Understanding Rosacea: What You Need to Know During Rosacea Awareness Month

At Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa, we are passionate about helping our patients feel confident in their skin every single month – but April’s Rosacea Awareness Month gives us the perfect opportunity to shine a spotlight on a skin condition that often goes undiscussed, yet affects an estimated 16 million Americans and millions more around the world.

Rosacea is more than just a little redness or occasional blushing. It is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that can significantly impact not only the appearance of your skin but also your self-esteem, social confidence, and overall quality of life. Many individuals living with rosacea find themselves navigating frustrating flare-ups and struggling to find treatments that truly work. The good news is that with professional guidance, targeted treatments, and the right skincare routine, rosacea can be managed effectively – and your skin can begin to feel calm, clear, and confident again.

What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a progressive inflammatory condition that most often affects the central face – think cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. While it can affect anyone, it is most commonly seen in individuals with fair skin, and more often in women between the ages of 30 and 50. Because its symptoms can mimic acne, allergic reactions, or general skin sensitivity, many people do not even realize they have it until the condition worsens or becomes chronic.

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent redness or flushing, especially on the cheeks, nose, and forehead
• Small, visible blood vessels (telangiectasia)
• Acne-like breakouts or bumps
• Increased skin sensitivity and dryness
• Burning or stinging sensations
• Eye irritation or dryness (ocular rosacea)
• Skin thickening or an enlarged nose (phymatous rosacea, in more advanced stages)

What Triggers Rosacea Flares?

Rosacea can flare up for many reasons, and learning what triggers your flare-ups is one of the most important steps in managing the condition. These triggers vary from person to person, but some of the most common include:

• Sun exposure – UV rays are one of the most frequent flare-up culprits
• Hot weather or temperature extremes – including wind and humidity
• Spicy foods and alcohol – especially red wine
• Stress and emotional changes – stress hormones can exacerbate inflammation
• Hot beverages – coffee, tea, or even hot soup can trigger flushing
• Heavy exercise – increased body heat and sweating can lead to redness
• Skincare products – those with alcohol, fragrances, or acids can irritate rosacea-prone skin

At Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa, we work closely with our patients to identify their personal triggers, often using skin diaries or digital tracking tools. This empowers patients to take control of their skincare and avoid the environmental and lifestyle factors that worsen their condition.

Medical-Grade Skincare That Supports Rosacea-Prone Skin

Managing rosacea is not just about avoiding triggers – it is also about healing and strengthening the skin’s barrier with professional-grade, anti-inflammatory skincare products. We recommend products that are gentle, non-comedogenic, and specifically formulated for sensitive or reactive skin.

Here are some favorites from ZO® Skin Health that we trust and recommend:

• Rozatrol® – This lightweight serum is specially formulated for red, sensitized skin. It helps normalize skin turnover, reduce excess sebum, and calm visible inflammation. Patients love the immediate comfort it provides, and over time, it helps reduce chronic redness and flare-ups.
• Complexion Clearing Serum – For those who experience breakouts alongside rosacea (often confused with acne), this serum gently reduces bacteria and surface oil without drying or irritating the skin, making it ideal for inflammatory pustules seen in papulopustular rosacea.

In-Clinic Treatments That Help Calm Rosacea

At our clinic, rosacea treatment is not one-size-fits-all. We offer customized treatment plans that combine home care with non-invasive, in-office procedures designed to reduce inflammation, improve texture, and support long-term skin health.

Some of our most effective treatments include:

HydraFacial™ with Rozatrol Booster

This gentle yet powerful facial treatment uses patented vortex technology to cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate the skin. When paired with the Rozatrol booster, it offers additional anti-inflammatory support, instantly calming sensitive skin while helping improve redness and hydration. Patients leave glowing, without the irritation often associated with facials.

Mandelic Acid Peel

A gentle chemical peel, Mandelic acid is ideal for rosacea-prone skin due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It provides light exfoliation to smooth the skin and reduce buildup while remaining gentle enough for sensitive complexions. This peel offers a refreshed, more even-toned appearance without downtime or discomfort.

Venus Viva™ Skin Resurfacing

For more persistent redness, rough texture, or enlarged pores, Venus Viva™ uses fractional radiofrequency to resurface the skin while stimulating collagen production. It is a go-to treatment for patients with advanced rosacea-related texture changes, providing long-term improvement in tone and skin integrity.

Our Approach: Personalized, Professional, and Compassionate

At Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa, we understand that rosacea is personal. It looks different on everyone, and what works for one patient might not work for another. That is why our care is individualized and physician-led. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Olga Bachilo, a board-certified plastic surgeon, our team crafts customized protocols that prioritize skin health and patient comfort.

Our rosacea-focused care includes:

• Barrier repair strategies to reduce skin sensitivity
• Treatments to minimize chronic redness and flushing
• Acne-style breakout management for papulopustular rosacea
• Education and lifestyle coaching for long-term management
• A supportive environment where patients feel heard and cared for

Don’t Let Rosacea Dim Your Glow

Living with rosacea can be frustrating, but you are not alone – and you are not without options. This Rosacea Awareness Month, we invite you to take control of your skin’s health. Whether you are just noticing symptoms or have struggled with redness for years, our team is here to help you rediscover calm, clear, and beautiful skin.