Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory dermatosis with a complex aetiology involving vascular dysregulation, innate immune dysfunction, microbiome imbalances, and epidermal barrier impairment. It affects over 400 million people globally and presents in several subtypes, from erythematotelangiectatic rosacea to papulopustular and phymatous variants.
One of the most under-addressed mechanisms in rosacea pathogenesis is barrier dysfunction. Studies have shown that impaired stratum corneum function contributes to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), heightened neurovascular sensitivity, and susceptibility to environmental irritants.
Key Scientific Insights
📖 A 2021 review published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences ("Impaired Skin Barrier in Rosacea Patients") confirms that barrier disruption is both a trigger and a perpetuator of disease activity. View Full Study →
- Rosacea-prone skin shows elevated cathelicidin (LL-37) activity, triggering inflammatory cascades.
- TEWL is significantly increased compared to non-rosacea controls.
- Skin pH may be elevated, exacerbating enzymatic activity and microbial imbalance.
As a result, clinical guidelines increasingly recommend barrier-repair strategies—in tandem with pharmacological interventions—as a primary component of rosacea management.
Implications for Clinical Practice
- Patient education must address the role of barrier restoration in reducing reactivity and flare severity.
- Topical regimens should avoid known irritants (e.g., alcohols, aggressive exfoliants) and instead support lipid replenishment and anti-inflammatory modulation.
- Post-treatment protocols (e.g., following laser or IPL) should prioritise gentle, pH-balanced formulations that reinforce dermal resilience.
Partnering for Evidence-Based Rosacea Care
At Skin Virtue, we collaborate with clinicians who prioritise long-term skin health through science-led solutions. While our formulations are developed with these principles in mind, we recognise that best outcomes come from shared knowledge, continuous education, and personalised protocol design.
We invite our partners—and those exploring new solutions—to engage with the research, understand the biology, and continue building trust with rosacea-prone patients through tailored, evidence-supported care pathways.
Contact us to get a treatment plan / protocol to use in-clinic and at home, sent to your inbox
🔬 Further Reading:
- Impaired Skin Barrier in Rosacea Patients – IJMS (2021)
- Draelos, Z.D., “New perspectives in the treatment of rosacea.” Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
Gary Williams, Author. Bio