It’s the chronic skin complaint affecting millions of women. Rosacea is usually characterised by redness of the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead or eyelids, as well as dryness and tightness of the skin.
It is unrelated to acne and many dermatologists are still unclear about exactly what causes it - although sunlight, alcohol, extreme temperatures, prolonged stress and certain foods are all possible causes.
Frustrating as it is, there is no known cure for rosacea, but there are many ways to identify possible triggers and avoid flare-ups.
Symptoms vary from person to person, but people who suffer from rosacea can learn about the condition and look for patterns in their own skin health to help treat the problem.
Rosacea often occurs in adults, and can include acne-like bumps that are often mistaken for actual acne.
However, the symptoms of redness, enlarged blood vessels and thickened skin are distinctive to rosacea.
Research has placed stress as the second most prevalent trigger, which is why it’s so important for sufferers to maintain healthy sleep patterns and develop relaxation and stress management techniques.
The Rosacea Society has also found sun exposure to be the most prevalent rosacea trigger, effecting approximately 81% of sufferers.
So, it’s never been more vital to reduce all unnecessary sun exposure during the peak UV hours, keep your skin and face covered and apply sunscreen
Alcohol is a big factor too. Recent studies have found that 52% of people with rosacea experience flare-ups as a result of alcohol, 45% as a result of spicy food and 36% as a result of heated beverages.
If you can, steer clear of humid, steamy conditions; control indoor temperatures by minimising heating in winter and increasing air conditioning in summer; and keep your surroundings ventilated.