How to manage and treat rosacea

Understanding Rosacea

Rosacea is a common but often misunderstood chronic skin condition that primarily affects the face. It can cause redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes small, red, pus-filled bumps. While it can affect anyone, it is more prevalent in women and individuals with fair skin. Let’s delve into what causes rosacea and how it can be effectively managed.

What causes rosacea?

Despite extensive research, the exact cause of rosacea remains elusive. While multiple factors are believed to contribute to its development, the condition’s precise origins are not entirely understood. Here’s a more detailed look:

• Genetic Predisposition: Many individuals with rosacea have family members who also suffer from the condition, suggesting a genetic component. However, the specific genes involved have not been identified, making it unclear how genetics influence the development of rosacea.
• Immune System: An overactive immune response is thought to play a role in the inflammation characteristic of rosacea. The exact mechanism remains unclear, but it’s hypothesized that the immune system may react to certain triggers inappropriately, causing persistent redness and inflammation.
• Environmental Triggers: Various environmental factors are known to exacerbate rosacea symptoms, yet the reasons behind these reactions are not fully understood. Sun exposure, extreme temperatures, wind, and humidity can worsen symptoms, but why some individuals are more susceptible to these triggers than others remains a mystery.
• Microorganisms: The skin of individuals with rosacea often hosts higher levels of certain bacteria and mites, such as Demodex folliculorum. While these microorganisms may contribute to the condition, their exact role is not definitively established. It’s unclear whether they cause rosacea or if individuals with rosacea are simply more prone to their presence.
• Vascular Abnormalities: Abnormalities in the blood vessels of the face can lead to persistent redness and visible blood vessels, a hallmark of rosacea. However, the reasons behind these vascular changes are not fully understood, and it’s unclear whether they are a cause or a result of the condition.
• Lifestyle Factors: Stress, spicy foods, alcohol, and hot beverages are common triggers that can worsen rosacea symptoms. While it’s clear that these factors can influence the condition, the underlying mechanisms remain uncertain. It’s unknown why certain lifestyle choices have a more pronounced impact on some individuals than others.

To summarise, rosacea’s causes are multifaceted and complex. Genetic, immune, environmental, microbial, vascular, and lifestyle factors all play a role, but the interplay between these elements is not yet fully understood. Continued research is essential to unravel the intricacies of rosacea and develop more effective treatments.

How to Treat Rosacea

While there is no cure for rosacea, various treatments can help manage its symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected:

• Topical Medications: These include creams and gels that reduce redness and inflammation. Commonly prescribed topical treatments contain ingredients like metronidazole, azelaic acid, and ivermectin.
• Oral Medications: Antibiotics such as doxycycline can help reduce inflammation and treat moderate to severe rosacea.
• Laser and Light Therapies: These treatments target visible blood vessels and reduce redness. Intense pulsed light (IPL) and laser therapy are popular options.
• Skincare Routine: Gentle skincare products that do not irritate the skin are essential. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily can protect the skin from sun-induced flare-ups.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Identifying and avoiding triggers, such as spicy foods, alcohol, and extreme temperatures, can help manage symptoms.
• Self-Care Practices: Keeping the skin moisturised, avoiding harsh skincare products, and managing stress through relaxation techniques can also be beneficial.

Eleni’s Rosacea Recommendations: products and treatments 

• The Gentle Cleanse: Soothing Daily Natural Cleanser from Eleni London is excellent for rosacea due to its gentle cleansing, mild and non-irritating formula essential for sensitive skin. The natural ingredients include skin-calming properties and antioxidants to soothe inflammation. This cleanser helps maintain the skin’s moisture balance, providing hydration and protection from environmental stressors that can trigger flare-ups. Moreover, it is fragrance-free, avoiding common irritants, making it suitable for sensitive skin. The cleanser addresses the specific needs of rosacea-prone skin with its gentle cleansing, hydration, and soothing benefits. Always consult a dermatologist to ensure suitability.
• The Sensitive Skin Nourishing Cream from Eleni London could be beneficial for rosacea due to its hydrating and calming ingredients. It is designed to provide deep hydration, soothe irritation, reduce redness with niacinamide, improve skin texture with bakuchiol, strengthen the skin barrier with peptides, and reduce sensitivity with albatrellus confluens. These combined elements make the cream ideal for those with sensitive skin prone to rosacea.
• The SPF 50 from Eleni London is a great choice for rosacea due to its broad-spectrum protection, which shields the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. It contains mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are gentle on sensitive skin and less likely to cause irritation. Additionally, this SPF is fragrance-free and alcohol-free, reducing the risk of triggering rosacea flare-ups. Its hydrating properties help soothe and calm the skin, making it ideal for those with rosacea.
• The CBD Revive Serum from Eleni London could be beneficial for rosacea due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. CBD, or cannabidiol, is known for its ability to reduce inflammation and redness, which are common symptoms of rosacea. Additionally, CBD can help regulate oil production and provide hydration, making the skin less prone to irritation2. The serum’s formulation is designed to calm and nourish sensitive skin, making it a perfect option for those with rosacea.
• The IPL (CPL) Rosacea treatment from Eleni London is beneficial for rosacea because it uses Calibrated Pulsed Light (CPL) to target and reduce visible blood vessels and redness. The treatment involves short, safe bursts of light that are absorbed by the haemoglobin in problem vessels, converting to heat and destroying the protein in the vessel walls. This process helps to fade the vessels and reduce redness. Additionally, the light energy stimulates collagen production, improving skin texture and elasticity. The treatment is gentle and designed to minimize downtime while maximizing results, making it an effective option for managing rosacea symptoms.
• The Get Glowing Micro-Peel from Eleni London is beneficial for rosacea because it gently exfoliates the skin, removing dead skin cells and promoting internal renewal. This treatment helps improve skin texture and tone, reducing the appearance of redness and irritation. The active ingredients, such as resorcinol, kojic acid, and salicylic acid, have anti-inflammatory and skin-lightening properties, which can help soothe and calm rosacea-prone skin. Additionally, the minimal downtime makes it a convenient option for those looking to manage their rosacea symptoms effectively.
• The Azelan Acne Peel from Eleni London is beneficial for rosacea due to its combination of azelaic acid and salicylic acid. Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and inflammation, which are common symptoms of rosacea. Salicylic acid helps exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and reduce the appearance of redness1. Together, these ingredients work to soothe and calm rosacea-prone skin while improving overall skin texture and tone.

To conclude, rosacea is a medical condition so it’s important to consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis. At Eleni London, we offer various treatments to help you manage the symptoms. Living with rosacea can be challenging, but with the right care, you can effectively manage it. We understand the need for personalized skincare and are here to support you in achieving healthier skin. 

Remember, taking care of your skin is a form of self-love. Embrace it, and let your natural beauty shine through!