PROPERLY TREATING ROSACEA ON THE FACE: CAUSES, ACTIVE INGREDIENTS, PRODUCTS & ADDITIONAL TIPS

Rosacea is a skin condition that is not uncommon: both men and women suffer from it, which often leads to significant distress for those affected due to reddened and uneven skin appearance. But the good news is: Rosacea can be treated. Below you will learn what rosacea is, what triggers its flare-ups, and how to properly treat rosacea on the face: including suitable active ingredients and product recommendations for optimal rosacea skincare.

WHAT IS ROSACEA?

Rosacea (also called copper rose) is an inflammatory and congenital disease of the facial skin that occurs in flare-ups and with varying degrees of severity. Mostly adults from the age of 30 are affected, in exceptional cases also children and adolescents. However, rosacea is not contagious or transmissible. The disease usually begins with redness of the skin on the face; blisters and nodules may also appear.

Upon closer examination, rosacea is a condition in which inflammatory reactions occur in the skin cells. Additionally, the blood vessels in rosacea are dilated and then appear on the skin surface in the form of red capillaries. In more severe cases, which particularly affect men, fluid accumulations also occur, which, for example, appear as thickening on the nose.

Those affected by rosacea also suffer from burning pain and itching; often, they are also burdened by the appearance of their skin and feel disfigured. In many cases, however, rosacea can be well treated with appropriate skincare for rosacea and an adapted lifestyle.

ROSAZEA: CAUSES & PREDISPOSITION

The likelihood of developing rosacea is high if there is a genetic predisposition in the family. It is also believed that various factors contribute to rosacea, including neurological, immunological, and microbial factors. However, an Irish study suggests that the cause of rosacea could lie in the transmission by a certain type of mite (the so-called Demodex or follicle mite). This mite inhabits the skin of many people, and it appears to be present in increased amounts in those affected by rosacea. However, the actual causes of rosacea are not clearly understood according to current research. Rosacea also occurs more frequently in fair-skinned women than in men, but usually shows milder courses in women's skin than in men's skin.

CHANCES OF RECOVERY & TREATMENT OPTIONS

Currently, rosacea is not completely curable. However, with proper treatment and an adapted lifestyle, those affected can reduce flare-ups and manage the disease well. Sometimes, the condition even unexpectedly disappears.

RECOGNIZING ROSACEA: SYMPTOMS, STAGES & DISEASE PROGRESSION

Rosacea manifests as a skin condition through various symptoms. Additionally, the disease usually progresses through different stages. In some affected individuals, it remains in the preliminary stage, while others go through all the rosacea stages consecutively. Important: To obtain a reliable indication of whether you have rosacea, only the diagnosis made by a dermatologist is conclusive.

ROSAZEA: COURSE OF DISEASE & STAGES

Rosacea follows a chronic course that occurs in flare-ups and is individual to each affected person. The skin areas that are often affected by rosacea include the following:

• mainly: forehead, nose, cheeks, chin
• rarely: eyes, scalp, neck, chest, back

Because rosacea manifests differently in each affected individual, a clear and definite classification into stages is not always easy. However, the following stages can generally be identified.

Itching and a strong feeling of dryness accompany the appearance of rosacea in the early stage.

PRECURSOR STAGE (ROSAZEA DIATHESIS)

At the beginning, the disease manifests itself through sudden skin redness that only lasts briefly. These are referred to as so-called erythemas or "flushes." Typically, the nose, middle forehead area, chin, and cheeks are primarily affected. In the preliminary stage of rosacea, the skin usually feels drier than usual and is also more sensitive. Those affected often notice this because their skin reacts with redness to skincare products that they have previously tolerated very well. In this initial phase, it is typical for the redness that appears to fade just as quickly as it appeared.

SEVERITY GRADE I (ROSACEA ERYTHEMATOSA-TELEANGIECTATICA)

Progression of rosacea is indicated by stronger redness, which no longer disappears on its own. Additionally, this stage of rosacea is noticeable by a feeling of dryness of the skin. Occasional and slight flaking can also be observed. Furthermore, it sometimes happens that, alongside the skin redness, prominent red blood vessels appear in the skin. These are vascular dilations (so-called telangiectasias). For those affected, this stage of the disease is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Tingling and itching
• Feeling hot
• burning sensation in the face
• stinging skin sensation

SEVERITY LEVEL II (PAPULOPUSTULAR ROSACEA)

In the advanced stage of rosacea, inflamed and reddened blisters and nodules, known as pustules and papules, form. These usually appear for several weeks before subsiding again. Occasionally, lymphoedema also occurs: these are fluid accumulations that appear as swellings in the skin tissue. Due to the formation of pustules and papules, rosacea is often mistaken for acne at this stage. However, the difference is that rosacea does not form blackheads (so-called comedones), whereas this is the case with acne.

