Rosacea 101: What It Is & How to Manage It

Rosacea is more than just a little redness—it’s a chronic skin condition that can cause flushing, breakouts, and sensitivity. If you’ve ever felt like your face turns red at the worst times or noticed stubborn bumps that won’t go away, rosacea might be the culprit.

The good news? With the right care, you can keep flare-ups under control.

What Does Rosacea Look Like?

Rosacea isn’t one-size-fits-all, but common signs include:

• Persistent redness or flushing
• Acne-like breakouts (but not actual acne)
• Visible blood vessels
• Thickened or bumpy skin, especially on the nose
• Burning, stinging, or sensitivity
• Dry patches or rough texture

There are four types of rosacea, each with its own challenges:

• Redness & Broken Vessels: The classic flushed look with visible veins.
• Eye Irritation: Red, swollen, or watery eyes.
• Acne-Like Breakouts: Bumps that resemble pimples, often in middle-aged women.
• Thickened Skin: Skin becomes rough, bumpy, and red—especially on the nose.

What Triggers Rosacea?

Rosacea flare-ups can feel random, but certain things tend to make it worse:

• Spicy foods and alcohol
• Sun exposure and extreme weather
• Wind and cold temperatures
• Hot showers, saunas, or steam rooms
• Intense exercise
• Stress
• Harsh skincare products

Avoiding triggers can make a huge difference in keeping your skin calm.

How to Treat & Manage Rosacea

Simple Lifestyle Tweaks:

• Use gentle skincare—skip the harsh scrubs and strong fragrances.
• Protect your skin with sunscreen every single day.
• Choose rosacea-friendly makeup, like green-tinted primers, which color correct to mask the redness.
• Avoid hot baths and long, steamy showers.
• Keep a trigger journal to track what makes your skin flare up.

Medical Treatments:

If rosacea isn’t improving with lifestyle changes, a dermatologist may recommend:

• Topical creams or gels to calm redness and inflammation.
• Oral antibiotics for more stubborn cases.
• Laser therapy to target redness and broken blood vessels (not usually covered by insurance).

If you’re struggling with rosacea, APDerm is here to help. We offer expert care and personalized treatment plans to help you feel confident in your skin. Get in touch today.