Rosacea Archives - Reskin Clinic

Acne Awareness Month – A message about Skin Confidence

As Acne Awareness Month comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect—not just on the visible signs of acne, but on the journey so many individuals go through behind the scenes. Acne isn’t just “a skin issue” or a matter of a few breakouts. For many, it’s a deeply emotional experience that can chip away at confidence, impact mental health, and create frustration when the journey to clear skin feels like a never-ending loop.

At my clinic, we see the real faces behind the statistics—people who’ve tried countless products, followed all the trends, and still find themselves struggling. That’s why I believe it’s so important to go beyond surface-level solutions and look at acne for what it truly is: a systemic condition influenced by a wide array of internal and external factors.

Acne Is Not Just Skin Deep

Acne is a complex inflammatory condition that arises from a combination of factors, including:

• Hormonal fluctuations (especially during puberty, menstruation, or stress)

• Excess oil (sebum) production

• Overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria (like C. acnes)

• Poor cell turnover leading to clogged pores

• Lifestyle choices, including diet, sleep, and stress levels

• Skin barrier health and microbiome imbalance

• Incorrect product use or overuse of harsh actives

Because of this multifactorial nature, acne must be approached holistically. It’s not about “quick fixes”—it’s about understanding your skin as an organ that reflects your internal balance, environment, and habits. And most importantly, it’s about identifying your unique acne triggers and tailoring a plan that addresses the root causes.

Skin Confidence Begins with Understanding

One of the hardest parts of living with acne is the emotional toll. It’s more than just marks on the skin—it’s the way you might avoid social situations, feel like hiding behind makeup, or become hyper-aware in front of a mirror.

But here’s the truth I wish more people knew: You can have active acne and still have healthy skin. Skin health is about more than perfection—it’s about barrier integrity, hydration, inflammation control, and feeling empowered in your skin, even during flare-ups.

This Acne Awareness Month, I want to highlight the importance of skin confidence—the belief that you are more than your breakouts. It’s about learning to care for your skin with patience and consistency, not punishment. It’s about being informed, supported, and guided through the process of healing, not just clearing.

Acne Management, Not Acne Erasure

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. In fact, successful acne treatment isn’t always about complete eradication—it’s about long-term management. Like any chronic or recurring condition, acne may ebb and flow. Your skin’s needs will evolve with age, lifestyle, and hormonal shifts. That’s why education and a tailored plan are crucial.

In my clinic, we focus on:

✅ Individualised skin assessments

✅ Barrier-supportive routines that strengthen, not strip

✅ Lifestyle and nutrition insights that promote internal balance

✅ Safe, effective treatments backed by science and clinical results

✅ Empowering our clients with knowledge and realistic expectations

Moving Forward With Compassion

As this awareness month comes to a close, I encourage you to carry forward what you’ve learned. Whether you’re just starting your skin journey or have been navigating acne for years, know this: You’re not alone, and you deserve support rooted in science and compassion.

Let’s shift the conversation around acne. Let’s normalise real skin. Let’s make space for healing—both physically and emotionally. And most of all, let’s continue to prioritise skin confidence, education, and holistic care.

If you’re ready to take that next step in your skin journey, I’m here to guide you. Book your consultation here.

Because clear skin isn’t just a destination—it’s a journey we take together.

Skin Conditions 101 – Rosacea

Understanding what’s really going on beneath the redness.

Let’s talk about a condition that often goes undiagnosed, mislabelled as “sensitive skin,” and leaves people feeling embarrassed, confused, or frustrated: rosacea.

If you’ve noticed ongoing redness across your cheeks or nose, small visible veins, frequent flushing, or bumps that look a bit like acne—this one’s for you.

What Exactly is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that mostly affects the face, particularly the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. It’s often confused with acne, sensitivity or even allergies—but it’s actually its own unique condition.

The key symptoms include:

• Persistent redness or flushing

• Visible capillaries (called telangiectasia)

• Bumps or pustules (rosacea can look like acne, but it isn’t)

• Burning, stinging or tightness

• Flare-ups triggered by heat, stress, skincare, food or alcohol

What Causes Rosacea?

