Understanding Rosacea: A Calm, Supportive Approach

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that commonly presents as persistent redness, visible blood vessels and for some, acne like bumps. It typically affects the central areas of the face (cheeks and nose most noticeably) and may extend to the chin and forehead.
Rosacea is a condition that tends to flare and remit over time. While it cannot be cured, treatment focuses on understanding triggers, managing symptoms and supporting the skin so it can function with greater comfort and resilience.

How Rosacea May Present

Rosacea can look and feel different from person to person, however common features include:

• Persistent redness or flushing, often the earliest sign. This may appear as a constant blushed or flushed look that does not fully fade.

• Visible blood vessels (telangiectasia), most often across the cheeks and nose.

• Small, pus filled bumps that can resemble acne.

• Burning, stinging or heightened sensitivity, with skin feeling tender or easily reactive.

  Around 50% of people with rosacea also experience ocular rosacea, where the eyes may appear watery or bloodshot and feel irritated, dry or gritty.
  In rarer cases (most commonly seen in men) the skin of the nose can gradually thicken, leading to an enlarged or bulbous appearance.

  What Causes Rosacea?

  The exact cause of rosacea is not fully understood, however research suggests it develops due to a combination of contributing factors rather than a single cause. These factors may include:

• Gentics: Rosacea is more likely to occour if a parent has the condition. Individuals with fair skin, fair hair and light eyes are statistically more prone.

• Environmental influences: Chronic sun exposure, pollution and external stressors can increase inflammation within the skin.

• Demodex Mites: Tiny mites known as Demodex folliculorum naturally live on our skin and are usually harmless. Some people however, seem to have a heightened immune response to these mites, contributing to rosacea symptoms.

  Emerging research is also exploring links between rosacea, the immune system, gut health and the way the body processes proteins, suggesting rosacea may be influenced by internal inflammation as much as external factors.

  Understanding Rosacea Flare-Ups

  While the underlying condition is ongoing, flare-ups occur when the skin is triggered. Common rosacea triggers include:

• Sun and wind exposure

• Hot showers, steam or extreme temperatures.

• Spicy foods and hot drinks

• Alcohol (particularly red wine)

• Exercise

• Emotional Stress

• Skincare products high in alcohol or fragrance

• Certain medications that dialte blood vessels such as some blood pressure medications.

  Because triggers vary from person to person, identifying individual patterns is a key part of effective rosacea managment.

  The Solace Approach to Rosacea

  Rosacea is not a condition with a one size fits all solution. At Solace, rosacea care is entirely bespoke and approached holistically.
  We begin by assessing the skin to understand where support is needed and where the barrier requires strengthening. Treatment is focused on supporting the skin, never punishing it.
  Lifestyle factors are gently explored, and together we identify realistic, sustainable ways to reduce triggers without creating restriction or overwhelm. As the skin calms and inflammation settles, we gradually introduce higher support actives where appropriate.
  Rather than keeping the skin in a state of constant ‘cotton wool coddling’ the goal is to teach the skin resilience, helping it understand that disruption does not mean dysfunction. Over time, the skin learns to respond with strength instead of reactivity.
  This process looks different for everyone and is always a journey built collaboratively, with patience, education and care at its core.

  A Gentle Reminder

  Rosacea us not caused by doing something wrong. It is a complex,, inflammatory condition that deserves understanding and compassion.
  With the right guidance and supportive approach, rosacea prone skin can feel calmer, stronger and more comfortable, allowing confidence to return alongside skin health.