How to apply makeup when suffering from rosacea?

Before considering masking rosacea with makeup, it is crucial to understand it better. As a reminder, rosacea is a chronic skin disorder that affects the face, primarily the forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. It is mainly characterised by the presence of a widespread and extensive redness, rosacea also causes the dilation of small blood vessels in the face, which tends to make them visible. Other symptoms often accompany rosacea, such as hot flushes, skin hypersensitivity, as well as burning sensations and tingling around the affected areas.

The causes of this dermatological disorder are still poorly identified, however, several ongoing studies have demonstrated that certain factors could be responsible for rosacea flare-ups. These include hereditary predisposition, parasitic colonisation, heat, sunlight, stress or a certain diet. These various elements, apart from genetics, are capable of activating receptors present in the epidermis, which have nociceptive and/or inflammatory roles. It has thus been shown that exposure to one or more of the factors mentioned above contributes to promoting hot flushes, redness and sensations of irritation experienced by people affected by rosacea.

This skin disease tends to progress over time and operates in cycles. Thus, symptoms manifest for weeks or months, then may disappear before reappearing more intensely. Indeed, while rosacea initially causes redness, more severe symptoms can emerge over time, such as red pimples filled with pus, significant skin thickening, or even eye involvement. Four subtypes of rosacea have been identified:

• Vascular rosacea or thread veins.

  This is the most common form of rosacea. It primarily induces hot flushes, temporary or permanent redness known as erythema, heightened skin sensitivity, and the dilation of vessels beneath the skin, becoming visible.

• Papulopustular rosacea.

  It is sometimes mistaken for acne due to the presence of red spots, or even pustules, in addition to redness. Papulopustular rosacea is also accompanied by feelings of tightness and sensations of burning and discomfort.

• Hypertrophic rosacea.

  This rare form is characterised by a thickening of the skin and a dilation of the skin pores on the nose, referred to as "rhinophyma". This is a major complication of rosacea, due to the aesthetic damage it causes. The skin thickening is sometimes associated with papulo-pustules and can extend to the rest of the face.

• The Ocular Rosacea.

  Rosacea sometimes affects the eyes. In such cases, patients exhibit redness of the eyelids, conjunctivitis, and dry eyes. Often, they also suffer from a persistent sensation of having grains of sand in their eyes.

It is crucial to consult a dermatologist at the first signs of symptoms. Mild rosacea can quickly lead to complications, particularly affecting the eyes.