April brings longer days, blooming trees, and—if you’re in New York—a little bit of everything weather-wise. It’s also Rosacea Awareness Month, which is a time to shed light on a skin condition that’s both incredibly common and widely misunderstood.

Many of our clients come in with concerns like redness, irritation, or breakouts that don’t respond to typical treatments. Sometimes it turns out to be rosacea, and sometimes it’s not—but what matters is that we approach each case thoughtfully. While we can’t diagnose rosacea (that’s a dermatologist’s job), we can absolutely help support the skin and address visible signs of sensitivity through the right products, routines, and treatments.

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that affects at least 14 million people in the U.S. It’s frustrating, often uncomfortable, and for many people, it can be deeply personal. Over the past 20 years, we’ve seen how distressing it can feel when skin flares up without warning—but we’ve also seen how much progress can be made with the right care. So let’s break down how to treat and manage rosacea together.

What causes rosacea?

The exact cause of rosacea isn’t fully understood, but research points to a combination of factors, and an overactive immune response, genetics, and environmental stressors all seem to play a role. People with rosacea often have more Demodex mites—a normal part of the skin’s microbiome—that may contribute to inflammation.

There's also a protein called cathelicidin that usually protects the skin from infection, but in rosacea, the body may overproduce or process it abnormally, leading to redness and swelling. Gut health might be a piece of the puzzle, too.

Studies suggest a link between rosacea and *H. pylori*, a type of bacteria found in the digestive tract. It’s most common in people with fair skin, especially those of Northern European descent, but it can affect all skin tones. In deeper complexions, redness may not be as visible. Instead, symptoms may show up as warmth, dryness, sensitivity, or a dusky brown discoloration.

It’s also important to know that certain triggers don’t cause rosacea, but they can definitely make symptoms worse. These include sun exposure, heat, spicy foods, alcohol, stress, and harsh skincare products.

Signs and symptoms of rosacea

Rosacea doesn’t look the same for everyone, which is one reason it’s often missed or misdiagnosed. Some of the most common signs include persistent redness or flushing, acne-like breakouts that come and go, a burning or stinging sensation, visible broken capillaries, dryness, swelling, or rough, thickened patches of skin.

Some people also experience ocular rosacea, which affects the eyes and can cause irritation, a bloodshot appearance, or even blurred vision.

Types of rosacea

Because rosacea can show up in so many ways, dermatologists have identified four subtypes. These are the two most common:

Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea: This type is marked by flushing, persistent redness or discoloration, visibly broken blood vessels, swollen and sensitive skin, a burning or stinging sensation, and a rough skin texture.
Papulopustular Rosacea: This type presents as red, acne-like breakouts that come and go, oily and sensitive skin that stings or burns, visibly broken blood vessels, and persistent redness.

Less commonly, rosacea can cause thickened, bumpy skin—especially around the nose (known as phymatous rosacea). Ocular rosacea affects the eyes and eyelids, causing redness, irritation, dryness, and sometimes blurred vision or a gritty feeling in the eyes.

How to treat rosacea

Much like acne, rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition with no known cure, but it can absolutely be managed. The key is understanding your unique skin, identifying your triggers, and building a skincare routine that helps minimize flare-ups and support your skin barrier.

Identify and avoid triggers

If there’s one thing we emphasize when it comes to rosacea management, it’s this: know your triggers. While everyone’s skin is different, there are some common culprits that tend to set off flare-ups:

Sun exposure
Emotional stress
Wind
Alcohol
Spicy foods
Heat (hot weather, baths, saunas, or cooking over a hot stove)
Intense exercise (especially hot yoga)
Certain skincare ingredients or medications
Cooking or staying in a hot kitchen for extended periods

That said, rosacea triggers are highly individual. What affects one person might not affect another. We often recommend keeping a journal to track flare-ups—yes, it takes a little effort, but it can be so helpful in spotting patterns over time.

Consider medical treatments based on type and severity

Rosacea is a medical condition, and it’s important to work with a board-certified dermatologist to get a proper diagnosis and, if necessary, prescription treatment. Some of the most effective medical options include:

**Azelaic acid (15%)** — A prescription-strength anti-inflammatory that helps minimize redness and gently exfoliates.
**Sulfur-based treatments** — Known for reducing redness and inflammation.
**Low-dose antibiotics** — Sometimes used to help control flare-ups by calming inflammation.

Once you’ve confirmed what type of rosacea you’re dealing with, treatment becomes much more effective, especially when paired with the right skincare.

Create a gentle skincare routine

Rosacea-prone skin tends to be reactive and sensitive, so consistency is key. Instead of switching products often, focus on building a routine that soothes, hydrates, and strengthens your skin barrier.

We’ve seen great results using products from Circadia, especially their line formulated for red, sensitive, and rosacea-prone skin. Here’s how we approach rosacea skincare:

Cleanse gently, every day. Use a sulfate-free cleanser morning and night to remove buildup and prevent flare-ups. We love Environ’s Mild Cleansing Lotion and Circadia’s Vitamin Veil.
Use antioxidant protection. Antioxidants help calm inflammation and reinforce the skin’s natural defenses. Chrono-Calm Serum from Circadia soothes irritated skin and visibly reduces redness, while Serum 71 offers additional immune support with tranexamic, mandelic, and azelaic acids.
Never skip SPF. Sun exposure is one of the top rosacea triggers. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is non-negotiable. If your skin reacts to chemical sunscreens, try a physical (zinc oxide-based) one instead.
Exfoliate carefully. Rosacea skin still benefits from exfoliation, but it needs to be gentle. Enzyme-based or mild AHA exfoliants are best. We often recommend Environ’s Revival Mask. Just be sure to patch test and listen to your skin.
Hydrate and calm the skin. Hydration is crucial for rosacea-prone skin. The right moisturizer should soothe, support the barrier, and reduce visible signs of inflammation. We love Circadia’s Tranquili-Cream, Rose-Ease Relief Cream, and Post Peel Balm. For a refreshing boost throughout the day, Aloe & Calendula Calming Mist is also a favorite.

Learn more: The Importance of a Night Skin Care Routine

Work with an experienced esthetician

Getting the right advice, treatments, and home care matters, especially with rosacea. At JE'DERM skin atelier, we approach your skin as a whole. That means we consider not just your skin type, but your lifestyle, habits, and environment. Every recommendation and treatment plan is tailored specifically for you.

Rediscover healthy, happy skin at JE’DERM Skin Atelier!

If you think you might be dealing with rosacea or have been struggling to manage symptoms, we’re here to help you navigate it with patience, care, and science-backed solutions. Book your consultation today and start the journey to happier, healthier skin!