Rosacea & Sensitive Skin: Everything You Need to Know

Sensitive skin is often a reactive skin condition that may respond to certain skincare ingredients, product types, or even specific foods that trigger inflammation. These reactions can be sporadic rather than constant, making it important to stay mindful and observe patterns. Sensitivities can also intensify over time. It's a good idea to keep a food and skincare diary tracking what you’ve eaten in the days prior or any new or unusual beauty products you’ve used. Some people with rosacea-prone or reactive skin even experience flare-ups from essential oils, fragrance in skincare, or environmental triggers like diffusers or scented candles. 

That’s why at Ella & Jo, we carefully formulate our products with gentle, skin-loving ingredients designed to nourish, protect, and calm even the most reactive skin.

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that mostly affects the face. It often begins with episodes of flushing or redness on areas like the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead, but over time, it can progress to include visible blood vessels, red bumps, swelling, and even eye irritation in some cases. Often referred to as “the curse of the Celts”, rosacea can be a minor daily inconvenience or something that deeply impacts your confidence. While there’s no cure, it’s a long-term condition that can be managed with the right skincare, lifestyle adjustments, and awareness of personal triggers.

What Causes Rosacea?

Rosacea doesn’t have one clear cause, but several triggers and underlying factors can make symptoms worse:

Common Rosacea Triggers:

• Spicy foods, alcohol (especially red wine)

• Sun exposure or heat (saunas, hot drinks)

• Stress and emotional changes

• Harsh skincare or certain ingredients (like Vitamin C or chemical SPF)

• Hormonal fluctuations (especially around menstruation or menopause)

• Gut health issues like leaky gut or food sensitivities

What are the different types of Rosacea?

There are four primary subtypes:

1. Subtype 1 (Erythematotelangiectatic): Redness, flushing, heat, and skin tightness

2. Subtype 2 (Papulopustular): Red, acne-like bumps or pustules on the face

3. Subtype 3 (Phymatous): Thickened skin, especially around the nose, with enlarged pores

4. Ocular Rosacea: Affects the eyes with redness, watering, and irritation

It’s possible to have more than one subtype. Skin types also vary some have dry, tight skin, while others have oilier, breakout-prone skin.

What’s the difference between sensitive skin and rosacea?

Sensitive skin is a reactive skin condition where you might experience redness, burning, or stinging after using certain products or being exposed to environmental triggers. It can appear sporadically and may fade over time.

Rosacea, on the other hand, is a chronic skin condition. It involves long-term symptoms like persistent redness, visible blood vessels, and in some cases, red bumps that resemble acne. Rosacea can be triggered by food, stress, hormones, heat, or even alcohol.

What are common symptoms of a rosacea flare?

Symptoms of a rosacea flare can include: -

• Intense facial redness and flushing

• Heat or burning sensations

• Inflammatory bumps or pustules

• Swelling and tightness

• Eye irritation (in ocular rosacea)

Keeping a consistent skincare routine and being mindful of your food, hormonal cycle, and stress levels can help reduce flare frequency.

What Skincare Products Can Help with Rosacea?

When it comes to managing rosacea, skincare should be gentle, hydrating, and focused on barrier repair. The key is to choose products that suit your specific skin type whether that’s dry, oily, or somewhere in between.

For Dry, Rosacea-Prone Skin:

Dry, rosacea-prone skin often feels tight, flaky, and easily irritated. The key to managing

 it is using rich, barrier-repairing skincare that deeply nourishes and soothes inflammation. One of the best options for this is the Nourish & Glow Oil a luxurious, skin-loving blend designed specifically to calm sensitivity and restore balance.

Infused with Vitamin A, the Nourish & Glow Oil supports skin cell renewal, strengthens the skin barrier, and delivers long-term hydration all without clogging pores or overwhelming delicate skin. It's the perfect go-to for those looking to treat dryness, redness, and rosacea symptoms with a single product.

For Oily or Combination Rosacea-Prone Skin:

Those with oily or breakout-prone rosacea need skincare that delivers hydration without clogging pores. The goal is to find lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas that soothe inflammation and help balance excess oil.

The Hydrating Hyaluronic Serum is an ideal choice—it offers deep, long-lasting hydration thanks to hyaluronic acid, while niacinamide works to reduce redness, calm irritation, and regulate oil production. Perfectly suited for rosacea-prone skin, the Hydrating Hyaluronic Serum supports a healthier, calmer complexion without adding heaviness or triggering flare-ups.

Which ingredients should I look for in rosacea-friendly skincare?

When choosing rosacea skincare, it’s important to look for ingredients that are known to calm inflammation, hydrate the skin, and strengthen the barrier without causing further irritation. One of the most effective ingredients is niacinamide, a multitasker that helps reduce redness, soothe irritation, and balance oil production. 

Hyaluronic acid is another must-have. It delivers deep hydration without clogging pores, making it perfect for both oily and dry skin types. It’s featured in both our Hydrating Hyaluronic Serum and our refreshing 3-in-1 Hyaluronic Skin Mist, which also contains calming green tea and chamomile natural botanicals that soothe inflammation and promote balance.

To further calm and repair the skin, aloe vera and glycerin are excellent ingredients for restoring hydration and comfort, especially during or after a flare-up.

Can You Use Anti-Ageing Skincare if You Have Rosacea?

Yes, you absolutely can use anti-ageing skincare with rosacea, but the key is choosing gentle actives that support the skin without causing flare-ups. Many mainstream anti-ageing products use harsh ingredients that can worsen sensitivity, which is why all Ella & Jo products are designed to balance skin renewal with barrier support.

Our Relax & Renew Night Cream is a perfect example formulated with gentle actives, it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines while keeping sensitive skin calm and nourished. The Nourish & Glow Oil is another favourite, infused with Vitamin A to promote healthy skin cell turnover without irritation.

What Else Helps During a Rosacea Flare?

Beyond skincare, these tips can help calm the skin:

• Cold compress or cryo globes to reduce heat and swelling

• LED Blue Light Therapy to reduce inflammation

• Supplements for gut health (if recommended by your doctor)

• Keep makeup brushes clean – bacteria can trigger flare-ups

• Track hormonal changes, food triggers, and stress

Managing rosacea and sensitive skin doesn’t have to mean compromising on glow, hydration, or anti-ageing benefits. With the right ingredients and a consistent routine, calm and confidence are totally possible.

Explore the full range of Ella & Jo products each one carefully formulated to soothe sensitivity, strengthen your skin barrier, and help you feel good in your skin every day.