Rosacea & Sensitive Skin: A Holistic Esthetician's Guide to Calm, Clear Skin

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that appears on the face as flushing and redness, bumps and pimples, and small visible blood vessels called telangiectasia. The range of possible causes includes a compromised immune system, nervous system and facial blood vessel dysfunction, and the presence of microbes and demodex mites.

Rosacea can be a vicious cycle — the more you worry about its appearance, the likelier it is to flare up at the worst possible time. The good news is that with advances in facial treatments and holistic skincare, achieving clear, calm skin is increasingly possible.

What Causes Rosacea?

Although the exact cause of rosacea is unknown, various theories have evolved over the years. In esthetician school, we were taught that clients with ancestors from the British Isles were more prone to couperose, rosacea, and sensitive skin. Today, it seems many skin types and cultures are experiencing increased skin sensitivity — likely due to environmental factors, stress, and the widespread use of harsh skincare products.

A Holistic Esthetician's Perspective

As the owner of Le Vie Skincare and a holistic esthetician with over 26 years of experience, I've seen and treated clients with sensitive skin, couperose, and rosacea throughout my career. In the last 14 years, I've seen more sensitive skin and rosacea cases than ever before.

I believe many factors contribute to this rise — environmental stressors, chronic stress, and topical products including lotions, makeup, and sunscreens that contain ingredients which sensitize and damage the skin barrier over time. Most clients who come to me have been using skincare products that are not appropriate for their skin type — products with comedogenic, harsh, or toxic ingredients that harm the barrier. Over time, a damaged barrier leads to increasingly sensitive skin.

Products That Help Calm & Repair Rosacea-Prone Skin

In 2011, I launched the Calm and Repair Crème to help clients with dry, flaky, and irritated skin. My goal was for clients to leave their facial treatment without red, irritated skin. This crème is formulated to protect the skin barrier, deeply hydrate, and calm redness over time.

For nighttime repair, the newest addition to the line is the Aroma Night Balm — a deeply nourishing balm that can be used during the face massage portion of a facial to calm, soothe, and nourish the face, neck, and décolleté.

Most skin types benefit from using serums under their moisturizer to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin for lasting results.

Rosacea Triggers to Avoid

There are many triggers that can cause rosacea to flare. Here are the most common ones to watch for:

• Diet: Dairy, spicy foods, alcohol (especially red wine), and potentially gluten and sugar, which can cause inflammation
• Temperature extremes: Hot showers, saunas, and hot water on the face — always wash with cool, tepid water to protect capillaries
• Harsh skincare ingredients: Avoid products with comedogenic, toxic, or sensitizing ingredients
• Stress: A key trigger — managing stress holistically is an important part of skin health

I recommend a food allergy test from your naturopath or doctor if you suspect dietary triggers. I also recommend Fullscript — a trusted, high-quality supplements and health platform where you can find supplements, makeup, and receive 20% off your first order.

Facial Treatments for Rosacea

Facial treatments can be very beneficial for rosacea-prone skin. I teach estheticians in my Holistic Esthetician Training program specific treatments and massage techniques that help diffuse redness, calm the skin, and detox the lymphatic system. I recommend a series of facials every one to two weeks over a month-long period for best results.

Get a Personalized Skincare Plan

Every skin is different. Fill out the Skin Quiz for a complimentary, customized skincare program to get the best results for your skin. If you'd like a list of ingredients to avoid, mention that when you fill out the quiz.

Remember — your skin is your largest organ. Taking care of it from the inside out is the foundation of lasting skin health.

For more skin tips, follow the beauty blog at lesliemorand.com

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🌐 www.lesliemorand.com

Le Vie Skincare by Leslie Morand — Holistic Esthetician & Trainer, Solana Beach, CA