I was having a rosacea flare-up every summer – until I tried these 5 beauty products to minimize it

With rosacea flare-ups more common in the summer months, we look at why this is as well as how to minimize rosacea flare-ups naturally if you’re one of the one-in-10 people it affects

Words: Alison Hardinge & Rebecca May | Images: Shutterstock & various brands

Rosacea is a very common skin condition that affects up to a reported four million people in the UK, so it’s surprising that there’s still so much research to be done on the causes behind it. And more than half of rosacea sufferers say their symptoms are much worse during the summer, with the intense sun, hot humid weather and increased physical activities posing the biggest problems for people, as surveyed by the National Rosacea Society.

‘Rosacea is a long-term skin condition that affects the face, causing facial redness, blushes and flushes, or where visible blood vessels appear. An early diagnosis is important to reduce symptoms, which can develop into uncomfortable spots, burning or stinging sensations,’ says Lorena Öberg, skin repair expert and founder of Lorena Öberg Skincare (lorenaoberg.co.uk).

‘Permanent redness can be a factor, and another reason to treat sooner rather than later. Harsh winds and icy cold temperatures make the condition problematic in the winter, but hot temperatures can also trigger irritation,’ says Lorena.

Lifestyle and genetics

‘An increasing number of people are suffering from allergy prone skin conditions, and we are more exposed to processed foods, chemicals and pollutants in our food, water and air,’ says Emina Avdukic, educational trainer at Rosalique and CIDESCO beauty therapist (rosalique.co.uk). ‘Your skin is the largest organ, which many of us forget, so it’s important to feed your skin from within with food that has anti-inflammatory properties as that will, in turn, help reduce inflammation,’ she adds.

A woman’s issue

Rosacea is more prevalent in women and in those aged between 30 and 50. ‘Women with fair skin and light eyes, often from Celtic or Scandinavian ancestry, are more likely to develop rosacea than men’, says Emina. ‘Female patients can find rosacea tends to be exacerbated at a time when they are changing their birth control, have children or approach menopause,’ adds Lucy Phillips, MD of medical and cosmetic dermatology clinic Kaizen Medical (kaizenmedical.co.uk).

The exact cause of the condition though is unknown. ‘It’s thought that an individual’s genetics and immune system, as well as environmental factors, can all play a part, leading to a hyper-responsiveness of the blood vessels of the central face,’ says Dr Munir Somji (drmedispa.com), adding: ‘There are a variety of triggers that can make rosacea worse, or flare up. Along with sun exposure, stress, strenuous exercise, alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods and extreme weather can all be a problem.’

Manage summer flare-ups 

Although in severe cases rosacea can cause constant pain, experts agree that there are a few ways to minimise symptoms and reduce its appearance. ‘Not everyone’s skin reacts the same way, but it is possible to learn what your personal trigger is and manage your lifestyle more effectively to limit the impact of rosacea,’ says Lucy. 

‘There is a variety of topical treatments on prescription, as well as laser options, which are designed to target specific aspects of the condition, such as the redness or papular/pustular symptoms. It’s always best to talk to a GP or dermatologist about topical antibiotics, which may be a solution if deemed necessary,’ says Dr Somji.

Laser treatment is another route you could take to help minimise symptoms. ‘Specialist laser treatments can be highly effective in fading rosacea blemishes, and more than 25 per cent of patients will notice a significant improvement. The laser offers people a low-risk option by delivering a pulse of yellow light to the effected blood vessel, which essentially closes it up’, says Lorena.

Gentle chemical exfoliants can also help improve sensitive skin. ‘I recommend keeping rosacea under control with polyhydroxy acids, including gluconolactone, which has incredible barrier-building and hydrating properties. It also provides a high level of antioxidant protection, alongside helping to reverse signs of environmental damage,’ says Dr Somji.

SPF and make-up

It’s wise to cover up with a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB if you have rosacea. ‘This is a must all year round, but especially in summer as it will help to reduce flare-ups and keep your skin protected. If you are planning to be outside for long periods, re-apply sunscreen at least every two hours,’ advises Emina, who also recommends wearing a hat or sunglasses, keeping out of direct sunlight, avoiding peak hours when the sun is at its strongest (10am-4pm), and carrying a water spray mist with you. ‘Also avoid washing your face with hot water, as it might dry out skin even more,’ she adds.

There are ways to cover up redness with clever new make-up products too. ‘As well as looking for a treatment plan, clients are asking for make-up to help cover up blushing or spider veins,’ says Laura Kay, founder of aesthetics and beauty clinic Laura Kay London (laurakaylondon.com). ‘Make-up products with a blue or green undertone help neutralise redness, which helps temporarily restore the natural skin tone for a short-term solution.’

Try these…

NYX Professional Makeup HD Photogenic Concealer Wand

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e.l.f. Camo Colour Corrector

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Croma Farewell Irritated Skin

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Dye VL Laser

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Rosalique 3 in 1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula SPF 50

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