What Is Rosacea and What Does It Look Like?
- Camilla Vaiani
- 3 days ago
- 9 min read
If the eyes are the mirror of the soul, the skin is the mirror of our physical and mental well-being. In fact, our skin bears the signs of everything that happens to us: just think of how our complexion changes when we're not feeling well, or how hives appear on the neck in moments of embarrassment or shame.
Stress, genetics, and external agents such as mites, bacteria, and sunlight can also damage our skin, often triggering a chronic inflammatory disease known as rosacea.
Although it is more common than one might think, rosacea is not talked about enough. In 1992, the National Rosacea Society decided to designate April as Rosacea Awareness Month, specifically to raise awareness and highlight the importance of not underestimating its symptoms, which are too often misunderstood and misdiagnosed—due to limited testing—as acne or allergies (National Today).
But what exactly is important to know about rosacea?
Table of Contents
There Are Various Types of Rosacea: What Are They?
What Are the Symptoms of Rosacea?
What Are the Causes of Rosacea?
How Can Cosmetic Products Trigger Rosacea?
How Rosacea Affects Our Self-Esteem
Rosacea on Social Media: Celebrities and Influencers Speak Out
Bringing the Celebration of Authentic Beauty from Rosacea Awareness Month into Everyday Life
Quick Summary
Rosacea is a chronic disease that affects the facial skin, causes redness, and leads to burning, itching, and dilation of blood vessels.
There are different types of rosacea, with varying symptoms caused by numerous factors: alcohol, certain foods, sunlight, mites, stress, and genetics.
Rosacea is far more widespread than we think: it is severely underestimated and too often mistaken for acne or dermatitis, and therefore treated incorrectly.
Rosacea negatively affects our lives because it severely undermines the self-esteem of those affected. Too many people experience feelings of stigmatization caused by misconceptions and ignorance. To raise awareness, celebrities and influencers share their experiences with the disease on blogs and social media, and April has been designated as Rosacea Awareness Month.
What Is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis that primarily affects the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, and—though rarely—the eyes. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of flushing, itching, burning, transient or persistent redness, pustules, and telangiectasia (i.e., dilated blood vessels). Rosacea negatively impacts those affected in terms of quality of life, self-esteem, self-acceptance, and overall well-being (Springer).
There Are Various Types of Rosacea: What Are They?
Although rosacea is a chronic facial skin irritation, there are actually several types of rosacea (NYU Langone Health):
Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea
Characterized by persistent facial redness due to dilated facial blood vessels that become visible; these symptoms often appear as strong inflammations that later subside. If neglected, the redness can become persistent, spread, and even become permanent.
Papulopustular Rosacea
Phymatous Rosacea
Ocular Rosacea
It is crucial to closely observe and identify symptoms to assist the specialist doctor in diagnosing rosacea and determining the proper treatment.
What Are the Symptoms of Rosacea?
The symptoms of rosacea are very visible because they are primarily dermatological “scars” (Mayo Clinic, 2023):
The skin flushes more easily, often giving the complexion a purplish hue;
Small blood vessels may become visible on the face, also known as spider veins;
Small bumps, similar to pimples, filled with pus form;
The affected skin may feel warm and cause a burning and itching sensation;
Eyes and eyelids tend to become dry, irritated, and swollen;
Rhinophyma may occur: the skin of the nose thickens to the point where it appears larger.
What Are the Causes of Rosacea?
To date, unfortunately, the exact causes of rosacea remain unknown. However, there are factors that worsen it and make it harder to manage (NHS, 2023):
Alcohol, as a vasodilator, causes facial blood vessels to expand, resulting in redness and the classic “drinker’s flush” on the cheeks. For those with rosacea, drinking alcohol can trigger flare-ups (The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery).
While few studies have been conducted, there appear to be correlations between rosacea and diet. Specifically, fatty, sugary, or spicy foods, tea, coffee, and hot drinks worsen the inflammation, which may instead be alleviated by increased dairy intake (Yuan et al., 2019).
