If you've ever experienced persistent redness, flushing, or those pesky pus-filled bumps on your face, you might be familiar with the frustrating condition known as rosacea or acne rosacea. Often mistaken for regular acne, rosacea is a whole different ball game when it comes to skincare. And the confusion can often cause people to do things to their skin that make things worse. Rosacea is a term that gets thrown around a LOT and it’s confusing to a lot of people. After 28 years of being a practicing esthetician, I have seen all the things and I’m constantly asked what to do. My number one piece of advice for Rosacea? It starts with your gut.

What is Rosacea VS Acne Rosacea

Rosacea and acne rosacea are terms often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences between the two:

Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by persistent redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels on the face. It can also cause swelling, burning, and stinging sensations. Rosacea typically develops in adults, usually between the ages of 30 and 50. While the exact cause of rosacea is unknown, factors like genetics, environmental triggers, and abnormalities in the blood vessels of the face may contribute to its development.

Acne Rosacea

Acne rosacea, on the other hand, refers to a subtype of rosacea that presents with symptoms similar to acne. In addition to the characteristic redness and flushing of rosacea, acne rosacea also involves the presence of small, red, pus-filled bumps on the face, which resemble acne lesions. These bumps may be accompanied by papules, pustules, and even cysts. Acne rosacea can be particularly challenging to manage as it combines the symptoms of both rosacea and acne. The causes are basically the same, it’s just how it presents in some people.

What causes Rosacea?

While some may think rosacea is solely a genetic predisposition, it's crucial to recognize the role of self-inflicted triggers. Many people are unknowingly causing your own rosacea flare-ups. Factors like poor diet (there’s a big link between rosacea and your gut health), too much boozin’, overuse of active ingredients, and exposure to harsh weather conditions can exacerbate rosacea symptoms, leading to more frequent and severe flare-ups. 

Rosacea And Your Gut Health

As you’re well aware if you’ve read any article here, we’re big on food as skincare. What you put into your body can significantly impact your skin's health. This is especially true when it comes to rosacea. Certain foods, such as spicy dishes or gluten-rich meals, are known to trigger inflammation in the skin, leading to flare-ups. 

I also always recommend making use you have a healthy gut microbiome and oral microbiome for your skin health. This can start with a good probiotic (I like these SBO probiotics that I talk about in my skincare supplements article) but it’s much more than that. It’s worth diving into these other articles if you’re struggling to make sure this is all in check.

Why You Should Be Avoiding Topical Treatments With Rosacea

When it comes to skincare for rosacea and acne rosacea, caution is key. Active ingredient overload is tough on any skin type particularly sensitive skin issues like rosacea and perioral dermatitis. You want to avoid topical treatments with loads of active ingredients or combining a lot of them. While some active ingredients may work wonders for regular acne, they can be too harsh and irritating for rosacea-prone skin. Opt for gentle, soothing products that won't exacerbate redness or inflammation, and always patch-test new products before incorporating them into your routine.

The 5 Best Skincare Ingredients for Rosacea

While Rosacea is a lot about the gut. There are great ingredients to look for in skincare treatments.

1. Licorice Extract

• Licorice root extract has anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties. It can help reduce redness and irritation in rosacea-prone skin. You'll find this in our GoldenHigh Oil Cleanser and RadicalSeeker Honey Mask.

2. Aloe Vera

• We love an aloe plant. It makes a great natural mask. Aloe vera is well-known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. It reduces inflammation, soothes irritated skin, and provides relief from redness. Cut off a piece of leaf and use the Aloe as a mask—magic.

3. Sea Buckthorn Oil 

• This ingredient is in a lot of BeautyGrass products—because it’s amazing. It’s rich in antioxidants and omega fatty acids, helping to reduce inflammation and promote skin healing, making it ideal for calming redness and irritation. You will also find Seabuckthorn berry oil in our top seller, LitFromWithin Face Oil, and the GoldenHigh Oil Cleanser.

4. Jojoba Oil

• This oil is the base oil for our face oils, body oil, salve and cleanser because it closely resembles the skin's natural oils (the sebum), providing gentle hydration without clogging pores. It’s also anti-inflammatory and is good for soothing sensitive skin.

5. Olive Squalane 

• This lightweight moisturizer mimics the skin's natural sebum too. It enhances hydration and restores the skin barrier, which is oh, so important for managing rosacea-prone skin. You'll find this in MoonLitFromWithin Face Oil.

Managing rosacea and acne rosacea is tricky and it requires a holistic approach that addresses both internal and external factors. It can be tamed. Treating your rosacea naturally, focusing on the link between rosacea and your gut health is key.  You still might get flare-ups but with the right choices it can get a lot better.