Ask The Expert: Top Tips for Rosacea from Jennifer Rock

We recently sat down & caught up with Jennifer Rock, founder & CEO of The Skin Nerd, Cleanse off Mitt and Skingredients, to pick her brain on all things Rosacea; A common skin condition that predominantly affects the centre of the face causing different levels of blushing or flushing. Did we mention that Jennifer is also a multi-award winning dermal facialist, skin tutor AND best-selling author? 

Despite her huge success, she remains one of the most down to earth and wonderful humans (Hoomans as she would call them herself) you could ever meet, making it a super insightful yet equally fun-filled chat. 

Here’s what Jennifer had to say… 

Firstly, can you tell us what Rosacea is?

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition, which is also classed as a medical condition. Rosacea can range from mild to severe and occurs when a stimulus causes the blood vessels in the skin of the face to enlarge (dilate). 

Genetics and immune factors can play a part in this, as can the environment but the underlying cause of rosacea is not fully understood, meaning that it can be difficult to make a medical diagnosis.

What are the main symptoms of Rosacea? 

Many hoomans have a tendency to blush or will experience facial redness at some point in their lives. The main difference is that rosacea sufferers experience persistent redness across the cheeks and nose that is spurred on by a trigger.

More than simply having red cheeks, other symptoms of rosacea include red, spidery veins (aka capillaries), bumps and pimples in the same area which do not clear, skin thickening (typically around the nose), and inflammation of the surface of the eyes and eyelids.

 These symptoms are categorised under four subtypes of rosacea:

• Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (redness and blood vessels)
• Papulopustular rosacea (redness with bumps and pimples)
• Phymatous rosacea (skin thickening, commonly seen as a bulbous nose)
• Ocular rosacea (which affects the eyes).

If you think you have rosacea, book an appointment with your GP, who will be able to make a diagnosis and discuss treatment.

What is the best product approach to Rosacea? 

Rosacea cannot be cured but you can manage symptoms by seeking medical advice and following a soothing skincare regimen which can help support medical interventions, involving the following:

• A calming cleanser: Avoid stripping the skin by using a gentle cleanser containing hydrating ingredients.

• Anti-inflammatory properties: Inflammation can cause redness, so select products containing skin soothers like aloe vera to pacify sore looking skin. Skingredients Skin Veg is a lightweight but hydrating hyaluronic acid pre-serum that’s ideal for daily use.Enriched with aloe vera extract, Skin Veg delivers anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties without overloading reactive skin.

• SPF: Research has found that 81% of rosacea patients noticed a flare-up of redness after sun exposure, so apply a broad-spectrum SPF on a daily basis. 

• Look after your barrier: A compromised skin barrier brings further problems in the forms of irritation and dehydration. Take care of yours with a nourishing, barrier-repairing balm that replenishes lost moisture.

What causes a Rosacea flare-up? 

Rosacea flare-ups can be triggered by internal and external factors including alcohol, exercise, high and low temperatures, hot drinks, spicy foods and stress.

Sensitisation could be a cause of your redness rather than rosacea. Sensitisation means that your skin barrier has been weakened and become more permeable, which could be caused by using harsh skincare ingredients. Often manifesting as red blotches that feel itchy or have a burning sensation, the key to reducing this redness is to simplify your skincare regime until the sensitisation passes.

Although Rosacea can’t be cured, Jennifer highlights that it can in fact be managed along with her expert lead tips & recommendations when it comes to your skincare regime, ingredients & product use. Taking Jennifer’s expert advice on board, we’ve also listed a couple of our multi-purpose & good-for-you products to help manage the condition; allowing you to both look and feel your best!

Sculpted By Aimee recommends:  

Beauty Base Protect 

Beauty Base Protect is an All In One moisturising face primer that contains peptides to condition the skin, hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin and broad spectrum SPF50 to protect the skin from harmful UVA & UVB rays. It has a universal colour, making it suitable for all skin tones and works to add natural radiance and hydration to even the most sensitive skins. 

Second Skin Foundation

As Second Skin foundation is a mineral formula, it’s perfect for anyone with sensitisation. You’ll also get added hydration with hyaluronic acid, broad spectrum sun protection with SPF50 and skin calming & soothing benefits with Aloe Vera Oil Extract & Lavender Oil Extract. 

Second Skin is available in 30 shades across both a matte & a dewy finish.

Complete Cover Up Concealer

A little pot of mineral magic, Complete Cover Up is a semi-matte, high coverage cream concealer. It’s completely oil-free, making it ideal for anyone experiencing pustular breakouts with Rosacea and it gives an airbrushed finish that will stay in place all day. 

Sending all the skin love,

Aimee & Team Sculpted 

xx