Rosacea:

The Red Alert:.
It can start with occasional flushing and skin sensitivity.

Gradually, the face takes on a reddish cast, webbed with fine blood vessels and acne-like bumps made up of inflammatory cells.

In a 2006 survey by the National Rosacea Society, 93 per cent of sufferers cited discomfort such as burning, itching and swelling.

What Causes It:
Intriguing research presented last year at a meeting of the Society For Investigative Dermatology suggests that sufferers may have overly responsive defence mechanisms that cause an allergy-like reaction to environmental or emotional stress.

Exercise aggravates the disorder in about 83 per cent of cases, according to a survey published in the journal Rosacea Review.

Consumption of foods or drinks that dilate the vessels, like cayenne pepper and tomatoes, can also cause flare-ups.

The Redness Portfolio:
Pai Chamomile & Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream. This organic moisturizer is pumped full of azulene, an anti-inflammatory in chamomile, while rosehip heals skin.