Understanding Rosacea: A Guide for Licensed Estheticians

Rosacea Awareness: What Estheticians Should Know to Support Clients with Rosacea

April marks Rosacea Awareness Month, a time to spotlight a common, yet often misunderstood skin condition that affects an estimated 16 million Americans. As licensed estheticians, understanding rosacea and how to care for clients with sensitive, rosacea-prone skin is essential—not just for skin health, but for boosting client confidence and comfort.

What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that typically affects the central face, causing redness, flushing, visible blood vessels, bumps, and sensitivity. While rosacea is more common in fair-skinned individuals, it can affect all skin tones and types. It often develops in adults over the age of 30 and can fluctuate between flare-ups and periods of remission.

The 4 Subtypes of Rosacea

Each client’s rosacea may present differently, making it important to understand the subtypes:

1. Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea (ETR)/Subtype 1: Characterized by persistent redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels.

2. Papulopustular Rosacea/Subtype 2: Appears with acne-like breakouts and may be confused with traditional acne.

3. Phymatous Rosacea/Subtype 3: Leads to thickened skin, most commonly around the nose (rhinophyma), and may cause enlarged pores and texture changes.

4. Ocular Rosacea/Subtype 4: Affects the eyes, causing redness, irritation, and dryness—this may occur with or without facial symptoms.

   
   

What Causes Rosacea?

The exact cause of rosacea remains unclear, but several contributing factors have been identified:

• Genetic predisposition

• Immune system overactivity

• Demodex mites (naturally found on skin but in higher populations in rosacea clients)

• Environmental and lifestyle triggers such as sun exposure, hot beverages, spicy foods, alcohol, stress, and extreme temperatures

Supporting Clients with Rosacea: Tips for the Treatment Room

While rosacea cannot be cured at this time, it can be managed with the right approach. As estheticians, your role is to help calm the skin, reduce inflammation, and educate clients on how to prevent flare-ups.

Here are some important considerations for esthetic services:

• Always perform a thorough consultation. Determine subtype, severity, and identify potential triggers.

• Focus on barrier repair and hydration. Avoid harsh exfoliants or stimulating procedures during flare-ups.

• Use cool temperatures during facials. Warm steam and hot towels can trigger redness and inflammation.

⚠️ Note: Be sure to stay within your scope of practice. Diagnosis and medical treatment of rosacea must be performed by a qualified healthcare provider. Estheticians can support skin health through gentle, topical care and by educating clients about skincare best practices.

Rosacea-Friendly Products Available at

MedSpa Distributors

MedSpa Distributors offers several product lines with formulations ideal for clients with sensitive or rosacea-prone skin, including:

🌿 Hale & Hush

• Specifically formulated for sensitive and compromised skin types in mind.

• Key Picks: Quiet Wash, Vital Lipid Lotion, and Relief Bio-Powder—all fragrance-free, calming, and rich in barrier-supporting ingredients.

🌱 NeoGenesis

• Utilizes patented S²RM® (stem cell released molecules) technology to naturally support skin renewal and reduce inflammation.

• Key Picks: Recovery, Booster, Barrier Renewal Cream, and Moisturizing Mist—all great for soothing redness and restoring balance. Recovery and Barrier Renewal Cream can be helpful for type 2 clients struggling with the constant breakouts and stinging sensations. Booster alongside the Barrier Renewal Cream helps bring redness down and helps quench dryness for type 1 clients.

🌸 RadX Therapies

• Offers antioxidant-rich formulas designed to protect and calm photo-sensitive and rosacea-prone skin.

• Key Pick: RadX Radiation Therapy for post-treatment hydration and ongoing redness relief.

💧 Dermastart Brands: ClearChoice® & Prana SpaCeuticals®

• Formulated with advanced actives that are gentle on sensitized skin.

  • ClearChoice

    • Key Pick: ClearChoice ISO Moisture – special blend of nourishing botanicals (Centella Asiatica, Green Tea, Soy) that help fight free radicals. Recent studies have shown that Green Tea is a superior extract for anti-aging, strengthening elasticity, and calming rosacea.

    • Key Pick: ClearChoice Hydrating Masque - This combination treatment masque can be used as a night moisturizer to replenish thirsty skin and calm rosacea flare-ups. 

    • Key Pick: ClearChoice Urban Shield - Counteracts and neutralizes red tones in the skin. This makes it particularly effective for covering up redness caused by acne, rosacea, or other skin irritations.

  • Prana SpaCeuticals

    • Key Pick: Prana SpaCeuticals® Green Apple Enzyme Masque – Perfect therapy for acne, Rosacea, and skin brightening treatments, Green Apple Enzyme Masque is fortified with vitamins and antioxidants to replenish, nourish, and protect the skin.

✨ TIZO Mineral Sunscreen

• Essential for rosacea clients to reduce UV-induced flare-ups. TIZO offers non-irritating, physical sun protection that's free of chemical filters, dyes, and fragrances.

Reach out to one of MedSpa Distributors' Licensed Esthetician Brand Experience Managers for information about rosacea friendly products.