What’s the Story with Rosacea? Expert shares what you really need to know

May is Rosacea Awareness Month

Dr. Edel Woods recently spoke to Her.ie about the condition and revealed what the public really needs to know about rosacea.

"It's quite a complex condition, but what we see in people who have rosacea on the surface is this redness and this flushing, but ultimately it's quite a complex condition under the surface that's involving the nerves, the immune system, and how our body or our skin is reacting to various triggers."

Dr. Edel Woods stressed that it's important to note that this is a chronic condition.

Unfortunately, it isn't something that can be cured, but thankfully, it is something you can manage nowadays.

Dr. Edel Woods said those with rosacea should not undermine the condition.

"A lot of women can suffer with it, particularly as we hit menopause as well. This is due to declining estrogen, with many women seeing a peak at that time in their lives.

"The first step is always to have a consultation with somebody like another medical professional or me because you want to make sure that they're not doing anything in their home care routine that's going to be aggravating or making things worse.

"The biggest problem I see with people coming in with rosacea when it gets to the stage that the skin is very sensitive or they're having breakouts, is that they're treating it as something other than rosacea, quite often treating it as acne. That exacerbates the breakdown of the barrier function and exacerbates the sensitivity. When that happens, they get more breakouts. Getting the right advice is the very first step," Dr. Woods stressed.

If you don't have the finances to go for a consultation, then it's important not to lose hope, as there is so much support out there.

"If people aren't comfortable or maybe don't have the time or budget to consider a consultation, then they can also think about going to their local pharmacy. Pharmacists are so well-equipped now as well to help guide people in choosing the right products."

One product Dr. Edel Woods recommended to rosacea sufferers is the Bioderma Sensibio AR+ Cream.

You can buy it here.

"This range has an ingredient called rose active 2.0 in it, and that has actually been clinically proven to reduce redness and flushing within the skin within 28 days. That can be a really good first step; it helps people feel that they are getting some control over it and that there is hope."

Dr. Woods stressed that those with Rosacea should follow a simple skincare routine.

"If somebody is struggling with Rosacea, I might be looking at ingredients like azelaic acid or any other anti-inflammatory ingredients that will help to calm the skin."

She said those with rosacea should start with a gentle cleanse, followed by two targeted actives in the middle, and finish with an SPF.

At night, you should also use a gentle cleanser and the same two targeted actives.

Dr. Edel stressed that you need to commit to your routine and be confident that it's going to work because it does take time.

"We all want an instant result now, and that's part of our social media and modern world. We want something to work tomorrow, but with our skin, we need to give it time to respond and to see the impact on those deeper cells when they reach the surface."

Read the HSE's guide on Rosacea here, including the symptoms you should be aware of.

Dr. Edel Woods, founder of ORA clinic, aesthetic doctor, and skin health expert.