SEVERITY LEVEL III (GLANDULAR-HYPERPLASTIC ROSACEA)

This is the most severe form of rosacea: It is observed that the sebaceous glands and connective tissue enlarge and grow excessively. This leads to the formation of so-called phymas, nodular growths that particularly appear as deformities of the nose (known as rhinophyma). Men are usually more affected by this than women. Especially in this phase of rosacea, the distress is very high due to the significant physical changes.

Rosacea can also occur during or after pregnancy.

ROSACEA SPECIAL FORMS

In addition to this common course of rosacea, which usually affects only the face, there are also several other special forms of rosacea, including the following:

• Rosacea of the eyes (so-called ophthalmic rosacea), which manifests with dilated blood vessels in the eyes as well as inflammation of the eyelids
• Rosacea fulminans, which tends to occur during and after pregnancy
• Steroid rosacea, which occurs with long-term use of cortisone

HOW DOES ROSACEA DIFFER FROM COUPEROSE?

Whether couperose is an early form of rosacea or a distinct disease is disputed among medical professionals. However, it is clear that couperose manifests as follows:

• Redness
• dryness
• sensitivity
• dilated blood vessels

That means: The severe symptoms of rosacea do not (yet) appear in couperose. For reliable information on whether you might have couperose or rosacea, it is best to consult a dermatologist.

13 ROSACEA TRIGGERS & POSSIBLE CAUSES

According to current research, the causes of rosacea are not conclusively understood. However, there are some characteristics that are more commonly observed in people affected by rosacea: Often, it involves fair-skinned individuals in whom rosacea breaks out from around the age of 30. Additionally, more women than men are affected. In exceptional cases, children and adolescents can also develop rosacea. While the causes of rosacea are not precisely clarified, there are a number of triggers that can provoke the occurrence of rosacea flare-ups.

1. SUN

Rosacea-affected skin can react very strongly to UV radiation. Even a short walk without sun protection can trigger the disease, not to mention sunbathing on the beach. For this trigger, a suitable sunscreen (SPF 50+ with oil-free formulation) even in the shade, as well as appropriate physical sun protection in the form of a hat and sunglasses, is indispensable.

2. ABRUPT TEMPERATURE CHANGE

Sudden temperature changes, from cold to warm or vice versa, can also trigger rosacea flare-ups. In such cases, those affected should avoid strong temperature fluctuations, such as moving from very warm rooms to cold environments, as well as activities like sauna visits.

3. HOT BATHS & STEAM BATHS

Whereas a hot bath usually promises relaxation after a long day, in the case of rosacea it can trigger a flare-up and become a stress factor for those affected. Even excessively high room temperatures can cause a flare-up in sensitive skin. In this case, a shower with well-tempered water is the better choice. The same naturally applies when heating rooms.

4. HEISSGETRÄNKE

Coffee, tea, cocoa, punch, and the like: even hot drinks can trigger rosacea flare-ups. Therefore, in this case, it's worth letting the drinks cool down a bit before you drink them.

5. WIND

Persistent wind is also a known trigger of rosacea. Especially in combination with cold, it causes redness on the face in those affected. In such cases, it is advisable not to stay outside but to seek shelter indoors. If it is unavoidable for you to go outside, you should protect your skin with a soft scarf and a hat.

6. STRESS

It is well known that stress itself burdens normal skin. However, in the case of rosacea, even minor stress can lead to very unpleasant and painful symptoms. Therefore, it is all the more important with this trigger to avoid recurring stress factors in the long term and to ensure sufficient relaxation phases.

With less intense types of sports and targeted stress reduction, you can actively prevent rosacea flare-ups.

7. SPORT

Because exercise increases blood circulation, it unfortunately also belongs to the possible triggers of rosacea flare-ups. Therefore, in this case, it is advisable to train moderately and avoid excessive training. Relaxing forms of yoga such as Yin Yoga are, for example, a good choice, whereas Bikram Yoga, which takes place at high temperatures, or intense sports like boxing may be unsuitable depending on the predisposition.

8. SMOKING

Smoking harms all skin types; in the case of rosacea, it can also worsen the symptoms that occur. This even applies to being in rooms where others are smoking.

9. RED WINE & OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Since alcohol dilates blood vessels, it is not surprising that it can also cause rosacea flare-ups. In particular, red wine is considered a common trigger of rosacea.