The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but we do know it’s linked to:

• Vascular hyper-reactivity (your blood vessels are overly responsive)

• Inflammation in the skin and gut

• Compromised skin barrier function

• Genetics – it often runs in families

• Demodex mites – a type of skin mite that lives on your skin but may overpopulate in rosacea-prone skin causing inflammation.

Rosacea is not caused by poor hygiene, and it’s not just surface redness—it’s a sign that your skin is reacting to internal and external triggers.

Common Rosacea Triggers

Understanding your triggers is key to reducing flare-ups. These vary from person to person, but common ones include:

• Hot drinks and spicy food

• Alcohol (especially red wine)

• Heat or sun exposure

• Intense exercise

• Stress or anxiety

• Overly active or fragranced skincare

If any of these seem familiar, your skin could be trying to tell you something.

The Problem With “Sensitive Skin” Labels

Many people with rosacea end up treating it as if it’s just sensitivity—using rich creams or barrier balms and skipping professional guidance. But here’s the thing: rosacea is not just sensitive skin—it’s inflamed, reactive skin that needs a tailored, calm but strategic approach.

Over-moisturising, scrubbing, or piling on thick products can actually make it worse.

How We Treat Rosacea in Clinic

There is no “one cream cures all” when it comes to rosacea—but we do have highly effective ways to manage and reduce it.

In clinic, we work to:

• Calm inflammation and strengthen your skin barrier

• Soothe blood vessel reactivity

• Minimise flare-ups and reduce redness over time

• Support internal triggers, such as gut and stress imbalance

Every plan is customised—because every rosacea case is different.

The Bottom Line? You’re Not Alone

Rosacea can be incredibly emotional to deal with, especially when flare-ups happen out of the blue or makeup just won’t sit right. But you are absolutely not alone—and more importantly, you don’t have to keep struggling on your own.

With the right knowledge, treatment, and support, rosacea can be calmed, controlled, and in many cases—almost invisible.

Let’s Create Your Calm Skin Plan

If you’re struggling with redness, sensitivity, flushing or unexplained skin flare-ups, book in for a consultation and let’s uncover what’s really going on.

We’ll create a personalised rosacea treatment plan that fits your skin, lifestyle and goals—because healthy skin is calm skin.

The Wellness Edit – The skin-gut connection

How Your Gut Health Shapes Your Skin
Did you know that your gut plays a powerful role in the health and appearance of your skin? Often referred to as your “second brain,” your gut is home to trillions of bacteria that impact digestion, immunity, and even your complexion. This is especially true for those with problematic skin, but the benefits of a healthy gut extend to everyone.

The Skin-Gut Connection:
• Clearer Skin: A balanced gut reduces inflammation that can trigger breakouts or redness.
• Radiance Boost: Improved gut health enhances nutrient absorption, giving your skin the building blocks it needs to glow.
• Stronger Barrier: A healthy microbiome supports your skin’s natural defenses, helping it stay hydrated and resilient.
• Calmer Complexion: Probiotics soothe the gut-skin axis, reducing flare-ups in sensitive or reactive skin.
>Advanced Nutrition Programme: Probiotics for Your Skin and Gut
Our go-to solution for enhancing skin and gut health is the Advanced Nutrition Programme’s probiotic supplements, scientifically formulated to nurture the gut-skin connection from within.

Here’s what we recommend:
1. Skin Clear Biome: Ideal for problematic skin, this probiotic blend is specially designed to target congestion, oiliness, and breakouts. Its unique mix of bacteria, zinc, and antioxidants calms inflammation, regulates oil production, and promotes clearer, smoother skin.
2. Skin Youth Biome: Perfect for aging or stressed skin, this advanced formula supports collagen production, hydration, and elasticity. With beneficial bacteria and vitamin C, it reduces fine lines, boosts radiance, and helps you glow from the inside out.

NEW Skin Gut Biome Duo: The ultimate all-in-one solution for your skin and gut. This innovative duo pairs Skin Clear Biome and Skin Youth Biome. Offering targeted benefits for both problematic and aging skin, while delivering powerful gut health support. It’s a comprehensive, convenient approach to vibrant skin and overall wellness.

Take the First Step Toward Skin Confidence
Gut health directly impacts the skin, but by improving your gut health, you can achieve lasting results for your skin and body. These supplements are an effortless addition to your daily routine, and with consistent use, you’ll notice a calmer, clearer, and more radiant complexion.

