Living with rosacea can be frustrating, particularly when your skin seems to react to products, weather, food, stress or even changes in temperature.
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can cause facial redness, flushing, visible blood vessels, bumps, pustules, burning and stinging. Symptoms can vary significantly from person to person, and the triggers that affect one person may not affect another.
Frequent flushing/blushing and an increase in skin sensitivity are common first signs of rosacea developing. It then progresses to persistent redness in the center of the face (cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose). It can also spread to the ears, neck, chest, back and your upper limbs. In rare cases it can affect people’s eyes, causing red, sore, and gritty eyes leading to conjunctivitis.
While there is currently no cure for rosacea, it can be managed. Modern rosacea management takes a personalised approach, combining appropriate medical treatment where needed with gentle skincare, daily sun protection and identifying individual triggers.
For people with rosacea-prone or highly sensitive skin, the goal isn't necessarily to use more products.
Sometimes, simplifying your skincare routine is the better place to start.
5 Common Signs of Rosacea
Rosacea can present in several different ways, but common signs include:
1. Persistent Facial Redness
Redness across the cheeks, nose, forehead or chin can become more persistent over time.
2. Facial Flushing
You may notice your face suddenly becoming hot, red or flushed in response to particular triggers.
3. Visible Blood Vessels (telangiectasia)
Small visible blood vessels, particularly across the cheeks and nose, can become more noticeable.
4. Burning or Stinging
Rosacea-prone skin can become highly reactive, with products that previously felt comfortable suddenly causing burning, stinging or itching.
5. Bumps and Pustules
Some people with rosacea develop inflammatory bumps or pustules that can be mistaken for acne.
If you're unsure whether you're experiencing rosacea, acne, perioral dermatitis, eczema or another skin condition, it's important to seek professional advice rather than trying to diagnose yourself from skincare symptoms alone.
Whilst extremely common there is no one size fits all to helping everyone’s individual experience with 'true' rosacea. What do I mean by 'true' rosacea?
"True rosacea is an immune modulated concern that needs to be managed ongoing. Based, at this time, on medical and scientific research it is thought to result from a combination of immune system dysregulation, abnormal neurologic and vascular signaling and dysbiosis of microorganisms leading to skin sensitivity and inflammation" (Kiri, AMPERNA founder and owner)
Diagnosis
To have an effective plan to treat your rosacea a health professional must closely examine a sufferer’s skin. This should also most importantly include a thorough understanding of your health holistically. Your diet, lifestyle, stress levels and any medical and family history with rosacea all play an important part in understanding and narrowing down your treatment plan.
True rosacea must be distinguished from other types of similar skin concerns, including:
- Acne – which does not include easy flushing/blushing
- Seborrheic dermatitis – includes dandruff in the scalp but no pustules like rosacea
- Perioral dermatitis – has smaller pustules that dot the skin mainly around the mouth
- Lupus erythematosus – has a similar redness on the cheeks, but no pustules. A blood test may be necessary to rule this out.
If you are diagnosed incorrectly and prescribed the wrong things, you may acquire rosacea or any other skin concern, through sensitisation or compromising your skin barrier and bringing on inflammation.
Kiri has coached hundreds of people suffering from both true rosacea as well as acquired rosacea off the back of wrong treatment plans.
A recent example of this is a woman who was suffering from redness on her face and was prescribed by her dermatologist a topical steroid and a Cetaphil cream to help with her said "rosacea". When she came to Kiri as her redness had worsened Kiri asked the right holistic questions and discovered she was an asthma sufferer who has used a steroid inhaler for the last 37 years and was now prescribed by her dermatologist a steroid cream and a product that contains SLS (sodium laurel sulphate) when she was not suffering from rosacea in the first place. She was actually suffering from topical steroid withdrawal.
Kiri interviewed a topical withdrawal sufferer named Jordan which you can watch below.
A FRIENDLY NOTE: Topical steroids must not be used to treat rosacea.
External Rosacea Triggers
It is best to keep a skin-diary to know what factors may be contributing to your rosacea symptoms. Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for rosacea but there are known external triggers that you should be made aware of, these include:
- alcohol
- hot drinks
- spicy foods
- overexposure to sunlight
- anxiety
- emotional stress
- overheating, especially in bed at night
How to Manage Rosacea
As mentioned above treatment options will depend on each individual and severity of the skin condition. Rosacea needs to be managed ongoing to reduce your symptoms.
Identify Triggers
The best place to start is identifying your triggers and avoiding them as much as possible. Dietary triggers will vary from person to person, but several foods have been recognized as usual culprits, including bananas, cheese, yoghurts, figs, nut, alcohol (especially champagne, red wine, and beer).
External Factors
You should try to keep your face as cool as possible to reduce flushing.
Try de-stressing techniques that help you manage any anxiety or emotional health. Things like breathwork, walking, yoga, reading... whatever it is that helps you regulate your stress levels.
Laser treatments may be suggested to treat redness or visible blood vessels.
Support from the Inside Out
Anti-inflammatory diets rich in fruits, vegetables, omega-3s (like salmon, flaxseeds) can help.
Some find help with zinc, niacinamide, or probiotics supplements (though always check with a doctor).
There is a link between gut inflammation and rosacea—healing your gut may reduce symptoms.
