known for:
Persistent facial redness
Flushing or blushing easily
Visible blood vessels (telangiectasia)
Acne-like bumps and pimples
Sensitivity, stinging, or burning sensations
Rosacea tends to come and go in cycles and may be triggered by certain lifestyle, environmental, or dietary factors.
Key Characteristics
Color: Red or pink appearance on the central face
Texture: Smooth or bumpy with acne-like breakouts
Sensation:
Burning, stinging, or increased sensitivity
Pattern:
Flushing, visible vessels, or breakouts
Additional signs: In some cases, eye irritation or thickened skin (especially on the nose)
Everyone’s rosacea looks a little different. Some people experience mainly redness, while others have more pimples or eye symptoms (ocular rosacea).
What Causes Rosacea?
The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, but several factors likely play a role:
Genetics: Tends to run in families
Immune system response: Overactivity may contribute to inflammation
Blood vessel irregularities: Can cause visible redness and flushing
Mites (Demodex): Microscopic organisms that may be more numerous in those with rosacea
Gut-skin link: Potential association with digestive issues or H. pylori bacteria
Importantly, rosacea is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene.
Common Symptoms of Rosacea
Facial redness: Persistent redness across cheeks, nose, chin, forehead
Flushing: Sudden warmth and color that comes and goes
Acne-like bumps: Pimples and pustules, often without blackheads
Visible blood vessels: Fine red lines or broken capillaries
Burning/stinging: Skin may feel irritated, especially with products
Eye irritation: Red, dry, or watery eyes (ocular rosacea)
Thickened skin: In rare cases, the nose may become swollen or bumpy
Common Rosacea Triggers
Understanding and avoiding your triggers is a key part of managing rosacea. Common triggers include:
Sun exposure
Hot weather or wind
Spicy foods and alcohol
Stress or emotional changes
Hot drinks
Harsh skincare products
Exercise or overheating
Keeping a rosacea diary can help identify patterns and reduce flare-ups.
Treatment Options
There’s no cure for rosacea, but many treatments can help manage symptoms and improve skin appearance.
Topical Medications
Metronidazole
Azelaic acid
Ivermectin
Brimonidine (reduces redness by constricting blood vessels)
Oral Medications
Low-dose doxycycline (for inflammation and pustules)
Isotretinoin (for severe, resistant cases—used with caution)
Skincare Tips
Use gentle, fragrance-free products
Apply mineral sunscreen (SPF 30+) daily
Avoid scrubs, alcohol-based toners, and hot water
Work with a dermatologist to customize a plan that works for your specific rosacea type and severity.
Living With Rosacea
Managing rosacea is a long-term process, but many people see significant improvement with consistency and care. Here are some practical tips:
Stick to a gentle, regular skincare routine
Wear daily sun protection—even in winter
Identify and avoid personal triggers
Use green-tinted makeup to reduce visible redness
Be patient—results can take time
Rosacea may be chronic, but it’s highly manageable with the right approach. If you suspect you have rosacea or your current regimen isn’t working, talk to a board-certified dermatologist to build a personalized treatment plan.
