- Sensitive or burning skin: You may feel stinging, burning, or itching - especially when using active skincare products.
- Acne-like bumps (papules & pustules): These may look like acne but lack blackheads or whiteheads. Rosacea-related bumps tend to be red and pus-filled.
- Eye symptoms (ocular rosacea): Dry, irritated, red eyes, frequent styes, or a gritty feeling can indicate rosacea affecting the eyes.
- Thickened skin (Rhinophyma): In advanced stages, especially in men, the skin on the nose may become thicker and more bulbous.
Rosacea triggers to watch for
Rosacea flare-ups can be caused by different triggers for each person. Common ones include:
- Sun exposure
- Heat or cold
- Stress
- Certain foods and drinks
- Skin products with irritating ingredients
Because rosacea can mimic other skin conditions like acne, lupus, or seborrheic dermatitis, getting the right diagnosis from a skin specialist (dermatologist) is essential.
In-clinic rosacea treatments
At our medical aesthetic clinic, we use a multi-faceted approach to manage rosacea effectively:
- Topical prescription treatments: Including metronidazole, azelaic acid, and ivermectin, which help to reduce inflammation and bacteria on the skin
- Oral anti-inflammatory medications: For ocular rosacea, we may prescribe low-dose doxycycline - not for its antibiotic properties, but for its powerful anti-inflammatory effects
- Laser & light therapy: We use Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) and BroadBand Light (BBL) to target visible blood vessels and reduce persistent redness
- Rosacea-specific peels and creams: Our gentle in-office rosacea creams are excellent for calming inflammation, clearing breakouts, and improving skin tone
How to manage rosacea at home
- Stick to your dermatologist’s prescribed routine for you
- Avoid harsh acids like glycolic or salicylic acid
- Use retinoids very cautiously - we often recommend retinol for rosacea patients due to its ability to support collagen renewal and skin barrier function. However, it must be introduced very slowly, at low strengths, and with professional guidance.
Redness from seasonal changes – it is not always rosacea
As the weather shifts from summer to fall, and you go away on your cool weather vacation, seasonal skin changes can mimic rosacea symptoms. Here is why your skin may become more flushed in cold weather.
Common redness triggers
- Cold weather and wind exposure: Can cause temporary flushing or that windburn feel
- Dry air and low humidity: Cold air often lacks moisture, leading to dry, flaky, irritated skin
- Indoor heating: Heaters reduce indoor humidity, which can dry out your skin even further
- Hot showers: Hot water strips natural oils from your skin, increasing redness and sensitivity
- Cool weather allergens: Pollen, mould, and ragweed can trigger allergic reactions and skin irritation
- Seasonal diet changes: Spicy foods and hot drinks may lead to temporary flushing
- UV exposure: Cooler temperatures do not mean UV rays are gone. Sun protection is still essential.
- Increased stress: The out-of-school season, festive holidays, and changes in routine can raise stress levels - another trigger for both redness and rosacea
- Switching skincare products: Transitioning to heavier products or new ingredients may cause irritation if your skin barrier is compromised
How we treat seasonal redness in the clinic
- Gentle peels: Specially formulated to soothe irritation and support hydration
- BroadBand Light (BBL) therapy: Helps reduce redness and improve skin tone, even for non-rosacea redness
At-home tips for skin redness
- Avoid over-exfoliating: Skip harsh scrubs or frequent acid treatments
- Use richer moisturizers: Swap lightweight summer moisturizers for more hydrating formulas
- We recommend:
- Use a humidifier: To restore moisture to dry indoor air
- Apply SPF daily: Yes daily, and throughout the year
Ready to take control of your skin?
At Illuminate Medispa Dempsey Singapore, we are here to help you manage rosacea and seasonal skin concerns with advanced treatments and tailored skincare recommendations. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with us.