10. SPICY DISHES

Spicy dishes can also trigger rosacea flare-ups in some affected individuals. Therefore, it is worth avoiding hot curries, stews, sauces, and the like.

11. DAIRY PRODUCTS

Dairy products can also trigger rosacea flare-ups. These include, for example, cheese, quark, cream, butter, yogurt, and more. In this case, you have to try them out to know exactly what your skin reacts to. However, there are now a whole range of vegan products or milk alternatives that you can use. Important: Avoid products based on soy, as they are also suspected of triggering rosacea flare-ups due to their high histamine content.

12. ARTIFICIAL FRAGRANCES

Artificial fragrances can not only cause pigmentation spots and skin irritations but also trigger rosacea flare-ups. That is why Doctor Mi! medical skincare completely refrains from using artificial fragrances in all products of the skincare line.

13. THE WRONG SKINCARE

Unsuitable skincare can also irritate skin affected by rosacea and cause flare-ups. In this case, it is crucial to use only products that are safe to use even with rosacea: such as the Doctor Mi!-ROSAZEA-SET, which was specially developed by Dr. Miriam Rehbein, dermatologist and product developer of Doctor Mi! medical skincare.

SUCCESSFULLY TREAT ROSACEA: HERE'S HOW

Despite the many possible triggers that can cause rosacea flare-ups, there is good news: with the right facial care and an adapted, conscious lifestyle, you can usually get rosacea under control well. The key here is the right treatment.

With appropriate skincare, rosacea outbreaks can be well controlled.

WHICH ACTIVE INGREDIENTS HELP IN THE TREATMENT OF ROSACEA?

Since skin affected by rosacea is very sensitive, the active ingredients you use should not further irritate the skin barrier but rather make it more resilient. In many cases, anti-inflammatory, skin-soothing, and restorative active ingredients are therefore optimal. On the other hand, you should avoid essential oils and other active ingredients that promote blood circulation, such as menthol.

The active ingredients that achieve particularly good results in the treatment of rosacea include, for example:

• TECMi!® encapsulated retinol (not ordinary retinol!)
• Panthenol
• Allantoin
• Ectoin®
• Acetylglucosamin
• DEFENSIL®-PLUS
• SyriCalm™ CLR
• Vitamin B3/Niacinamide
• Vitamin B5/Pantothenic Acid
• Amino acids
• Black BeeOme™
• AHA fruit acids
• BHA/Salicylic acid

Important: Ingredients you should definitely avoid are artificial fragrances! These can, on the one hand, be triggers for rosacea and, on the other hand, irritate normal skin as well as lead to pigmentation spots in the long term.

Tip: None of the Doctor Mi! medical skincare products contain artificial fragrances or essential oils. This ensures the optimal compatibility of the entire care series. In addition, you will find all of the above-mentioned active ingredients recommended for the treatment of rosacea in the Doctor Mi! medical skincare products.

INSIDER TIP: TECMi!® RETINOL FOR THE SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT OF ROSACEA

Regular retinol is often mentioned as one of the active ingredients to avoid in rosacea. This is also correct, because ordinary retinol does not always fully penetrate into the deeper skin layer, where it is needed for its cell-renewing properties, but often remains on the skin surface, where it can cause serious irritation in rosacea patients.

It is different, however, with the TECMi!® retinol specially developed by Doctor Mi! medical skincare: Here, the retinol molecules are provided with a double encapsulation that ensures the retinol molecules penetrate directly into the lower skin layer and do not adhere to the skin surface. There, they unfold their full skin-renewing, building, and cell-protecting effect, which has been scientifically proven for retinol. In addition, the TECMi!® encapsulation ensures that the molecules are more resistant, for example, to the influence of light.

That means: The TECMi!® encapsulation acts like a double protective layer and ensures that your skin fully benefits from all the skin-renewing and caring advantages of retinol without exposing it to possible side effects.

TECMi!®-encapsulated Retinol

Conventional Retinol

WHICH CARE PRODUCTS HELP ME WITH THE TREATMENT OF ROSACEA?

If you suffer from rosacea, it is important that you use skincare products with a mild formulation to avoid further irritating and weakening your skin. At the same time, relevant active ingredients should also be present in appropriate dosages.

A dermatological care series that perfectly combines these requirements is the ROSAZEA-SET from Doctor Mi! medical skincare: Enriched with a variety of selected active ingredients that both protect and effectively care for the skin, it provides excellent support for rosacea. The product formulations completely avoid artificial fragrances, which can irritate the skin and cause irritation. In addition, Doctor Mi! medical skincare largely refrains from using oils, which should be avoided in rosacea.

