Rosacea: Symptoms, Causes, Triggers & Recommended Treatment

Some of the factors in determining if you may be affected by rosacea are the following:

Rosacea: What is it?

Rosacea can be a frustrating and often misunderstood skin condition. To better understand how to manage it, we first need to explore what rosacea actually is, why it develops, and what steps can be taken to soothe and protect your skin.

Did you know that approximately 1 in 10 people may experience rosacea at some point in their life? In the U.S. alone, that translates to over 14 million people living with rosacea at varying stages and severity.

What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the face. It often causes:

• Persistent redness (diffused or permanent)

• Visible blood vessels (telangiectasia)

• Flushing or blushing resembling sunburn

• In some cases, acne-like breakouts (acne rosacea)

Rosacea can also extend beyond facial redness. Subtypes include:

• Ocular Rosacea – dryness, irritation, and discomfort in the eyes (can occur with or without facial symptoms).

• Rhinophyma – thickening of the skin, particularly around the nose (less common).

It’s important to note that rosacea affects all skin tones—not just lighter complexions. On darker skin, it may be less visually obvious, but can be identified by warmth, sensitivity, or discomfort in the affected areas.

What Causes Rosacea?

The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, but research highlights several contributing factors:

• Genetics – Family history increases your risk. Women are more likely to develop rosacea, but symptoms tend to be more severe in men.

• Immune System Response – Chronic conditions or medications may trigger or worsen symptoms.

• Skin Microbiome – Overgrowth of Demodex folliculorum mites can disrupt the skin barrier, especially when the hydrolipidic film (acid mantle) is weakened.

• Environmental stressors, including climate, pollution, sun exposure, and wind, can all contribute to flare-ups.

Common Symptoms

Rosacea symptoms can vary widely, but the most common include:

• Persistent redness across cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin

• Small dilated blood vessels (telangiectasia)

• Acne-like bumps that don’t respond to acne treatments

• Sensitivity, burning, or stinging sensations

• Eye dryness, itchiness, or irritation (ocular rosacea)

Triggers to Watch For

Identifying personal triggers is key to controlling flare-ups. Common triggers include:

• Sun exposure – UV rays dilate blood vessels and worsen redness.

• Temperature extremes – Cold wind, hot weather, or sudden indoor/outdoor shifts can trigger flushing.

• Alcohol – Especially red wine, which dilates blood vessels and increases redness.

• Spicy foods – Can intensify blood flow and flushing.

• Harsh skincare products – Strong cleansers, scrubs, or irritants can damage the skin barrier.

Recommended Treatments

While prescriptions such as oral antibiotics or topical medications are often used, they may cause side effects like dryness or discomfort. A gentle, supportive skincare routine is key to long-term management.

At MD Laser Clinic, we recommend the Nelly De Vuyst® BioCalm Collection, specifically designed to soothe and protect rosacea-prone skin. These formulations:

• Respect your skin’s natural pH

• Reinforce the microbiome with prebiotics

• Calm redness and sensitivity

• Strengthen fragile capillaries

Key Active Ingredients Include:

• Hawthorn & Horse Chestnut (support circulation, reduce redness)

• Cornflower (Blueberry) Water (soothes irritation)

• St. John’s Wort & Caper Bud Extract (calm inflammation)

By choosing a tailored skincare regimen, you’re not just masking symptoms—you’re restoring your skin’s natural defenses for long-term health and comfort.

✨ Takeaway: Rosacea is manageable when you understand its causes, recognize your personal triggers, and follow a consistent, gentle skincare routine. With the right approach, you can calm your skin, reduce flare-ups, and restore balance.