Every Question You’ve Ever Had About Rosacea Flare Ups, Answered

Fact: Rosacea is a very common skin condition.

Anyone can get rosacea (although it does tend to be more common in people with lighter skin types), but it's different to the skin redness many of us experience every so often.

If you have rosacea, you'll know it comes and goes.

People with rosacea will likely experience periods where their skin feels and looks fine, followed by flare ups every so often.

Oftentimes, rosacea flare ups become more common in summer and/or hot, humid weather.

Sounding familiar?

Keep scrolling for some practical expert rosacea advice, including how to manage flare ups coming into the warmer weather.

What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin condition that involves persistent skin blushing, flushing and uneven texture.

Rosacea symptoms can include visible blood vessels on the face. And some people may even get tiny bumps alongside it, which is why it's commonly mistaken for acne or other skin conditions. 

If these symptoms are persistent or they really bother you, it’s important to book in to see your doctor, who may refer you to a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis. 

What Causes Rosacea?

There aren't really any well known reason why rosacea starts, however genetic, immune and environmental factors are all known to contribute.

Currently, there's also no ‘cure’ for rosacea. So if you do have rosacea, you will have it for life.

It’s not all doom and gloom though! 

There are ways to manage rosacea and reduce the severity of rosacea flare up symptoms like redness, rough skin texture and flushing with appropriate skin care and professional treatments.

Watch this Youtube video for more on the different types of facial redness and how to treat it.

Types of Rosacea.

There are four types of rosacea:

• Erythematotelangiectactic rosacea: This includes flushing, redness, and dilated blood vessels.

• Papulopustular rosacea: The acne type of rosacea commonly associated with redness, sensitive skin and breakouts. 

• Phymatous rosacea: Typically includes a bumpy skin texture, enlarged pores and a thickening of the skin. 

• Ocular rosacea: Affects your eye area including the eyes and eyelids, which can make them feel irritated, dry, and itchy. This type of rosacea may even lead to issues with vision.

What Causes Rosacea Flare Ups?

People with rosacea tend to have quite sensitive skin.

There are so many things that can contribute to rosacea flare ups. We call these ‘triggers’.

These can be external, internal or environmental factors. From sun exposure and food to what you put on your skin, everyone’s rosacea triggers will be different.

Rosacea Triggers.

In-clinic, one of the most common things I see is clients using the wrong skin care for their skin, which often leads to irritation and sometimes even stinging in the skin.

However, the sun is a rosacea trigger too and often if someone spends a lot of time in the sun or they don’t use sunscreen (tsk tsk), prolonged redness is super noticeable. 

Generally though, triggers tend to be a combo of genetic, immune reactions, environmental factors.

Plus, everyone is so different, so it’s really important to try and figure out what your triggers might be. 

Some common rosacea triggers include:

• Spicy foods, alcohol, hot drinks.

• Weather extremes (ie .extreme hot or cold).

• Environmental elements like the sun and wind.

• Exercise, gut issues, or certain medications.

• Using the wrong skin care for your skin type and concerns.

• Emotional stress is a big one, too.

While the exact mechanism behind why you might experience a rosacea flare up during a stressful time in your life isn’t really known, stress management should always be part of a treatment plan. 

How Long Do Rosacea Flare Ups Last?

How long rosacea flare ups tend to last differs for everyone, too.

Some may experience flare ups for a few days, while others may experience rosacea flare ups for months. 

It’s very individual, there is no one size fits all. Hence, why it’s important to figure out what triggers your own rosacea. 

Rosacea Treatment: How to Control Rosacea Flare Ups.

Great news, friends!

While there isn't necessarily a cure for rosacea, it can be managed by knowing your triggers, making a few lifestyle changes and introducing in-clinic treatments and/or medications when appropriate. 

Watch my video below for some quick rosacea tips, or read on for all the details.

The right (gentle) skin care: 

• Most people with rosacea need to be very wary of the skin care they use (and they’ll know this!).

• Think gentle cleansers, moisturisers and soothing, non-irritating serums specifically targeted for dry, sensitive or even itchy skin. 

• Alcohol and fragrance in skin care may also be triggers for some and might be best to avoid.

