Rosacea: causes, symptoms and management

The good news? While there's no single cure, understanding your rosacea triggers, recognising the early symptoms of rosacea and finding the right rosacea treatment can make a real difference. So don’t worry, we’re here to help by breaking down what causes rosacea, the signs to look out for and the everyday habits and expert-backed approaches that can help you better manage your skin – so you can feel more confident the next time your complexion decides to flush.

Unlike temporary flushing, rosacea can be driven by inflammation and changes in the tiny blood vessels beneath the skin, which is why redness can become more noticeable over time.³ Although it's most often seen in people with fair skin, rosacea can affect all skin tones and types.⁴ While rosacea can't be cured, understanding what's happening beneath your skin is the first step towards managing flare-ups and finding a routine that helps keep symptoms under control.

As rosacea progresses, the redness may become more persistent, particularly across the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. You might notice a constant rosy appearance, while other people experience flare-ups that come and go before eventually becoming more frequent.^1,2

So, if you've noticed persistent redness on the face, particularly a rosacea face that seems to flare without warning, it’s not just you. Rosacea symptoms can vary but there are several tell-tale signs that can help distinguish rosacea from other skin conditions:^1,2,4,5

Understanding the early signs of rosacea can help you seek the right advice and manage flare-ups more effectively. If you regularly experience a rosacea face, persistent red skin on cheeks or ongoing redness on the face, it's worth speaking to a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Some of the better-recognised dietary triggers include hot drinks, alcohol and spicy foods.¹ Histamine-rich foods, which are any that’ve been fermented for example, and ingredients such as cinnamon, tomatoes and chocolate may also be triggers for some people, although reactions vary widely.^10-12 Interestingly, not every commonly blamed food appears to increase rosacea risk. One large review noted that spicy foods may worsen symptoms such as flushing, stinging and burning, rather than the condition itself.¹¹ Research has also found a more complex picture around coffee: while hot drinks can trigger flushing, caffeine from coffee has been linked with a lower risk of rosacea in women in one large cohort study.¹³ But more research in this area is needed to draw a conclusion.

So, rather than cutting out whole food groups, the most helpful approach is usually to identify your own triggers. Whenever you notice flare-ups, try tracking them alongside what you’ve just eaten or drunk. That way, you can make targeted changes without making your diet more restrictive than it needs to be.

It's important to remember that rosacea treatment isn't one-size-fits-all. Finding the approach that works best for you may take time, but with the right combination of treatment, like skincare and trigger management, many people are able to keep symptoms well under control.

When it comes to managing rosacea, less is often more. A simple, gentle routine can help support your skin barrier, reduce irritation and keep redness under control.^4,16,17 Try to:

Rosacea triggers vary from person to person, which is why keeping a symptom diary can be so helpful. Over time, you may notice patterns that make flare-ups more likely. Common rosacea triggers can include:¹

Avoiding every trigger isn't always realistic, but recognising yours can help you make informed choices without feeling like you have to give everything up.

Looking after your overall wellbeing can also play a part in managing rosacea. You might find it helpful to:^4,18

Some people find that simple cooling measures help soothe uncomfortable flare-ups, although these approaches won't treat the underlying condition. You could try:^19,20

If your symptoms are persistent, worsening or affecting your quality of life, speak to your GP or dermatologist. They can help identify the most appropriate rosacea treatment for your skin and recommend the next steps.

Remember, everyone's rosacea is different, so what works for one person may not work for another. Be patient with your skin, introduce new products gradually and don't be afraid to speak to your GP or dermatologist if symptoms change or begin to affect your confidence or everyday life.

Want to continue your skincare journey? If your skin is itchy – discover causes and how to manage it. Or interested in skincare ingredients? Learn about how to use niacinamide in your skincare routine.