Rosacea! Why do so many people have it in the UK?

In the United Kingdom, rosacea is remarkably common, affecting approximately 1 in 10 people. Often nicknamed the "Curse of the Celts," this chronic skin condition is particularly prevalent in the UK due to a perfect storm of genetics and environmental factors.

The "Curse of the Celts"
Genetics account for roughly 50% of the risk for developing rosacea. The UK has a high density of people with Northern European and Celtic heritage, who typically have fair skin (Phototypes I and II) that is more susceptible to the condition. It often runs in families, and while anyone can develop it, it most frequently appears in women over the age of 30.

The Great British Weather
UK's unpredictable climate provides several primary triggers identified by the NHS and the British Skin Foundation:

Temperature Extremes: Both the biting cold and biting winds of winter and the heat of summer can cause facial blood vessels to dilate, leading to persistent redness.
Sun Exposure: Even on overcast days, UV radiation remains a top trigger for flare-ups.

Cultural Habits & Lifestyle
British lifestyle staples are, unfortunately, a "who's who" of rosacea triggers:

Hot Drinks: The UK's love for tea and coffee is a known culprit; the heat from these beverages can trigger immediate flushing.
Alcohol: Consumption of alcohol, particularly red wine, is one of the most common lifestyle triggers recorded in UK patients.
Spicy Foods: Many popular UK dishes contain spices that dilate blood vessels and worsen symptoms.

Biological Factors
Recent research has highlighted that those with rosacea often have a higher-than-average population of Demodex mites. These microscopic mites live naturally on everyone's skin, but in higher numbers, they can trigger an inflammatory response from the immune system.

Skincare Masks: Targeted Relief
Incorporating a soothing sheet mask can act as an "intensive treatment" to calm the persistent redness typical of the UK’s climate.

Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients: Look for masks containing Colloidal Oatmeal, Aloe Vera, or Green Tea to reduce visible redness and soothe the sensation of heat.
Redness Correctors: Some sheet masks like The C Moju Mask are specifically designed with probiotics to restore the skin’s microbiome.
Overnight Repair: Gel masks like Dr.Sante Cica + Neck AKA Semi Gel Mask use Centella Asiatica (Cica) to stimulate barrier repair while you sleep.
Toner pads: Pre-soaked with gentle formulas, toner pads like the One Day’s You Help Me pads calm down the heat and rebalance your skin. When placed lightly on the skin, they can also soothe redness-prone areas and support a stronger skin barrier.

Sonagi Tip (Use it as a part of your routine*)
A good rosacea routine doesn’t need many steps. In fact, simpler is usually better.
To treat rosacea, start with a gentle, low-foaming cleanser in the morning that doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight. Follow with a calming, hydrating serum or essence, then a lightweight moisturiser that helps lock in moisture. Sunscreen is essential, as sun exposure is one of the most common rosacea triggers. Look for mineral or gentle hybrid formulas that are made for sensitive skin. At night, gently cleanse to remove the day’s buildup, then apply soothing, hydrating ingredients and finish with a barrier-strengthening moisturizer. If your skin feels reactive, keep things simple. Consistency matters more than intensity.