Rosacea is a relatively common skin condition, especially in Europe and the US; it affects the face and eyes, and can be pretty uncomfortable for those living with the condition. But why can’t rosacea be cured? In this article we take a closer look at the reasons why rosacea is something you live with rather than cure.

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition. It tends to occur in people - predominantly women - from northern European backgrounds, particularly those with pale skin and pale eyes. However, it’s important to note that people of colour do also suffer from rosacea, and it can go undiagnosed if the flushing isn’t as noticeable.

At its mildest, rosacea makes people blush or flush easily, but it can also cause pimples, spots, and inflammation of the skin. In the most severe cases, the condition can cause permanent damage to blood vessels, and even disfiguration of the nose, so it’s important to get check-ups from your doctor to monitor the condition.

Although it can be most obvious on the skin, like other inflammatory conditions rosacea is more than skin deep. The inflammation rosacea causes can also affect the eyes, making them bloodshot, itchy and sore, and might need treatment from an eye specialist.

What causes rosacea?

Some people seem more genetically susceptible to developing the condition, especially if they have a relative with rosacea, but the reason some people get rosacea and others don’t isn’t clearly understood.

Those who are susceptible to rosacea often develop the condition in their thirties. Flares of rosacea come and go, triggered by a whole variety of factors, from weather conditions, to foods and hormonal fluctuations. These triggers will vary from person to person, but common culprits include:

• Spicy food
• Hot drinks
• Alcohol
• Extreme weather conditions
• Extreme emotions
• Getting hot with exercise
• Irritant ingredients in toiletries and cosmetics

Managing rosacea

Periods between flares can vary from person to person; some people might find their skin in near constant flare for weeks or months on end, while others might see a year go by without a severe flare. It all depends on what is affecting you and how sensitive you are to factors that you encounter day to day. However, because rosacea is a chronic condition it’s not something you can cure, but it is possible to find strategies for managing it over time.

An effective management plan can limit the frequency and severity of flares by avoiding the triggers that cause your skin to flare up, and by looking after your skin by using effective moisturisers, and looking after your overall health and wellbeing.

Balmonds for rosacea

The entire Balmonds range is suitable for rosacea-prone skin, as none of it contains the harsh synthetic ingredients that rosacea-sufferers tend to react to.

We recommend using products rich in essential fatty acids (EFAs), vitamins and natural anti-inflammatories to help regulate the skin’s natural cycle of regeneration and repair. This should build up your skin’s resilience, keeping it healthy and better able to withstand rosacea flares. Balmonds products use natural ingredients such as super-nutritious rosehip oil and soothing calendula flower oil, as well as lavender, chamomile and palmarosa essential oils.

We’d recommend switching up conventional skincare to a rosacea-friendly daily maintenance regime; using a combination of natural oils, balms and creams will help keep skin clean, healthy and calm, while avoiding the irritants that can trigger rosacea flare-ups. Try Skin Salvation for intensive moisturising, Balmonds Cooling Cream to dial down the heat, and our rosehip-rich Balmonds Intensive Facial Oil for daily maintenance.

Recommended products:

Balmonds Skin Salvation
with hemp and beeswax

Balmonds Cooling Cream
with shea, menthol, aloe vera & lavender

Balmonds Intensive Facial Oil
with rosehip, calendula, lavender & chamomile