
The Rosacea Report
Just Diagnosed with Rosacea?
Here’s What You Need to Know
Picture this: You’re at your high school reunion, feeling fabulous, when someone asks if you’re having an allergic reaction. Or, my personal favorite: “Are you okay? You look really flushed!”
Welcome to the world of rosacea, where your face throws random parties without your permission.
The Moment It Became Official
In 2009, I discovered my "sensitive skin" wasn’t just sensitive. It was rosacea. After years of thinking I was just naturally rosy (thanks, genes!), I finally saw a dermatologist.
The diagnosis conversation:
Me: “My face keeps turning red, and nothing helps.”
Derm: “How long have you had rosacea?”
Me: “Wait, what?”
Turns out, persistent redness, bumps that aren’t quite acne, and a face that feels like it’s on fire? All classic rosacea symptoms. And I’m not alone—16 million Americans deal with this condition.
Step 1: Identify Your Triggers
Not all triggers are the same, but here are some common culprits:
- Hot drinks (I still enjoy my coffee, just not super hot).
- Spicy food (I love Mexican food, but I’ve learned to go a bit milder).
- Red wine (it’s a hard no for me, but an occasional margarita? Yes, please!).
- Stress (easier said than done, but managing it helps).
- The sun (hats and zinc-only sunscreen are lifesavers!).
- Hard water (this can be harsh on rosacea and eczema-prone skin—consider a water softener or using filtered water for your face).
The key is to find what works and doesn’t work for you. Keep a trigger diary to track what sets off your flares. It’s like being a detective for your own face.
Step 2: Build a Rosacea-Friendly Routine
Your skin needs TLC—treat it like it’s made of silk. Here’s what works:
What helps:
- Prescribed medications: I use Rhofade, ivermectin, and low-dose antibiotics as prescribed by my dermatologist.
- Cool water rinse in the morning: I wash my face at night and only rinse in the morning.
- Zinc-only sunscreen: Best for rosacea and avoids fragrance.
- Cool jade roller: Instant relief during a hot flash (keep it in the fridge).
- Ice water: Staying hydrated with lots of ice water helps manage flares.
- Microneedling and laser treatments: These have been game-changers for me—see our post on that here.
What to avoid:
- Abrasive scrubs like St. Ives (hard pass!).
- Chemical fragrance products, lavender, and allergenic botanicals.
- Trendy 12-step skincare routines or random “miracle” oils.
- Hot showers (stick to lukewarm water to avoid triggering your skin).
THE ROSACEA RELIEF KIT

Step 3: Seek Professional Help
If your redness lingers or OTC products don’t help, see a dermatologist. Signs it’s time for expert advice:
- Redness that lasts longer than your last relationship.
- Visible blood vessels or weird bumps.
- Irritated eyes (rosacea doesn’t stop at your skin).
Your dermatologist can recommend treatments like prescription creams, oral medications, or light therapy.
If you’re an esthetician, like me, working closely with a dermatologist can sometimes lead to disagreements—but collaboration is key to finding the best solutions for your skin. But be an advocate for your skin health.
Step 4: Manage Expectations
Here’s the deal: Rosacea is manageable, but it’s not curable. Some days will be better than others, and that’s okay.
Remember:
- You’re not alone.
- It’s not your fault.
- You don’t need to apologize for your skin.
Quick Rosacea Survival Tips
My Rosacea Before & After
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The Happy Ending (Sort Of)
These days, I’ve made peace with my rosacea. Sure, it still shows up uninvited, but I know how to handle it. And hey, at least I always look like I’m glowing (even if that glow is angry blood vessels).
If you’ve just been diagnosed, know this: It’s not the end of the world. You’ve got this, and with the right approach, you’ll figure out what works for you. Welcome to the club—we meet at the mineral sunscreen aisle!