What is rosacea and how to treat it?

Have you ever noticed persistent redness on your cheeks that doesn’t seem to go away? Or perhaps those fine visible capillaries that challenge your skin’s appearance?

 If so, you might be dealing with rosacea. But don’t worry, this is a common condition, and with the right care, you can soothe redness and take care of your sensitive skin.

Read on to discover what rosacea is, what causes it, and the most effective solutions for maintaining a radiant, even complexion.

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin condition that manifests as persistent redness, primarily on the cheeks, nose, and occasionally the forehead. This redness is caused by the dilation of capillaries beneath the skin, which become visible to the naked eye and form a network of fine, reddish lines.

Although it does not represent a serious pathology, rosacea can be a source of aesthetic discomfort and increase the sensitivity of the skin, making it more vulnerable to external agents.

There is often confusion between what is commonly referred to as mild rosacea (sometimes known as couperose) and more advanced, inflammatory rosacea. Mild rosacea is limited to superficial symptoms like diffuse redness and visible capillaries. In contrast, advanced rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition that can involve more severe symptoms, such as irritation, burning sensations, acne-like pustules, and progressive changes to the skin's texture.

Understanding the distinction between these two forms of rosacea is essential for selecting the appropriate treatment. Mild rosacea can often be managed effectively with a gentle skincare routine and targeted products designed to soothe and protect the skin. However, advanced rosacea typically requires the intervention of a dermatologist for a more tailored and medical approach.

What causes rosacea?

Rosacea can be triggered by a combination of internal and external factors. The most common causes include:

• Genetics: a hereditary predisposition is often at the root of the problem.

• Environmental exposure: harsh weather conditions such as extreme cold, wind, or UV rays can exacerbate symptoms.

• Diet and lifestyle: excessive consumption of alcohol, spicy foods or high stress affect skin health

• Inappropriate skincare products: harsh cleansers or creams with irritating ingredients can weaken the skin’s barrier, making it more prone to redness.

An effective routine for soothing rosacea

Sensitive skin prone to redness related to rosacea requires special attention and products designed to soothe, protect, and strengthen its natural barrier. The Hydra Évolution Collection by ESTĒREL is specifically formulated to meet the needs of those managing rosacea, offering a complete solution to cleanse, hydrate, and take care of skin. Here’s a step-by-step routine:

Gentle cleansing

Proper cleansing is essential to remove impurities without stressing sensitive skin.

The ESTĒREL’s LAIT DE SOIN DOUX is an ideal choice for this step. This blueberry cleansing milk, specifically for dehydrated skin prone to rosacea, cleanses and removes makeup very gently while respecting skin physiology. Its formula with hydrolyzed soy protein and extracts of blueberry and vine helps moisturize, refresh and reduce redness, leaving skin soft, fresh and relaxed.

Soothing and balancing

After cleansing, it is important to rebalance the skin and soothe residual redness. A soothing and cooling product can help calm the skin and prepare it for subsequent treatments.

The ESTĒREL’s EAU ROSÉE is an alcohol-free lotion specifically designed for this purpose: enriched with aloe vera, rosewater and allantoin, it relieves tingling sensations and helps maintain optimal hydration over time. Used morning and evening, it helps reduce the visibility of redness while improving skin softness and elasticity.

Intensive treatment

When redness becomes more intense, it is important to supplement the routine with a targeted treatment that acts deeply. A specific serum can make all the difference, strengthening the skin barrier and making the skin more even and protected.

The ESTĒREL’s SÉRUM BIO-INTENSIF is a lightweight serum-gel that combines hypericum extracts, shea butter and horse chestnut for a soothing and regenerating action. This product helps visibly reduce the most pronounced redness, provides immediate relief and protects the skin from external agents. Its fresh and gentle texture makes it perfect for daily use, leaving skin more even and radiant from the very first applications.

Hydration and protection

The last step in this routine is to ensure that the skin is optimally hydrated and effectively protected against external factors such as UV rays and weathering. A targeted cream can help preserve skin comfort by reducing redness and preventing dryness.

The ESTĒREL’s CRÈME LÉNIFIANTE enriched with jojoba oil, witch hazel extract and escin, deeply nourishes the skin, improving its tone and radiance. It is designed to hydrate, protect, and reduce redness in sensitive skin. Its UV filters offer complete protection, while the lightweight texture also makes it ideal as a makeup base.

Tips for preventing and managing rosacea

In addition to using targeted products, adopting certain daily habits can significantly improve rosacea management:

• Protect your skin from UV rays: even when the sun doesn't seem particularly strong, UV rays can worsen redness and damage capillaries. Use SPF sunscreen daily, preferably formulated for sensitive skin, even during the winter. Sunscreen not only prevents damage but also helps keep skin even over time.

• Avoid temperature changes: extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can accentuate redness and cause immediate capillary dilation. When it is cold or windy, protect your face with a scarf or hat. In hot, dry environments, use a humidifier to maintain optimal hydration levels.

• Follow a balanced diet: nutrition has a significant impact on skin health. Choose foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, spinach and nuts, to strengthen the skin barrier from within. Limit consumption of irritating foods such as spicy spices, alcohol and hot drinks, which can increase redness and skin sensitivity.

• Choose gentle cosmetics: sensitive skin first requires products formulated without alcohol, harsh fragrances or parabens. Next, opt for specific cleansers and creams to soothe and protect the skin, and avoid overly abrasive scrubs or chemical peels that are not suitable for sensitive skin.

Conclusion

Rosacea may seem challenging, but with the right care, it becomes just a small detail in your natural beauty. A gentle and targeted routine can help restore balance and radiance to your skin. It’s not just about reducing redness, it’s about protecting and celebrating your natural glow every day.