Rosacea - A Guide to Proper Skincare
Note: The content presented here is solely for neutral information and general education. The text does not replace professional advice from a doctor or pharmacist and must not be used as a basis for self-diagnosis or for starting, changing, or stopping treatment of diseases. Always consult your trusted doctor if you have health questions or concerns! Rosacea is a skin condition that must be treated by a doctor. We are generally not allowed to provide medical advice. We recommend that you consult your dermatologist. The tips, notes, and recommendations we provide in this article can at best accompany or complement an individually tailored therapy (e.g., with medication, light, laser, etc.). Our skincare products can only help to support.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that cannot be cured, which appears on the face in the areas of the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. The skin changes usually develop only after the age of 30. In Europe, an estimated 10% of the population suffer from rosacea. The initial stage of the condition is called "Couperose" (French for "copper rose" or "copper spot"). In this stage, broken capillaries (redness) appear only temporarily. With progressive damage, an inflammatory change can occur – rosacea. Couperose often appears as an early form of rosacea. A doctor or dermatologist should be consulted in time to reduce the progression of the condition.
In contrast to couperose, rosacea is a permanent (chronic), inflammatory skin condition of the face. In rosacea, the fine blood vessels of the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin are especially dilated, and the skin in these areas is reddened.
Typical symptoms of rosacea
- Sudden facial redness (flushes)
- Persistent facial redness
- Inflammatory nodules (papules)
- Pus-filled pimples (pustules)
- Visible blood vessels
- Skin thickening (e.g., bulbous nose)
- Inflamed eyes (ocular rosacea)
This condition can also be accompanied by swelling and a feeling of dryness and sensitivity of the skin. But what causes rosacea? We explain it to you.
Rosacea: Possible Causes
The exact cause of rosacea is not yet fully understood. Experts believe that a combination of genetic factors (e.g., impaired immune system, regulatory disorders of blood vessel supply, bacterial infections) and environmental factors may play a role.
So-called trigger factors, to which the skin reacts sensitively and which cause flare-ups of the condition, include extreme temperatures, spicy food, alcohol, coffee or tea consumption, stress, hot water, and sun exposure.
Skin Needs with Rosacea
Skin affected by rosacea is particularly sensitive and therefore generally requires gentle care.
Which skincare for rosacea?
Skin care for rosacea should be basically gentle and soothing. In general, skin care products* suitable for rosacea can be those that are recommended for sensitive skin, provide moisture, and contain ingredients that ensure a soft skin feeling without damaging its protective lipid layer. Instead, ingredients in your cosmetics that restore this lipid layer are recommended, such as organic almond, organic evening primrose, avocado, or jojoba oil. Vitamin C is also helpful as it can neutralize free radicals. The skin should be protected year-round from the sun with a day care or sunscreen with SPF 30-50+.
Additionally, the skin care products used should ideally be fragrance-free. Glycerin is also recommended as an ingredient because it provides moisture to the skin. Aloe vera provides moisture, and chamomile has anti-inflammatory effects.
To protect sensitive skin, it is helpful to use only mild, soap-free, pH-neutral or skin pH-neutral cleansing products and to cleanse the skin daily with them.
What should be avoided in skincare for rosacea is alcohol as an ingredient, as well as any forms of exfoliants and cosmetics that could dry out the skin. Ingredients that promote blood circulation in care products, such as e.g. alcohol, menthol, hyaluronic acid, and camphor, should be avoided. Also, sodium lauryl sulfate and waterproof cosmetics should be avoided.
lavera Products for Sensitive Skin
Are you wondering if lavera has special products for skin prone to rosacea/couperose? We do not have any products specifically for skin prone to rosacea or couperose in our range. Before using new skincare products, we recommend consulting your dermatologist.
Rosacea: Which Sun Protection?
Using suitable sun protection is especially important for people with rosacea. It protects the skin from UV radiation, which can trigger a (renewed) flare-up of the skin condition and worsen the symptoms. So the question arises: which sunscreen for rosacea? Instead of relying on chemical UV filters, you should opt for sunscreen with mineral UV filters that does not irritate the skin.
Practical tips for rosacea:
- Note or avoid triggers for flare-ups, such as UV radiation, temperature changes, stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, or diet
- Daily facial cleansing with a gentle cleanser (e.g., a mild cleansing milk)
- For drying, a gentle patting of the skin is sufficient – vigorous rubbing is forbidden as it further stimulates blood circulation
- Sleep with cotton gloves to prevent unconscious scratching of affected areas at night and thus the introduction of germs
- Use sunscreen with a mineral UV filter and an SPF of at least 30
- Light facial massages help with swelling
- Use make-up very sparingly or rarely
- If you want to use make-up, use a soft brush or sponge. Apply the make-up gently to avoid mechanically irritating your skin.
- Avoid waterproof cosmetics
- You can cover redness with cosmetic products in green tones
- If you have questions or concerns about rosacea or couperose, consult your dermatologist
Conclusion
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition of the face that can have various causes. Affected skin is particularly sensitive and requires gentle and low-irritation skincare. This should provide moisture, contain ingredients that give a soft skin feel, and restore its protective lipid layer. Aloe Vera and Chamomile can soothe irritated skin. When choosing sunscreen, it is important to use a mineral UV filter and a SPF of at least 30.
Peelings, alcohol, and fragrances in cosmetics should ideally be avoided with rosacea. Ingredients that promote blood circulation, such as camphor, should also be avoided.
** in accordance with the EU Cosmetics Regulation
* Note: Please note that we are generally not allowed to provide medical advice. Since rosacea is a skin condition, we recommend consulting your dermatologist.