Rosacea — the Curse of the Celts

Rosacea is sometimes called “the curse of the Celts,” and if you have it, you'll know why — it does love fair, Irish skin. It's a chronic inflammatory condition that usually shows up on the cheeks, forehead, nose and chin, and while most people who have it have fair skin, it can appear as early as your twenties (though it's most common between thirty and sixty). The reassuring bit: with gentle, consistent care, it can be managed really well. So let me talk you through it.

The four types of rosacea

Rosacea isn't just one thing — there are four types:

• Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea — redness across the cheeks, forehead, chin or nose. The small blood vessels on the cheeks and nose often swell and become visible, with flushing, redness, and skin that can feel swollen and sensitive.
• Acne (papulopustular) rosacea — acne-like breakouts, with very red and sometimes swollen skin. The pimples can contain pus, and the skin is often oily and a little raised.
• Rhinophyma — a rarer form where the skin on the nose thickens and the pores become large and bumpy. It usually affects men, and often comes alongside another type.
• Ocular rosacea — irritated, itchy eyes, swollen eyelids, bloodshot or dry eyes, and a burning or stinging feeling.

What causes it — and what sets it off

Honestly, the exact cause of rosacea still isn't fully known, but the theories include hereditary factors, the immune system, environmental factors, and the demodex mite. What we do understand better are the triggers that can flare it up:

• Temperature extremes — too hot or too cold
• Stress
• Sunlight and wind
• Spicy foods
• Smoking
• Hot drinks like tea and coffee
• The intestinal bacteria Helicobacter pylori
• Alcohol — red wine especially
• Harsh, chemical-filled cosmetic products

Getting it diagnosed

Rosacea really does need to be diagnosed by your GP or dermatologist. Very often people think they have rosacea when in fact they have very sensitive skin that simply blushes easily. Treatment depends on how severe it is — usually oral and topical therapy, and in more severe cases medication, light or laser therapy.

My gentle self-care tips

• Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Be patient — give any new treatment time to work.
• Cleanse morning and night with something mild that won't irritate.
• Never use abrasive treatments or scrubs on rosacea-prone skin.
• If you shave, do it gently and carefully.
• Choose skincare and make-up that's “non-comedogenic” so it won't block your pores — letting your skin breathe and heal.
• Work on lowering the stress in your life where you can.
• Keep a little journal of your flare-ups to help you spot your own triggers and what works for you.

If you'd like some advice on rosacea, or natural, custom-made skincare to gently care for your skin, I'd be so happy to help. You'll find my gentlest picks in my rosacea collection, or just message me at steph@stephkilkenny.com or give me a call on 087 132 8323. 🤍

Steph