• Always be careful with strong exfoliants, vitamin A serums or active skincare ingredients - and yes, this can include ingredients like vitamin C.

Lasers/LED light therapy: 

• There are many professional vascular lasers and light therapies available in-clinic for rosacea management. 

• Your clinician should be able to correct the right one for you, based on assessment. 

• You may like to try an at-home LED device like Trophy Skin RejuvaliteMD although they won't be as powerful as the ones you'd find in a skin clinic.

Stress management: 

• Stress plays a role in triggering inflammation in the body, which in turn can affect our skin. 

• Learning to switch off or finding ways to manage your stress is valuable when it comes to managing rosacea symptoms. 

Diet and alcohol: 

• Since the gut regulates inflammation in the body, what you eat can matter to people who are experiencing rosacea symptoms. 

• I will always recommend speaking to a nutritionist or dietician for professional advice. 

• Making note of what you’ve been eating when rosacea symptoms pop up can be valuable, too. 

Best Rosacea Treatment Products.

Managing any skin condition is best done in conjunction with professional advice and treatments.

But here are a few products I recommend to rosacea clients.

1. Aspect Probiotic Mask.

I cannot live without this mask. 

Aspect Probiotic Mask is predominantly a night time sleep mask designed to replace your moisturiser to help lock in hydration and reduce increased sensitivity in the skin. 

You can also use it as a moisturiser if your skin is feeling extra sensitive or sensitised, and it’s great pre-makeup as a hydrating mask.

The formula is probiotic-rich, soothing, calming and full of antioxidants which all help restore skin health if it’s a bit out of whack.

Shop the Aspect Probiotic Mask here:

2. Medik8 Lipid Balancing Cleansing Oil.

Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil is the best gentle oil cleanser to try if you have sensitive skin. 

It removes your makeup really well at the end of the day, without stripping your skin or feeling harsh. Plus, it’s full of vitamin E and fatty acids to help rebalance your skin’s lipid levels. 

You could even use it as your morning cleanse too. 

Shop Medik8 Lipid Balancing Cleansing Oil here:

3. Osmosis Skincare Rescue Epidermal Serum.

Osmosis Skincare Rescue Epidermal Repair Serum is specifically designed to calm inflammation and redness in the skin.

It was created to be used on rosacea and even dermatitis-prone skin.

Beauty editor Joanna swears by it for her rosacea-prone skin, you can read her Osmosis serum review here.

Shop Osmosis Skincare Rescue Epidermal Serum here:

4. Cosmedix Remedy Treatment Oil.

Cosmedix Remedy Omega Complex Treatment Oil is a facial oil rich in omega fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamin E that helps lock in moisturise and is super calming on the skin. 

It is perfect for mixing into a gentle moisturiser morning or night for a little extra hydration for dry sensitive skin.

Shop the Cosmedix Remedy Treatment Oil here:

5. Cicaplast Baume B5.

I couldn’t write this without mentioning La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Balm - a soothing balm I think everyone should have in their skincare kit.

Perfect for sensitivity, irritation, impaired skin barrier and rosacea flare ups, this balm can even be used on your babies and other bits of irritated skin on your body.

It’s affordable and it works. Read more about why everyone should own a tube of Cicaplast balm here.

Shop La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 here:

Some Final Rosacea Advice. 

As there is no cure for rosacea, I know how hard and frustrating it can be.

Especially when you're trying to do all the right things and are still experiencing symptoms. 

It’s important to remember rosacea is a chronic skin condition, and it will ebb and flow through life.

And we can manage this!

Speak to a professional like a GP, dermatologist or dermal therapist who can provide you with the right skin care and treatment plan for you.

You can learn more about treating rosacea in this episode of the Beauty iQ Uncensored podcast below.

Want more product recommendations and tips for managing rosacea and redness? Check out these articles below:

• The Serum That Reduced the Appearance of My Rosacea Redness in 3 Months

• Our Beauty Editor’s 5-Step Morning Skincare Routine for Dry, Rosacea-Prone Skin

• We’ve Rounded Up All of Our Go-To Products for Rosacea (Incase You’re Feeling Sensitive)