Rosacea: Understanding and managing your face

Rosacea is a common, chronic skin condition that mainly affects the central face. It often appears as persistent redness, visible blood vessels, flushing, and sometimes small red bumps or pimples. For some, the eyes or nose can also be involved. Rosacea usually begins after age 30 and tends to come and go over time.

Types of Rosacea

Rosacea can show up in different ways, and many people have a mix of symptoms:

  • Redness and Visible Vessels: Ongoing facial redness, flushing, and small visible capillaries.

  • Bumps and Pimples: Red spots or pus-filled bumps that may look like acne, but without blackheads.

  • Skin Thickening: Most commonly around the nose, where the skin may become thicker or bumpy.

  • Eye Involvement: Red, irritated, or gritty-feeling eyes and eyelids.

What Can Trigger Rosacea?

While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, rosacea is linked to sensitive skin, blood vessel changes, and sometimes microscopic skin mites. Common triggers include:

  • Sun exposure

  • Heat or hot drinks

  • Alcohol (especially red wine)

  • Spicy foods

  • Stress

  • Skin care products with alcohol or fragrance

How Is Rosacea Diagnosed?

Rosacea is usually diagnosed by a dermatologist based on your skin’s appearance and history. Sometimes, other skin conditions need to be ruled out.

Rosacea Treatment Options

While there’s no permanent cure for rosacea, there are many effective ways to manage symptoms and improve your skin’s appearance:

1. Lifestyle and Skin Care

  • Use gentle cleansers and moisturisers

  • Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+) every day

  • Avoid common triggers where possible

  • Skip harsh scrubs or exfoliants

2. Topical Treatments

  • Prescription creams or gels can help reduce inflammation and redness

3. Tablet Medications

  • Low-dose antibiotics may be used for red bumps and pimples

  • Other medications may be considered for more severe cases

4. Laser and Light-Based Therapies

5. Skin Support Treatments

  • Skin Collagen Support: Procedures that help stimulate your skin’s own collagen production, improving firmness and resilience

  • Skin Hydration and Glow Support: Treatments designed to deeply hydrate the skin and enhance its natural radiance

6. Eye Care (if needed)

  • Gentle eyelid care, lubricating drops, and sometimes medications for eye symptoms

 

Why See Dr Liz Dawes-higgs?

As a specialist dermatologist with years of experience treating rosacea, Dr Liz offers a personalised approach to diagnosis and management. Every treatment plan is tailored to your unique skin, symptoms, and lifestyle—helping you achieve clearer, calmer, and more confident skin.

If you’re struggling with facial redness, sensitivity, or breakouts that won’t settle, a dermatology consultation can make all the difference.

Book Here