UV and sunlight exposure lead to the production of vascular endothelial growth factors, causing more visible blood vessels on the face, which become more concentrated during physical exertion (e.g., running) (HealthCentral, 2021).
Weather extremes also play a role: transitioning from a cold, dry environment to a warm, humid indoor space (or vice versa) can shock the skin, triggering vasodilation. Moreover, strong winter winds can irritate already sensitive skin, worsening dryness and rosacea symptoms like itching and burning (Mulberry House, 2023).
Stress and anxiety cause chemical reactions in our bodies that manifest on the skin. Specifically, when stressed, hormones like adrenaline and cortisol are released, disrupting our already delicate endocrine system. These reactions are directly linked to rosacea and its symptoms (Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery).
Mites and bacteria can also become enemies of the skin. Mites are microscopic airborne insects that usually land on our skin without causing harm but may trigger irritation in those with sensitive skin. Bacteria, especially in the gut, increase levels of a digestive hormone called gastrin, which may cause facial redness (WebMD, 2023).
There is also a hereditary factor: people with rosacea are four times more likely to have a family history of the disease than those without. This increased risk is likely due to shared genetic, environmental, and non-genetic factors (Medline Plus).
How Can Cosmetic Products Trigger Rosacea?
Cosmetic products can play a role in managing rosacea and improving skin condition. Specifically, there are products and techniques suitable for sensitive skin that help avoid itching, stinging, and burning, and minimize irritation.
It’s essential to avoid cosmetics rich in alcohol, witch hazel, fragrance, menthol, peppermint, eucalyptus oil, astringents, and exfoliating agents (National Rosacea Society).
Ideal products should be non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), non-acnegenic (won’t cause acne), and non-irritating, but rather gentle and hypoallergenic (News Medical Life Science, 2023).
How Widespread Is Rosacea?
Given that rosacea is often mistaken for simple acne, a natural question arises: how many people actually suffer from rosacea worldwide?
Thanks to a 2018 study by the National Rosacea Society, an approximate figure was determined: 415 million people! The global prevalence of rosacea is estimated at 5.46% of the adult population, primarily women under the age of 30 (Gether et al., 2018).
Although no epidemiological studies have been published in the U.S., the number of Americans with rosacea is estimated at over 16 million, based on a 5% prevalence rate derived from global studies and national ethnic composition.
One factor that influences rosacea diagnosis is skin tone: it appears to be underreported in non-white populations—not because it's less common, but due to the difficulty in detecting redness and inflammation on darker skin.
Fortunately, this is changing: while in 2010 only 2% of rosacea patients were Black, 2.3% Asian or Pacific Islander, and 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, today the number has reached up to 40 million cases, with a 10% prevalence rate (Alexis et al., 2019).
In Italy, rosacea is also widespread, with around 3.2 million patients, although the disease is still underestimated and only 1 in 10 people consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis (Quotidiano Sanità, 2015).
How Rosacea Affects Our Self-Esteem
The face plays a vital role in our lives and self-esteem: it’s the first thing we see in the mirror and the first thing others see in any interaction. As a result, people with rosacea suffer from social judgment. However, there are not many studies on the psychosocial impact of rosacea, unlike other chronic skin conditions such as acne or vitiligo.
Additionally, rosacea is heavily stigmatized due to ignorance: many people mistakenly believe it signals alcohol abuse, a violent temperament, or shame, and associate it with working-class status or betrayal (Heisig et al., 2018). A 2016 study of 807 adults with rosacea in the UK, France, Germany, and the U.S. showed that about one-third had experienced stigmatization at least once in their lives, with 49% of that group being men (Halioua et al., 2016). The idea of going out with a damaged face and feeling everyone’s eyes on you only intensifies negative thoughts, worries, and stress, which worsen rosacea symptoms. The result is a vicious cycle that may lead to serious conditions like depression (Dafne Su et al., 2011).
Rosacea on Social Media: Celebrities and Influencers Speak Out
Rosacea is far more common than we think, but it is often overlooked because it’s mistaken for acne or other less severe facial imperfections.
