What causes rosacea and how can it be treated?

Rosacea is a common skin problem that affects at least one in 20 people in Australia. And it’s not hard to see why, when climate, UV radiation and diet are amongst the common triggers. Dr Geoffrey Heber, one of Australia’s leading authorities on skin care and health, says women over 30 with fair skin are most likely to suffer from rosacea. But it’s something he is seeing more commonly in people of all ages. We chatted to Dr Heber about the causes, solutions and the best products to reduce redness and soothe inflammation.

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin condition usually characterised by facial redness, predominately around the nose and cheeks, chin and brow. But if you have a blushing problem, it could actually be a symptom of rosacea as well. “Rosacea is a medical condition that must be diagnosed clinically,” Dr Heber says. “Facial skin redness and itching, flushing, persistent redness, bumps and pimples are all symptoms.” Other symptoms include sensitive skin, shiny skin and watery, bloodshot eyes. Those who are more severely affected may also find that the texture of their skin changes and thickens in some areas, developing an ‘orange peel’ feel.

Which skin types are most prone to rosacea?

Whilst there is no specific skin type most likely to exhibit signs of rosacea (dry skin is usually a symptom of eczema or another redness-related skin condition rather than rosacea), it is generally more apparent in fair skinned individuals of Caucasian or European descent.

What causes it?

With its ever-changing extremes, the Australian climate can definitely contribute to rosacea. According to Dr Heber, the sun, heat, humidity, cold and wind can all trigger a flare-up. But there are other causes too. “Spicy food and alcohol can cause flushing and redness on cheeks in many sufferers," the expert says, which explains the flushed look some sufferers acquire after a few glasses of wine. "Skin care products which dry the skin can also aggravate rosacea,” Dr Heber says.

How can it be treated?

Avoiding potential irritants such as alcohol and spicy foods, is probably the best to start," suggests Dr Heber. Triggers that may exacerbate the condition include direct sunlight, extreme weather, hot drinks, stress and heavy physical exercise, so it’s best to steer clear of them where possible. The expert also recommending limiting hot showers and baths, saunas and excessive heat (including indoor heating in winter), as well as investing in cotton sheets.

Which skincare products can help?

It comes down to avoiding anything aggravating, so reach for products formulated with anti-inflammatory ingredients such as aloe vera, arnica, calendula, chamomile, cucumber, Provitamin B5, feverfew, green tea, licochalone, perilla leaf extract, red algae, red clover, thyme, willow herb and zinc. Where possible, avoid unecessary fragrance and colourants, opting instead for natural formulas that are more gentle on skin.

bh loves: Ultraceuticals Ultra Red-Action Moisturiser, Ella Bache SensiBeautics Intensive Recovery Serum and Ultraderm Skin Karma Moisturiser.

It's also important to use a non-irritating sunscreen. Those with facial redness tend to tolerate physical UV blockers better than chemical ones, so look for a physical sunscreen that contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

bh loves: Dermalogica UltraCalming Super Sensitive Shield SPF30 or Billie Goat Soap Natural Zinc Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30.

Switching to mineral makeup may also be beneficial, as it tends not to be absorbed by the skin. Most mineral makeup products are also free of synthetics and fillers such as bismuth oxychloride, petrochemicals, genetically modified ingredients and carmine, and many also contain anti-inflammatory ingredients that can help to calm and soothe the skin.

bh loves: La Mav® Anti-Ageing Mineral Foundation, INIKA Organic Certified Organic Perfection Concealer, jane iredale Mineral Makeup Bronzer Refill and Nude by Nature Mineral Finishing Veil.

Are there any long-term consequences?

Left untreated, rosacea can damage the skin, possibly causing enlargement of the nose, worsening of redness and facial capillaries, and thickening of the skin. Think you may be at risk? See your doctor or dermatologist for more in-depth info.

Main image credit: Getty Images

Do you struggle with facial redness or rosacea? Can you recommend any products or treatments that have helped?

164 Member Comments

ElleKay 26 Apr 2021 5:07 PM

Never really knew what it was until I read this article, interesting read

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readingwishes 14 Jun 2020 2:58 PM

A reaction to an organic skincare product caused my flare up, and my skin has settled down for months now. But have noticed foods can make it worse.

Sweety7 13 Nov 2019 10:12 PM

Thanks for this informative article.

Rose_P 4 Sep 2019 12:29 PM

Thankfully not a problem for me, but my mum suffers quite badly from it at times. We are looking for some skincare to suit her super sensitive skin but we are really struggling.

mustangsachy 19 Jul 2019 9:20 AM

I suffer really badly from it and it's been getting worse as I get older.

