What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that most often affects the cheeks, chin, and nose. It presents differently for everyone but typically begins with episodes of flushing that gradually become more frequent, leading to persistent facial redness.

Over time, the skin becomes hyper-reactive and sensitive as the blood vessels swell and weaken. In some cases, papules and pustules (small red bumps) can appear, but true rosacea does not include comedones (blackheads).

Facial swelling may occur when excess fluid and proteins leak from dilated vessels, overwhelming the lymphatic system. The condition is more common in lighter skin types, but anyone can develop it.

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Grades of Rosacea

Grade 1 – Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea:
Characterised by persistent redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels.

 

Grade 2 – Papulopustular Rosacea:
Persistent redness accompanied by temporary papules and pustules.

 

Grade 3 – Phymatous Rosacea:
Skin thickening, often around the nose, causing enlargement from excess tissue.

 

Grade 4 – Ocular Rosacea:
Affects the eyes, causing dryness, burning, swollen eyelids, and in severe cases, corneal damage.

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The Demodex Mite and Bacterial Link

Microscopic Demodex mites are a normal part of the skin’s microbiome, living in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. In rosacea sufferers, these mites are often found in higher concentrations.

Research suggests that an overabundance of Demodex may trigger an immune response or that inflammation could stem from bacteria associated with the mites.

Additionally, many studies show a link between rosacea and poor gut health, particularly Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) a condition where colon-type bacteria populate the small intestine, leading to internal inflammation that manifests on the skin.

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Common Triggers and Contributing Factors

While the exact cause of rosacea remains unknown, several internal and external triggers are known to worsen symptoms:

1. Food and Lifestyle Triggers

High-histamine or inflammatory foods such as sugar, dairy, caffeine, alcohol, gluten, spicy foods, tomatoes, chocolate, and citrus fruits can worsen redness and inflammation.
Smoking, alcohol, and intense exercise or hot environments (baths, saunas) are also common triggers.

2. Environmental and Temperature Changes

Sudden heat, cold, or wind exposure can trigger flare-ups.

3. Demodex Mite Overgrowth

Reducing Demodex populations with professional treatments like Alkaline Therapy or DMK Acu Masque can significantly reduce pain, redness, and sensitivity.

4. Elevated Cortisol (Stress Hormone)

Stress and anxiety raise cortisol levels, leading to inflammation within the skin and body.

5. Essential Fatty Acid (EFA) Deficiency

EFAs strengthen cell membranes and support a healthy barrier function. When deficient, the skin becomes vulnerable, leading to oxygen-deprived capillaries (often seen as “broken capillaries”).

6. Family History

Rosacea often runs in families; many clients report a close relative with similar symptoms.

7. Medications

Certain blood-pressure drugs, painkillers, or topical steroid creams can aggravate rosacea.

8. Hormonal Changes and Menopause

Hot flushes and hormonal fluctuations can trigger or worsen symptoms.

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In-Clinic Treatment Options

Professional treatments help restore barrier function, reduce inflammation, and rebalance skin activity.

• LED Light Therapy: Alternating 633 nm (red) and 833 nm (infrared) wavelengths to repair cell function and strengthen the barrier.

• Alkaline Skin Treatment: Reduces Demodex mites and desensitises reactive skin.

• DMK Enzyme Therapy: Increases oxygenation, lymphatic drainage, and cell communication, improving vascular function and overall health.

• Targeted Skin Peels: Gentle resurfacing options that calm, rebalance, and strengthen.

Combination protocols such as alternating LED and Enzyme Therapy can produce exceptional long-term improvements.

 

What You Should Know

Rosacea is a long-term condition that requires consistent management rather than a single “cure.”

The first step is identifying triggers, both internal and external and eliminating them. Internal support is essential:

• Gut health: The Regul8 Digestive Tune Up program helps restore microbiome balance.

• Essential Fatty Acids (EFA Ultra): For barrier repair and reduced inflammation.

• Nutrient support: Ensure adequate levels of zinc, iron, and vitamin B.

A typical starting point for homecare might include DMK EFA Ultra, Beta Gel, Seba-E Oil, Herb & Mineral Mist, and Betagen or Transgenesis Cream to rebuild the barrier and calm inflammation.

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Your Next Step: Book a Professional Rosacea Consultation

Managing rosacea is about understanding your skin from the inside out. At The Lab, our therapists combine clinical treatments, customised skincare, and internal support to help you reduce redness, sensitivity, and flare-ups for good.

If you’re ready to take control of your skin and feel confident again, we’re here to help.

👉 Book your Rosacea Consultation at The Lab Masterton today and let us design a personalised plan for calm, balanced, radiant skin.

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Homecare Prescriptives for Rosacea

Cleansers

• DMK Milk Cleanser

• DMK Deep Pore Cleanser

• DMK Enbioment Cleanser

• O Cosmedics Gentle Antioxidant Cleanser

• Juvenate Photo Cleanser

 

Serums

• DMK Beta Gel

• DMK Direct Delivery Vitamin C

• DMK Super Serum

• DMK Enbioment Serum

• O Cosmedics Repair Serum

• O Cosmedics 3D Hyaluronic Serum

• O Cosmedics B3 Plus

• Juvenate B-Hydrated

• Juvenate Reactivating Complex

 

Exfoliants

• DMK Exoderma Peel

• O Multi-Functional Peel

• O 3-in-1 Fruit Peel

• Juvenate Alpha Resurfacer

 

Masques

• DMK Acu Masque

• DMK Home Enzyme Mask

• O Hydra Sleep-In Mask

• Juvenate Photo Renew Mask

 

Oils

• DMK Seba E Oil

• O Retinoid Oil

• O Vitamin C & Hemp Oil

 

Mists

• DMK Herb & Mineral Mist

• DMK Enbioment Mist

• O-Biome Spray

• Juvenate Phyto Protect Spray

 

Drops

• DMK Pore Reduction Drops

 

Creams

• DMK Betagen

• DMK Biogen C

• DMK Transgenesis

• O Comfort Cream

• O Recovery Cream

• Juvenate ReDesign Cream

 

SPF

• Mesoestetic Mineral Matte Fluid

• Mesoestetic Light Water Veil

• O Mineral Pro SPF 30 | 50+

• Juvenate ReShield SPF

 

Internal Supplements

• DMK EFA Ultra

• Regul8 Digestive Tune Up

• Regul8 Relax

• Hemp Protein

• MSM Flakes

• Black Seed Oil

• Body Biotics

• Krill Oil

 

Specialty Products

• DMK Revitosin

• DMK Red Vein

• DMK FibroMax C

• DMK Foamy Lift with Exoderma

• O Retinol (Potent or Concentrate)

• Juvenate ReAlign

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