It’s so common that many celebrities suffer from it: Sofia Vergara, Pink, Mariah Carey, Cameron Diaz, Sam Smith, Naomi Watts, Renée Zellweger, Bill Clinton, and male members of the British Royal Family such as William, Harry, and even King Charles III (Ranker, 2023).
Social media also abounds with influencers sharing their experiences living with rosacea. One of them is Lex Gillies, who started her beauty blog in 2013 to talk about makeup, raise awareness about rosacea, and share messages of solidarity and positivity. However, the media “thanked” her in their own way: beyond the usual emotional and psychological harm from online trolls, she also faced censorship—Instagram and Facebook removed photos from Sophie Harris-Taylor’s “Epidermis” series for being “undesirable.” Lex expressed her anger in a blog post, which gave rise to the hashtag #undesirablesofinstagram. Other “undesirables” began sharing photos of their faces with the hashtag, sparking a true movement (Cosmopolitan, 2019).
Among the many influencers fighting for skin acceptance and self-esteem are also Joanna and Rose Gallagher. They created personal blogs to share their experiences with rosacea and offer advice on ingredients, techniques, and helpful products to alleviate symptoms. Joanna and Rose use social media to raise awareness, normalize skin imperfections, share positive and inspirational messages, and offer virtual hugs to their “rosacea brothers and sisters.”
Bringing the Celebration of Authentic Beauty from Rosacea Awareness Month into Everyday Life
Rosacea Awareness Month reminds us that true beauty lies in authenticity and resilience. Every mark on our skin tells a story of challenges and inner strength. By raising awareness of rosacea, we celebrate daily victories and commit to building a more inclusive world. Through empathy and understanding, we can use rosacea as a platform to spread messages of courage and self-belief. Every act of kindness helps spread hope and inspires others to embrace their authentic beauty and the unique brilliance of every person.
FAQs
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that mainly affects the face—particularly the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. It causes redness, visible blood vessels, burning, itching, and sometimes pus-filled bumps or eye irritation. It's more common than people think and can significantly impact quality of life and self-esteem.
What is the main cause of rosacea?
The exact cause of rosacea is still unknown, but several factors can trigger or worsen it. These include alcohol consumption, spicy or hot foods, UV exposure, stress, temperature extremes, certain bacteria and mites, and genetic predisposition. Many of these triggers cause blood vessels in the skin to dilate, leading to redness and inflammation.
What are the 4 types of rosacea?
There are four main types of rosacea: Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea – causes persistent redness and visible blood vessels; Papulopustular rosacea – presents with red bumps and pus-filled blemishes, often mistaken for acne; Phymatous rosacea – leads to thickened skin and irregular texture, especially on the nose; Ocular rosacea – affects the eyes, causing redness, dryness, and irritation.
How do you know if you have rosacea?
Common signs of rosacea include facial redness, visible capillaries, bumps that resemble acne, burning or itching sensations on the skin, and in some cases, dry or irritated eyes. If you experience these symptoms, especially in flare-ups, it’s important to consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.
How rare is rosacea?
Rosacea is not rare- it affects over 415 million people worldwide, which is about 5.46% of the adult population. In Italy alone, around 3.2 million people are affected. However, it's often underdiagnosed or mistaken for other conditions like acne, especially among people with darker skin tones.
How does rosacea affect you mentally?
Rosacea can significantly impact mental health and self-esteem. Because it affects the face, many people feel socially judged or stigmatized. Studies show that about one-third of those with rosacea experience feelings of stigma, and this emotional toll can lead to stress, anxiety, or even depression.
How can I be confident with rosacea?
Building confidence with rosacea starts with understanding your skin and using gentle, non-irritating skincare products. Avoid known triggers, practice self-care, and follow a dermatologist’s advice. Many influencers and celebrities are openly sharing their experiences, helping normalize rosacea and promote skin acceptance.
What famous person has rosacea?
Several well-known celebrities have shared their experience with rosacea, including Sofia Vergara, Pink, Mariah Carey, Cameron Diaz, Sam Smith, Naomi Watts, and even King Charles III. Their openness helps raise awareness and reduce stigma around the condition.
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