Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that most often affects the central face - including the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. It is characterised by persistent redness, dilated surface capillaries, frequent flushing, and in some cases inflammatory papules and pustules.

Although once referred to as acne rosacea, it is not a form of acne and requires a completely different therapeutic approach. Rosacea does not involve clogged pores, blackheads, or excess oil production, and conventional acne treatments often worsen symptoms by further impairing the skin barrier.

From a holistic skin health perspective, rosacea is not simply a cosmetic condition. It reflects a state of dysregulation within the skin’s protective and inflammatory systems - particularly:

• Impaired barrier function, leading to increased sensitivity and water loss
  
• Heightened immune reactivity, resulting in chronic low-grade inflammation
  
• Neurovascular instability, where blood vessels dilate too easily in response to stimuli

Research has also identified a potential link between rosacea and the presence of Demodex mites - microscopic organisms that naturally live on human skin. In rosacea-prone skin, these organisms may be present in higher numbers and can stimulate immune responses, further contributing to inflammation.

Left unmanaged, rosacea-prone skin can become increasingly reactive, fragile, and intolerant to products, leading to a cycle of redness, discomfort, and barrier breakdown.

Rosacea is estimated to affect around 5–10% of the adult population worldwide, although many cases remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed , particularly when symptoms present as flushing, sensitivity, or burning rather than obvious redness or pustules.

It most commonly develops between the ages of 30 and 60 and is more frequently reported in people with fair or sensitive skin types, though it can occur in all skin tones and ethnicities.

Clinically, rosacea is increasingly recognised alongside other barrier-impaired conditions such as eczema, perioral dermatitis, and contact dermatitis - reinforcing the idea that compromised barrier function and immune hypersensitivity are shared underlying features.

The symptoms of rosacea can vary significantly between individuals and across different stages of the condition. Some people experience mainly flushing and background redness, while others develop inflammatory lesions or extreme skin sensitivity.

Rosacea-prone skin is typically highly reactive, easily overstimulated, and vulnerable to barrier dysfunction - which can lead to a cascade of inflammatory responses.

Common signs and symptoms of rosacea include:

Common signs and symptoms of eczema include:

• Persistent central facial redness (particularly cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead)Frequent flushing or blushing episodes
• Visible surface capillaries (telangiectasia)
• Inflammatory bumps and pustules that resemble acne
• Burning, stinging, itching, or tightness
• Dryness and dehydration
• Rough, flaky, or thickened skin texture
• Eye irritation, including watery, bloodshot, or gritty-feeling eyes (ocular rosacea)
  

As with many chronic skin conditions, rosacea can also have a significant emotional and psychological impact. Because it affects the face, flare-ups are highly visible and often unpredictable, which can influence confidence, social comfort, and stress levels - all of which may further aggravate symptoms.

In conventional dermatology, rosacea is commonly managed with topical and oral medications designed to suppress inflammation and reduce visible symptoms.

These may include:

• Topical antibiotics (such as metronidazole)
• Oral antibiotics (such as doxycycline)
  
• Topical antiparasitics (such as ivermectin)
  
• Vasoconstrictor creams to temporarily reduce redness
  
• Laser and light-based therapies for visible capillaries

While these treatments can be effective in reducing acute symptoms, they are generally aimed at controlling manifestations rather than addressing the underlying health of the skin barrier. Long-term use of antibiotics may disrupt the skin and gut microbiome, and many individuals with rosacea report increasing sensitivity and diminishing effectiveness over time.

At MV, we approach rosacea differently.

Rather than focusing solely on symptom suppression, our philosophy centres on restoring barrier integrity, reducing skin reactivity, and supporting the skin’s natural regulatory systems. We recognise rosacea as a condition of impaired skin resilience, not 'defective skin', and place emphasis on gentle, lipid-supportive, non-stimulating care that allows the skin to gradually recalibrate and build tolerance.

We believe rosacea is not a flaw in the skin, but a signal - an invitation to slow down, simplify, and restore balance. Our approach is grounded in corneotherapy and the understanding that skin heals best when it feels protected, nourished, and gently regulated.

Through calm, consistent rituals and biologically intelligent care, rosacea-prone skin can gradually become less reactive, more resilient, and far more comfortable to live in.