Rosacea is a common long-term skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It often causes persistent redness across the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin, although symptoms can vary from person to person.
Some people experience occasional flushing, while others develop visible blood vessels, small bumps or skin that feels dry, sensitive or uncomfortable.
Although there isn't a cure for rosacea, many people find they can successfully manage their symptoms by understanding their triggers, following a gentle skincare routine and making lifestyle changes that support healthy skin.
We know that rosacea, like many other skin conditions, can affect how you feel about your skin.
That's why we've put together this guide to explain what rosacea is, what commonly triggers flare-ups, and the everyday steps that may help you manage it more effectively so you can feel more like you again.
What Is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that most commonly affects the face.
While the exact cause isn't fully understood, it’s thought to develop through a combination of genetics, an overactive immune response, environmental factors and changes to the skin barrier.
As we mentioned above, common symptoms can include persistent facial redness, flushing, visible blood vessels (which are also known as thread veins), small red bumps or pus-filled spots, dry, rough or sensitive skin, and burning or stinging sensations
Some people experience only mild redness, while others find their symptoms become more noticeable during flare-ups.
What Causes Rosacea Flare-Ups?
Rosacea triggers differ from person to person, making it helpful to identify the factors that affect your own skin.
Some of the most common triggers include sun exposure and hot weather, cold winds, stress, alcohol, spicy foods, hot drinks, vigorous exercise, and certain skincare products
Keeping a simple diary can help you recognise patterns over time, making it easier to avoid situations that regularly lead to flare-ups.
What's The Best Skincare Routine For Rosacea?
Rosacea-prone skin tends to be more sensitive, so a gentle, consistent routine is usually the best approach.
We recommend the following:
Cleanse Gently
Choose a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and wash your face using lukewarm water. Avoid scrubbing the skin or using cleansing brushes, as friction can make redness worse.
Moisturise Every Day
A good moisturiser helps support the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss. Look for products designed for sensitive skin that are free from unnecessary fragrances and harsh ingredients.
Wear Sunscreen Daily
Ultraviolet (UV) exposure is one of the most common rosacea triggers.
Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day can help protect your skin throughout the year, even during cooler months.
Many people with rosacea find mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are less irritating than some chemical alternatives.
Introduce New Products Slowly
Adding multiple new products at once can make it difficult to identify what's causing irritation. Introduce one product at a time and patch test it before applying it to your entire face.
Can Diet And Lifestyle Affect Rosacea?
While food doesn't cause rosacea directly, certain foods and drinks can trigger flare-ups in some people.
As we mentioned, common dietary triggers include alcohol, spicy foods and very hot drinks, although everyone's triggers are different.
Supporting your overall health through a balanced diet, staying hydrated, managing stress and getting enough sleep may all contribute to healthier skin and help reduce the likelihood of flare-ups.
Can Supplements Help Support Skin With Rosacea?
If you have rosacea, you've probably tried different creams, cleansers and skincare products in the hope of calming your skin.
While these are often an important part of managing the condition, many people also wonder if supporting their skin from within could make a difference.
We've talked a lot on our blog about the connection between gut health and the skin, and rosacea is no different. Looking after your health as a whole can have a positive impact on your skin too.
Certain nutrients play an important role in maintaining healthy skin. For example, Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, while Vitamin A and Zinc both contribute to the maintenance of normal skin.
That's one of the reasons we've carefully chosen the ingredients in our supplements.
They're designed to support your skin as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
Is Collagen Good For Rosacea?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the skin, helping provide strength, structure, and elasticity.
As we age, our natural collagen production gradually declines, contributing to changes in the skin's appearance and resilience.
Researchers have become increasingly interested in the relationship between collagen and rosacea because the condition is often associated with an impaired skin barrier and ongoing inflammation.
One study found that people with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR) had lower collagen content in affected skin than people without rosacea.
The study also found increased blood vessel density, suggesting that collagen degeneration within the skin's supporting structure may play a role in the development of persistent redness and visible blood vessels.
These findings have led researchers to explore treatments that support the dermal matrix as part of managing rosacea.
While more research is needed to determine the role oral collagen supplements can play specifically in rosacea, maintaining healthy collagen remains an important part of supporting overall skin structure and function.
A Holistic Approach To Managing Rosacea
If you suffer from rosacea, it can be helpful to understand your own skin and keep track of what works and what doesn’t work for you.
Identifying your personal triggers, protecting your skin from the sun, following a gentle skincare routine and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits can all help you feel more in control of your symptoms.
Healthy skin is influenced by far more than the products you apply to its surface; nutrition, hydration, sleep and stress levels all play an important part in maintaining your skin's normal structure and function.
If you're looking to support your skin from within, Arella Collagen combines VeCollal® with Vitamins C, A, and B3, biotin, hyaluronic acid, and Panax Ginseng for overall skin health from the inside out.
If you’ve found adding a collagen supplement into your daily wellness routine to be helpful for managing your own rosacea, we’d love to hear from you. Find us on Facebook to share your story.