IS TREATING ROSACEA WITH ANTIBIOTICS SENSIBLE?

In particular, for rosacea from stage II onwards, temporary treatment with anti-inflammatory antibiotics may be considered. However, this does not replace targeted skin care for rosacea. Caution is also advised with long-term treatment using antibiotics: because bacteria can develop resistance to the respective antibiotic over time.

DOES LASER THERAPY HELP WITH ROSACEA?

Laser therapy can indeed achieve good results for rosacea: for example, it can temporarily remove or reduce redness, swelling, dilated blood vessels, and nodules. Lymphatic drainage can also have a supportive effect in reducing swelling. However, it is not excluded that rosacea may return. Nevertheless, repeated treatment is possible, and laser therapy is very low in pain. If you are interested in laser therapy for rosacea, you can book a consultation appointment here at Dr. Miriam Rehbein's practice in Munich.

FURTHER TIPS & RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF ROSACEA

In addition to the active ingredients and care products mentioned, you will find further tips and recommendations below that will help you with your treatment of rosacea. The basic rule for rosacea is always: try to avoid strong stimuli.

KEEP A DIARY & IDENTIFY ROSACEA TRIGGERS

So that you know exactly how to adjust your lifestyle and diet, it is essential to keep a diary: In this, you should precisely note what you did and ate on each day, as well as mark the days when your skin reacted with rosacea flare-ups. This way, you can best find out which individual triggers cause rosacea flare-ups.

Tip: Of course, you can also use an app for this, such as Rosazea-Tagebuch (for Android | for iOS).

NUTRITION FOR ROSACEA: WHAT YOU SHOULD PAY ATTENTION TO

Smoothies, fitness salads, and lots of tea: If you believe some magazines, they are the holy grail of healthy eating. However, if you are affected by rosacea, caution is advised: There are some foods known to trigger rosacea flare-ups. In particular, histamine-containing foods are suspected of promoting rosacea flare-ups, as well as wheat and sugar. Additionally, you should also check whether your skin reacts to heavily spiced dishes and hot drinks with rosacea flare-ups.

Tip: Because the liver is responsible for detoxifying the body, intermittent fasting can also achieve good results in some cases to prevent rosacea.

MOVEMENT & STRESS REDUCTION IN ROSACEA

Stress, sudden temperature changes, and intense sports sessions can trigger rosacea flare-ups. Therefore, moderate exercise is recommended for rosacea: walks, not too strenuous bike rides, meditative yoga, and plenty of relaxation are beneficial. If you are outdoors, it is also important to use SPF 50+ daily and year-round, even on cloudy days or when there is snow. This is because UV radiation reaches your skin in these conditions as well. It is best to use an oil-free sunscreen to protect your skin.

MAKE-UP FOR ROSACEA

If you want to use makeup with rosacea, you should make sure that it is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not cause pimples. It is also important to avoid oil-based products and those containing artificial fragrances when choosing foundation, concealer, and powder. Mineral powder as a foundation is well suited, for example. Additionally, you should always apply SPF 50+ sunscreen before applying makeup during the day.

By the way: You can safely disregard the sunscreen contained in foundations because it is usually dosed too low to effectively protect your skin from UV radiation. When it comes to sunscreen, you should also ideally opt for an oil-free product formulation.

BART SHAVING WITH ROSACEA: CHOOSE DRY SHAVING

If you have rosacea but definitely do not want to give up shaving your beard, you should preferably shave dry. This way, you avoid unnecessary skin irritation and reduce the risk of a rosacea flare-up.

TREAT ROSACEA PROPERLY – WITH Doctor Mi! MEDICAL SKINCARE

Rosacea is a serious disease that can be very distressing for those affected. If you also suffer from rosacea, the Doctor Mi! online shop offers you the perfect facial skincare with the ROSAZEA SET to treat and care for rosacea in a gentle yet effective way. This way, you keep control over your skin and strengthen it sustainably: for a calmer, more even, and healthier complexion.

Dr. Miriam Rehbein

Dr. Miriam Rehbein is a licensed specialist in dermatology as well as the founder and product developer of Doctor Mi! medical skincare. As a recognized expert in skincare, she not only shares her expertise with colleagues at conferences and training sessions but also treats patients in her Munich practice. With Doctor Mi! medical skincare, Dr. Miriam Rehbein has created a skincare line based on her many years of experience working with patients, which pursues one main goal: to help the skin help itself.