Use Rosacea-friendly Gentle Skincare
There are a lot of harsh skincare products that can irritate Rosacea-prone skin. The AMPERNA® range is suitable for all sensitive skin sufferers, the best products Kiri recommends people to start with is the Soothing Duo. Use a soap-free cleanser only, our Ultra Gentle Soothing Cleanser gently cleans and balances your skin.
The Probiotic+ SOS Daily Facial Spray [SUPACALM] can be used as an additional hydrating step throughout the day.
If your skin is highly reactive, remember that even products formulated for sensitive skin can feel different from person to person. Always patch test new products and discontinue use if a product causes irritation.
Explore the AMPERNA® Probiotic+ SOS Daily Facial Spray.
Ensure you wear an SPF every single day. Rosacea is provoked by excessive exposure to sunlight. Wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat while outdoors and try to stay out of the direct sunlight.
Don't Forget Your Haircare
Your skincare routine isn't the only thing that comes into contact with your face.
Shampoo, conditioner, styling products, dry shampoo and hairspray can come into contact with the forehead, hairline, ears and neck. If you have sensitive or reactive skin, it's worth considering your haircare routine as part of your overall skin audit too.
The AMPERNA® Haircare range was created with the same skin-conscious philosophy as our skincare, focusing on gentle Dermal Care for your scalp and hair. Our formulas are designed to cleanse, condition and care for your hair without unnecessarily complicating your routine.
If you're looking for haircare that complements a sensitive-skin lifestyle, discover the AMPERNA® Haircare range.
You can also read our guide to Haircare and Sensitive Skin to learn more about how your haircare routine may affect your skin.
Avoid rubbing or scrubbing your skin or using harsh exfoliants.
Light mineral-based makeup is your best option.
Always patch test any new skincare or makeup by dabbing a very small amount next to (but not directly onto) where your rosacea flares. If it burns, stings, or irritates your skin within 48 hours do not use those products.
Ingredients to Avoid in Skincare
Today most consumers are using caution and reading labels on products before committing to buying. And this is essential when you are managing a skin concern like rosacea.
To reduce the likelihood of a buying a product that will irritate your rosacea-prone skin, you want to avoid anything that contains:
- Alcohol
- Camphor
- Fragrance
- Tretinoin (avoid at all costs)
- Glycolic acid (avoid when you’re flared)
- Lactic acid (avoid when you’re flared)
- Menthol
- Sodium laurel sulphate (often found in shampoos and toothpaste)
Why Is My Rosacea Skincare Routine Making My Skin Worse?
If your skincare routine is causing burning, stinging or increased redness, don't assume that your skin simply needs to “push through” it.
Rosacea-prone skin can be highly sensitive, and current guidance emphasises gentle skincare that supports rather than disrupts the skin barrier.
Consider whether you've recently:
- Added multiple new products
- Started exfoliating more frequently
- Introduced a retinoid
- Changed your cleanser
- Started using fragranced products
- Added a new sunscreen or makeup
- Increased the frequency of active ingredients
- Started using physical scrubs
- Changed your haircare products
Simplifying your routine can make it easier to identify what your skin tolerates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rosacea
What is the best way to manage rosacea?
There isn't one solution that works for everyone. A personalised approach can include appropriate medical treatment, identifying personal triggers, gentle skincare and consistent sun protection.
What skincare is best for rosacea?
Look for gentle, non-abrasive skincare that your individual skin tolerates well. Avoid products that cause burning, stinging or irritation and introduce new products gradually.
Can skincare make rosacea worse?
Yes. Some skincare and cosmetic products can trigger irritation, flushing, burning or stinging in people with rosacea. The National Rosacea Society reports that skincare and cosmetic products are commonly identified as triggers by people with rosacea.
What ingredients should I avoid if I have rosacea?
There isn't a universal list that everyone needs to avoid. However, ingredients such as fragrance, alcohol, menthol, camphor and certain exfoliating acids can irritate some people with rosacea. Your individual tolerance matters.
Is sunscreen important for rosacea?
Yes. Sun exposure is a common rosacea trigger, making daily sun protection an important part of managing rosacea. Dermatologists recommend broad-spectrum SPF30 or higher, with mineral sunscreen often being a good option for sensitive skin.
Can diet trigger rosacea?
Certain foods and drinks can trigger flushing in some people, including spicy foods, hot beverages and alcohol. However, triggers vary considerably, so keeping a personal trigger diary can be more useful than following a restrictive generic diet.
Can stress cause rosacea flare-ups?
Stress is a commonly reported rosacea trigger. While you can't always avoid stressful situations, identifying your personal triggers and finding healthy ways to manage stress may help you understand your flare-ups.
Can rosacea go away permanently?
Rosacea is a chronic condition and there is currently no cure. However, the condition can be managed, and medical treatment can be tailored to the signs and symptoms affecting each individual.
Can I use AMPERNA® if I have rosacea?
Yes! We help many customers with rosacea-prone and sensitive skin. AMPERNA® was created with sensitive, reactive skin in mind, with a focus on gentle, microbiome-conscious skincare. As everyone's skin is different, we always recommend patch testing before introducing any new product and gradually incorporating it into your routine.
References:
Rosacea - Better Health Channel
An update on the treatment of rosacea - Australian Prescriber (nps.org.au)
