Facial Flushing: Is it Just Normal Redness or Rosacea?

While facial redness is a common symptom of rosacea, not all facial redness is caused by this condition or should be mistaken for it. Knowing which one you have is the key to finding a long-term solution and start taking preventative measures to avoid future flares.

Continue reading as our aesthetic clinic in Singapore helps you tell the difference between normal facial redness and rosacea, and how to manage the symptoms of the latter. 

Is it persistent?

Typical redness due to acne or skin irritation eventually fades and does not linger. This, however, is not the case with rosacea; its most common sign is persistent facial redness. This may look like a blush or sunburn with visible facial veins (broken blood vessels) and other related symptoms, such as:

• Small papules and pimples
• Thickened skin
• Nasal bumps or an enlarged nose
• Eye irritation (sore, itchy, dry, or watery eyes)

It is also worth noting that rosacea has different subtypes, which are based on their predominant signs and symptoms. These include: 

• Erythematotelangiectatic – marked by persistent redness and visible blood vessels, particularly on the center of the face.
• Papulopustular – also characterized by persistent redness with papules (small, red bumps) and pustules (pus-filled spots) that may resemble acne.
• Phymatous – involves thickening/hardening of the skin, particularly on the nose, which may result in a bulbous appearance.
• Ocular – affects the eyes, with symptoms such as dryness, burning, stinging, itching, and sensitivity to light. There are also cases where it may accompany blurred vision and cysts on the eyelids.

For further reading: Flushing Cheeks: 5 Common Myths About Rosacea

Does it feel hot?

Normal facial redness can be accompanied by mild warmth or no sensation at all. Rosacea, on the other hand, involves warmth, itching, or a burning sensation. Areas affected by this condition may also feel tender or hot to the touch, even when not actively flushing.

It is also important to keep in mind that rosacea is a chronic, relapsing condition, which means that its symptoms can fluctuate over time. Those with rosacea may experience periods when symptoms are severe, less visible, or even absent (remission). Treatments and lifestyle changes can help control rosacea, leading to periods of remission.

Do certain things trigger it?

Certain foods, situations, or environmental factors can sometimes initiate or exacerbate the redness. It is advisable to know and understand what triggers your skin to flush or become red. 

For normal facial redness, it is triggered by temporary factors and resolves after the trigger is removed. These include:

• Stress
• Anger
• Embarrassment
• Exercise
• Hot or cold temperatures
• Spicy foods
• Alcohol

For rosacea, there is persistent redness and other symptoms that may not always resolve after removing the triggers. These include:

• Sun exposure
• Extreme temperatures (hot or cold)
• Strenuous exercise
• Hot drinks
• Stress
• Spicy foods
• Certain skincare products
• Alcohol and caffeine

The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, but it is believed that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to its development. It is associated with factors such as genetics, an overactive immune system, nerve and blood vessel issues, environmental triggers, and demodex mites (microbes that live on the skin).

Are there bumps that resemble pimples?

While acne (vulgaris) and rosacea are often confused, both are characteristically different in how they affect the skin. Acne is caused when hair follicles become clogged with oils and dead skin cells. It presents with open/closed comedones (whiteheads and blackheads), as well as papules, pustules, and redness on the face.

So, if facial redness is accompanied by bumps that are not whiteheads or blackheads, it could be rosacea. This condition, furthermore, can affect dry skin, while acne is often related to oily skin. Acne can also occur on other areas of the body, while rosacea is localized to the central face. 

How to treat rosacea

There is no cure for rosacea, but a combination of lifestyle changes and skincare can manage its symptoms or reduce their severity. Some may also require long-term treatment, but know that there may also be periods when your symptoms can improve or subside significantly.

Some of the things that can help include:

• Avoid triggers – know your triggers (extreme temperatures, certain foods, skincare ingredients)  or what makes your rosacea worse, and make sure to avoid them.
• Use gels/creams – there are topical medications that can help soothe redness or reduce red spots.
• Consider oral medications – for more severe symptoms, there are tablets and capsules that can reduce redness and other symptoms.
• Protect your skin from the sun – UV exposure from the sun is known to cause/trigger redness and rosacea. It can also damage the skin and contribute to premature aging. So, make it a priority to always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen and limit sun exposure.

How Cutis can help

Aesthetic treatments can also improve related symptoms, including redness, enlarged pores, and telangiectasia (broken blood vessels), and others. Our aesthetic doctors can also develop a personalized plan based on your conditions or symptoms. 

• Laser vein reduction – uses pulses of laser energy to redirect the blood flow where it is supposed to be (the vein deeper below the skin surface). The procedure is non-invasive, which means there is no wound or scarring.
• Laser skin rejuvenation – gently heats the upper dermis using laser energy. This stimulates new collagen growth, as well as generates extra heat in the dilated capillaries. It reduces skin redness commonly associated with rosacea, as well as improves facial veins, scarring, enlarged pores, pigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles.
• IPL Photo Facial – uses intense pulsed light (IPL) to stimulate collagen production and improve overall skin condition. It also helps improve tiny facial veins, facial flushing, pigmentation, sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles.
• Meso-Tox – combines Dermapen 4 microneedling with small doses of botulinum toxin (mixed with formulated serums). This formula is infused into the skin’s top layers, targeting areas with excessive sweating or wrinkles without paralyzing the muscles. It can minimize oil production, reduce redness and inflammation, and improve skin texture.

Schedule a consultation today

Don’t let facial redness lower your confidence. Whether it’s a normal flush or a sign of rosacea, Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore can help. WhatsApp us today at +65 9780 2079 to schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctor.