Sensitive skin and rosacea are both skin conditions that can display similarities in the symptoms they present however they are two different skin conditions that should not be mistaken for one another.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is characterised by flushing, persistent redness in the skin focused in the centre of the face, usually the cheeks, chin, nose and forehead. Other symptoms include telangiectasia (damaged capillaries or dilated surface blood vessels) and sometimes the appearance of papules and pustules. Their symptoms can be triggered by wide variety or emotional and environmental factors. During a flare up, patients may experience itch, dryness and bumpiness of the skin but it is not eczema and steroid should not be used. Another common complaint is that they suffer from oil dysfunction and experience dry but oily skin that do not respond well to off the shelf oil control products.

Patients with sensitive skin also often experience reactions that can be triggered by wide variety of emotional and environmental factors. They may have underlying atopic condition such as eczema, asthma or allergic rhinitis. They may have food allergies and are prone to hives or acne. Things to look out for are flaky skin around the eyes and lips and a a heightened sensitivity to beauty products and fragrance.