I've been using Demodetic Rosacea Powder for about a month and it seems to be improving.

Tomc 16 Jul 2019 12:06 PM

I was diagnosed with rosacea many years ago.

I have struggled to find skin care products which do not irritate my skin, especially sun protective ones.

Chemical sunscreens burn my face and leave my skin red and weeping. Physical sunscreens are more "wearable" but need 2 or 3 cleansers to remove. They also sting my eyes.

My Dr told me that often a skin mite can cause or worsen the condition and I have noticed my skin improves a little on the rare occasions when I have been using antibiotics.

june 10 Jul 2019 11:14 AM

Have suffered from this for years and finally spoke to doctor about it and he referred me to a specialist who then recommended that I have laser treatment. Was not a cheap, quick fix and had to have several treatments but it has made me so much more comfortable and confident as I do not glow like I used to. People would regularly comment on my redness and "Rudolph" was a favourite term I would hear over and over again which annoyed and embarrassed me. The Laser treatment has worked wonders for me.

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Jessica712 8 Jul 2019 9:55 PM

I often get redness.

CaitMay 8 Jul 2019 7:50 PM

Interesting article

Beauty Obsession 8 Jul 2019 5:20 PM

I get redness on my face and have a few broken capillaries on my nose that can look red. If I’m embarrassed or exercise I’m beetroot red. I don’t have rosacea but do know friends and family that do and they have to be careful what they put on their skin and what they ingest.

Angage 8 Jul 2019 7:42 AM

I am currently suffering from this problem. It happens to me suddenly. I hope this climate caused it.

Chrystalage 7 Jul 2019 9:52 PM

Good article

Beautybabe140194 7 Jul 2019 2:47 PM

I struggle with redness, often gets worse certain types of year. I try to keep my skin hydrated to avoid irritation often associated with it.

MerryGoRound 7 Jul 2019 11:54 AM

Have moved to physical sunscreens, after too many flare-ups with chemical ones, but they’re all so heavy I end up being a giant sweat ball. Although I haven’t tried the two listed here, so I’ll be looking out for them on special to try (sick of buying others at full price, mid-summer and finding out they are useless and I’ve wasted my money).

Peach perfect 6 Jul 2019 4:04 PM

Luckily not this problem on my list but great information

Meedee 6 Jul 2019 11:11 AM

Oh yes I do....this is the bane of my life. I always hone in on skincare products suited to sensitive skin.

I found a year ago when i was in hospital and on 5 different IV antibiotics that my daughter kept saying how amazing my skin was looking. it turned out that one of the Antibiotics was for Rosacea but for a permanent fix I would have had to be on it for 6 months. That wasnt happening but for a while there my skin looked amazing.

Trackydacky 5 Jul 2019 1:37 PM

Great article thanks bh. I have rosacea and it is embarrassing and annoying. I find the alcohol that causes a reaction the most is port and red wine. I can get away with one glass of red wine in winter but avoid it in the warmer months. Stress is the biggest cause of flare ups for me and is very hard to try and control. In winter the biggest risk is coming from outside where it's around 15 degrees and going into overheated buildings where they have the heat turned up ridiculously high around 25 to 27 degrees. The sudden change causes an instant reddening of my face which is really uncomfortable and within hours red patches, pustules and sometimes painful lumps appear. I have found in the last couple of years a big overall improvement in my skin because I have started using skincare that's organic, vegan and without harsh chemicals.

duality 5 Jul 2019 12:54 PM

don't have it but I have friends who do, lucky now in the current market we are overwhelmed with choice for skin conditions - I remember when my daughter was young with awful eczema there was very little to choose from

Lisa359 5 Jul 2019 12:20 PM

It sounds like a difficult skin condition to have to live with.

Beauty Fan 69 5 Jul 2019 10:59 AM

Yes & a very informative read, thanks.

Eskimo82 5 Jul 2019 8:28 AM

Oh nooo I love spicy food and sad to see it on the list of things to avoid!

kirstywise77 5 Jul 2019 12:06 AM

Good read

skincare junkie 4 Jul 2019 11:25 PM

Thanks for the informative article.

Shop A Everyday 4 Jul 2019 10:47 PM

my skin reddens very easily, even laughing and blushing

Ethelinde 4 Jul 2019 9:54 PM

I know a few people who suffer from this. Very interesting article because I always wondered what caused it.

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