Ready to Transform Your Skin From Within?
Discover the Advanced Nutrition Programme’s probiotics today and experience the benefits of true inside-out skincare.

Coming Soon: Our Next Wellness Edit
Stay tuned as we continue our wellness journey. In the next instalment, we’ll explore stress and its impact on skin health, plus share ways to manage stress for a calmer mind and glowing skin.

Here’s to healthy skin, happy guts, and radiant confidence! If you feel like your gut health is having an impact on your skin, book your skin consultation here and we can help.

The Wellness Edit – The Gut

How Your Gut Health Shapes Your Skin
Did you know that your gut plays a powerful role in the health and appearance of your skin? Often referred to as your “second brain,” your gut is home to trillions of bacteria that impact digestion, immunity, and even your complexion. This is especially true for those with problematic skin, but the benefits of a healthy gut extend to everyone.

When your gut microbiome (the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut) is out of sync, it can lead to inflammation, breakouts, and dullness. But by nourishing your gut with probiotics, you can unlock a healthier, more radiant complexion.
The Skin-Gut Connection:
• Clearer Skin: A balanced gut reduces inflammation that can trigger breakouts or redness.
• Radiance Boost: Improved gut health enhances nutrient absorption, giving your skin the building blocks it needs to glow.
• Stronger Barrier: A healthy microbiome supports your skin’s natural defenses, helping it stay hydrated and resilient.
• Calmer Complexion: Probiotics soothe the gut-skin axis, reducing flare-ups in sensitive or reactive skin.
Advanced Nutrition Programme: Probiotics for Your Skin and Gut
Our go-to solution for enhancing skin and gut health is the Advanced Nutrition Programme’s probiotic supplements, scientifically formulated to nurture the gut-skin connection from within.

Here’s what we recommend:
1. Skin Clear Biome: Ideal for problematic skin, this probiotic blend is specially designed to target congestion, oiliness, and breakouts. Its unique mix of bacteria, zinc, and antioxidants calms inflammation, regulates oil production, and promotes clearer, smoother skin.
2. Skin Youth Biome: Perfect for aging or stressed skin, this advanced formula supports collagen production, hydration, and elasticity. With beneficial bacteria and vitamin C, it reduces fine lines, boosts radiance, and helps you glow from the inside out.

3. NEW Skin Gut Biome Duo: The ultimate all-in-one solution for your skin and gut. This innovative duo pairs Skin Clear Biome and Skin Youth Biome, offering targeted benefits for both problematic and aging skin, while delivering powerful gut health support. It’s a comprehensive, convenient approach to vibrant skin and overall wellness.

Take the First Step Toward Skin Confidence
By improving your gut health, you can achieve lasting results for your skin and body. These supplements are an effortless addition to your daily routine, and with consistent use, you’ll notice a calmer, clearer, and more radiant complexion.

Ready to Transform Your Skin From Within?
Book a skin consultation here and discover how the Advanced Nutrition Programme’s probiotics can help your skin today, experience the benefits of true inside-out skincare.

Coming Soon: Our Next Wellness Edit
Stay tuned as we continue our wellness journey. In the next instalment, we’ll explore stress and its impact on skin health, plus share ways to manage stress for a calmer mind and glowing skin.

Here’s to healthy skin, happy guts, and radiant confidence!

Skin Diagnostics – A Balanced Perspective

In the ever evolving world of skincare, staying ahead with innovative solutions is crucial. Boots, a leading pharmacy chain, has recently launched a skin condition diagnostic app that promises to revolutionise how we approach skin health. Although this app offers some advantages in terms of ease and accessibility, it also comes with some drawbacks.

Our founder Rebecca explores both sides to give a balanced perspective on whether this is right for you and your skin concerns.

Benefits

Quick and convenient. This first thing that does stand out about the app is its efficiency. Users can quickly assess their skin condition with convenience, great for those with busy schedules.

User-Friendly. Deigned with simplicity in mind, it is user friendly and easy to navigate.

Affordable. Cost can very often be a barrier to seeking professional advice. This is a cheap alternative to traditional dermatological consultations making it accessible to everyone.

Professional collaboration. A strong point is its partnership with medical professionals. This ensures the advice and guidance is based on medical knowledge and protocols.

