R

osacea and sensitive skin are both skin conditions that can display similarities in the symptoms they present however they are two different skin conditions that should not be mistaken for one another.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is characterised by flushing, persistent redness in the skin focused in the centre of the face, usually the cheeks, chin, nose and forehead. Other symptoms include telangiectasia (damaged capillaries or dilated surface blood vessels) and sometimes the appearance of papules and pustules. Patients with rosacea often also have sensitive and reactive skin.

Patients with sensitive skin have a poor skin immunity and broken skin barrier function. The causes are mostly genetic and could mean that patient has underlying eczema or atopy. However increasingly, there are also patients who have used wrong products that result in over exfoliation and damage of skin barrier function. Common signs are a tightness of the skin after washing face, itchy and flaky skin and stinging when using certain products.

​In both rosacea and sensitive skin patients, skin immunity can be further compromised by emotional and environmental triggers and part of the challenge is to be able to identify such triggers. 

REACTIVE SKIN TIPS

GENTLE CLEANSER - The key here is to go gentle. Reactive skin often already feels irritated, so choose a mild rosacea-friendly cleanser (sulfates are a definite no-no here). Make sure all traces of the cleanser is throroughly removed as any lingering cleanser may cause irritation.

MOISTURISER - Whether rosacea makes your skin dry or oily, it’s important to moisturise. Opting for a moisturiser that doubles as a barrier repair cream can help to strength the skin barrier, further reducing irritation and making skin feel more comfortable.

SPF -  The sun can worsen rosacea and is usually one of the most frequent causes of a rosacea flare-up. Finding a sunscreen that won’t irritate your sensitive skin can be a challenge so look for products that contain zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or both. As always, broad-spectrum protection with SPF 30 or higher is
a must.

Our recommendations do not constitute as a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional.