Rosacea Awareness Month: Understanding Redness, Triggers & Treatment Options

Dr. Jennifer Breedlove, board-certified dermatologist, here!

April is Rosacea Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating patients and communities about this common yet often misunderstood skin condition.

At Love Dermatology & Aesthetics, we’re here to help you understand what rosacea really is, what causes it to flare, and how to manage it safely and effectively—without harsh chemicals.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been battling redness for years, there are more options than ever to help you regain control and confidence in your skin.

What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the central face. It can cause:

  •   Persistent redness

  •   Flushing

  •   Visible blood vessels (telangiectasia)

  •   Acne-like bumps

  •   Skin sensitivity

  •   Eye irritation (ocular rosacea)

Rosacea affects over 16 million Americans, and while the exact cause is unknown, research points to a combination of genetics, immune system responses, and environmental factors.

Common Rosacea Triggers

Rosacea flares can be unpredictable—but there are common culprits you should be aware of:

  •   Sun exposure (even in cooler weather)

  •   Spicy foods

  •   Alcohol, especially red wine

  •   Hot beverages

  •   Stress and anxiety

  •   Heat and humidity

  •   Wind and cold weather

  •   Harsh skincare products

  •   Strenuous exercise

Pro Tip: Keeping a trigger journal can help you identify your personal patterns.

What You Should and Should Not Do for Rosacea

DO:

  •   Wear daily sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher, mineral preferred)

  •   Use lukewarm water when washing your face

  •   Stick to simple routines with calming ingredients

  •   Treat flares early—don’t wait for them to get worse

  •   Book with a board-certified dermatologist or licensed PA for accurate diagnosis and care

DON’T:

  •   Use scrubs, exfoliating brushes, or gritty cleansers

  •   Try every internet “cure” or overuse active ingredients

  •   Ignore ocular symptoms (burning, stinging, watery eyes)

  •   Assume all redness is rosacea—get a professional evaluation

Redness Relief Without Harsh Chemicals

For patients with rosacea, less is more. Avoid harsh scrubs, alcohol-based toners, and over-exfoliating. Instead, look for:

  •   Fragrance-free moisturizers

  •   Gentle creamy cleansers (non-foaming)

  •   Niacinamide – soothes and strengthens the skin barrier

  •   Azelaic acid – calms inflammation and helps clear bumps

  •   Green-tinted moisturizers or primers – neutralize redness for immediate visual relief

How We Treat Rosacea at Love Dermatology

Each patient’s rosacea journey is unique. That’s why we offer personalized treatment plans combining lifestyle guidance, medical therapy, and aesthetic options. Common treatments include:

  •   Topical medications (like metronidazole, ivermectin, or azelaic acid)

  •   Oral antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications

  •   Laser therapy- an effective and safe way to reduce redness, broken capillaries, and flushing. 

Most patients need a series of treatments, spaced 4–6 weeks apart. 

  •   Skincare consultations to build a safe and effective routine 

These treatments are non-invasive with minimal downtime. An LD Skincare Expert will tailor a plan to your specific skin type and rosacea subtype.

And because rosacea can be emotionally challenging, we always treat the wellness of the whole person, not just the skin.

Ready to Calm the Redness?

If you’re dealing with persistent redness or rosacea symptoms, don’t wait. Early intervention can prevent progression and help you feel more in control. Our experienced team at Love Dermatology & Aesthetics is here to guide you every step of the way.

Call today to schedule a consultation with an LD Skincare Expert  and let us help you find lasting relief and renewed skin confidence.