Discreet and private. For many discussing their skin conditions can be an uncomfortable experience. The app offers a discreet way to seek advice, which can be beneficial for those that feel embarrassed about their skin issues.

The Drawbacks

A lack of comprehensive questioning. While the app provides quick assessments, it falls short of gathering detailed information about the users family history, diet, and lifestyle factors. These elements are all crucial in understanding and diagnosing skin conditions accurately, and this omission can lead to incomplete assessments that can be the key to treating a condition successfully.

A focus on medication. Another significant limitation is the app’s apparent focus on prescriptive medication as the primary treatment option. While medication can be effective, it’ not suitable for everyone and for all conditions. Not all individuals want to go down the medical route, by not offering a broader range of treatment suggestions the app may alienate users would would rather seek alternatives.

Conclusion

Here at re/skin our consultations last around 1 hour, this allows a comprehensive approach, taking into account all factors that can impact the skin. By spending this time with our clients at the beginning allows us to not only get to know our clients and how they feel about their skin, but to build a trusting relationship that really is the foundation of getting great results.

In the world of skincare, no single solution works for everyone, it’s not a one size fits all. We need the time to navigate the whole picture when it comes to skin health, this can’t be done with just a photo and a few generalised questions.

It’s about finding the right tools and resources that suit your individual needs, and yes, this app will be right for some people that are seeking a quick, convenient and affordable way to get professional advice. However, it is important to be aware of its limitations and seek other professional services when necessary, especially as the evidence for a holistic approach to skin health becomes more and more apparent in this fast paced industry.

As always, re/skin is here to support you in navigating these options to achieving the healthiest skin possible. If you would like to explore our options or book your skin health consultation then please either give the clinic a call on 0114 236 2393 or book online here.

The Impact of Stress on your Skin – Understanding the Connection

In our fast-paced world, stress has become an unavoidable part of daily life for many of us. From work pressures to personal challenges, stress can take a toll not just on our mental well-being but also on our skin.

Our founder Rebecca Elsdon recently contributed to an article in a leading industry magazine Professional Beauty, on the connection of stress and stress related skin conditions. Read here.

Understanding how stress affects the skin is crucial for maintaining healthy, glowing skin and overall well-being.

Here are several ways in which stress can affect the skin:

1. Increased Sensitivity and Irritation: Stress triggers the release of cortisol and other stress hormones, which can make the skin more reactive and sensitive. This can lead to increased redness, irritation, and discomfort.

2. Acne Breakouts: Stress can exacerbate acne by stimulating the production of sebum (skin oil) and inflammation. This can result in more frequent and severe breakouts, especially for individuals prone to acne.

3. Accelerated Ageing: Chronic stress can accelerate the ageing process of the skin. It can lead to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which are essential for skin elasticity and firmness. This may result in wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin appearing earlier.

4. Impaired Skin Barrier Function: Stress can compromise the skin’s natural barrier function, making it more susceptible to moisture loss and environmental irritants. This can lead to dryness, flakiness, and a weakened ability to protect against pollutants and pathogens.

5. Delayed Wound Healing: Stress can interfere with the body’s ability to heal wounds and skin injuries efficiently. This can manifest as slower recovery from cuts, bruises, or other skin trauma.

6. Skin Conditions Flare-ups: For individuals with existing skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, stress can trigger flare-ups or worsen existing symptoms due to immune system deregulation and increased inflammation.

7. Hair and Nail Problems: Stress can also impact hair and nails. It may lead to hair loss, thinning, or dullness, as well as brittle nails.

Managing stress through relaxation techniques, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet can help mitigate its impact on the skin. Additionally, establishing a skincare routine that includes gentle products suitable for sensitive or stressed skin can provide relief and support skin health during stressful periods.

The impact that stress can have on health and appearance is significant. By managing stress effectively through lifestyle changes and self care practices, we can safeguard our skins health and radiance.

Remember taking care of your metal wellbeing is just as important as caring for your skin. It’s an holistic approach that benefits both body and mind.

So, next time you feel stressed, prioritise self-care and give your skin the love and attention it deserves!

If you are ready to give your skin some love, then why not book in a consultation to start your skincare-selfcare journey. On Saturday 18th May we are holding a Skin Discovery Day where we are offering complimentary mini consultations. Book here

Read the Professional Beauty article here