12 Things You Need to Know to Reduce Inflammation & Prevent Flare-Ups

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic facial skin condition that often comes with blemishes and broken blood vessels. The most common sign is redness on the nose and cheeks — like a sunburn that won’t go away. 

Can rosacea affect your eyes?

Yes, rosacea can cause redness, burning, and itchy eyes (ocular rosacea). If you suffer from these symptoms, speak with your optometrist about adding omega-3 fatty acids (walnuts, flax seeds, salmon, etc.) to your diet.

Who does rosacea usually affect?

Rosacea commonly affects fair-skinned adults around age 35, when the skin naturally becomes drier. If you have rosacea, you are not alone. Nearly 415 million people are affected by it worldwide.

How do you manage rosacea?

Direct sun exposure is the #1 trigger that aggravates rosacea, so it’s best to stay in the shade when possible. Exercise in the morning when the temperature is cooler and opt for low-impact exercises like yoga, walking, and swimming. Wearing natural fibers (like cotton) helps aerate your body, which is also suitable for managing rosacea.

Are rosacea and acne related?

Acne-type papules and pustules sometimes accompany rosacea. We recommend using an anti-inflammatory serum like The Lemon Drop to control bacteria and reduce inflammation. It also contains tea tree oil, a promising treatment against Demodex mite, which lives in human hair follicles and sebaceous glands.

What’s the best skincare routine for rosacea?

Gentle skincare. Reducing skin irritability is vital. Choose a mild cleanser like The Bare Bar to improve hydration levels and reduce inflammation. Its neutral pH and active ingredients will give you a softer complexion. The safflower seed oil within it is a powerful antioxidant that will protect your skin. Its neutral pH and active ingredients will provide you with a softer complexion. 

Avoid using a washcloth or sponge when cleansing your skin. Instead, use fingertips and rinse with lukewarm water because steamy hot or ice-cold water may cause more redness. After rinsing, blot your face with a towel. Don't rub your skin, as this will cause more irritation.

A healthy barrier keeps water and natural oils within the skin, preventing dryness and inflammation. A disrupted skin barrier gives irritants easy pathways to get into your epidermis. You can’t transform your skin unless your skin barrier is repaired.

If you have rosacea, moisture is essential to prevent irritation. Our Aesthetician recommends The Moon Shine: a calming oil filled with soothing and hydrating emollients that will help repair your skin barrier, and retain its moisture. It contains sunflower seed oil, pomegranate, and rosehip seed extracts - well-known antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties. Its gentle neroli aroma will also improve your mood and overall wellbeing. For a more even application, you can use a jade roller. (Jade is a naturally cold stone, so it will help cool your skin and reduce inflammation.) 

Pro tip: when applying products, don’t spread them across the palms of your hands. Instead, dispense a few drops on your fingertips, apply to specific areas, and massage into your skin. 

Can you exfoliate if you have rosacea?

Avoid using manual exfoliants like scrubs which will easily irritate rosacea skin. It’s better to opt for chemical exfoliants like The Enzyme Peel that won’t bother your skin. Our Aesthetician’s best-kept secret is suitable for all skin types, especially rosacea, sensitive or mature. Its natural enzymes help reduce oxidative stress, so you can gently exfoliate without irritation while improving your skin’s elasticity and firmness.

Which makeup is best for rosacea?

Fragrance-free makeup is best for rosacea. In a recent survey conducted by the Rosacea National Society, 30% of subjects reported fragrances as a rosacea trigger. Additionally, the more products you use, the more they may aggravate your sensitive skin. Multi-function products that protect the skin against sun damage are a better look. Our entire makeup collection contains mineral zinc oxide and provides excellent UVB and UVA protection. You’ll also find vitamin E and green tea extract - two powerful antioxidants - in all of our makeup. 

Are there any foods that help deal with rosacea?

Consuming a wide variety of dietary fibers will help you develop a healthy gut. People with rosacea are 13x more likely to have too much intestinal bacteria. Choose cool drinks and sweet, bitter, and astringent foods to decrease inflammation. Here are some foods/drinks that will help balance rosacea skin:

• Drinks: iced peppermint tea, water
• Fruits: apples, grapes, melons, pears, raisins, watermelons
• Vegetables: asparagus, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, kale
• Grains and legumes: brown rice, chickpeas, lentils
• Herbs and spices: dill, fennel, mint
• Probiotics: miso, sauerkraut 

Which food(s) should you avoid if you have rosacea?

In a survey conducted by the National Rosacea Society, respondents reported the following foods as triggers: 

• Spicy food (75% of respondents)
• Alcohol (52%) 
• Hot coffee (33%)
• Hot tea (30%)
• Tomatoes (30%)
• Chocolate (23%)
• Citrus (22%)

These foods can trigger flare-ups, so you’ll want to minimize them.

Can yoga and/or meditation help?

Yes. Research has confirmed a multitude of health benefits associated with yoga and meditation, including stress and anxiety reduction - whether or not you have rosacea. These practices also reduce negative thoughts, calming your mind and body. If left untreated, rosacea can be aggravated by emotional stress and lead to depression or anxiety.

Contact your dermatologist/optometrist if you think you have rosacea: an early diagnosis will significantly improve your symptoms. They can prescribe non-invasive treatments like IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), a fast and long-lasting solution that will reduce redness and inflammation. 

The causes of rosacea are still unknown. Although research has significantly increased our understanding of this common skin condition, several questions remain unanswered.