What are the most common misconceptions people have about rosacea?

In my experience, a common misconception is that there must be one main reason when in reality it is a combination of many contributing factors. We all like a simple answer or a 'quick fix' but that's not how it works with rosacea.

What is the biggest mistake people with rosacea are making? 

This is a two-fold answer for those who have been diagnosed by a dermatologist. The first is relying on long-term, low-dose antibiotics—even when it’s clear they’re not working—on advice from their dermatologist or beauty therapist. The second (and highly controversial) is using daily SPF. One of the most irritating skincare products for rosacea-prone skin is often sunscreen! Many chemical UV absorbers rank among the most irritating cosmetic ingredients in the world. Finding a sunscreen that uses a physical barrier (like zinc or titanium dioxide) AND is compatible with barrier-impaired skin is key here. This opens another 'pandoras box' if you will, as nano zinc oxide (tiny particles) differ from non-nano zinc oxide; formulas that use non-nano particles are larger and can sometimes create an unwanted white cast. Nano-zinc particles are much smaller and can feel better absorbed, which is also an issue for some; as they penetrate deeper in the dermis and can cause irritation for those with barrier-impaired skin conditions.

What are mainstream skincare brands getting wrong in their treatment of rosacea?

Mainstream brands tend to overload their formulations with too many ingredients, most of which are synthetic or chemically derived. Neither of these approaches is ideal for rosacea sufferers.

Can you share ONE piece of advice you think is the most transformational and important? 

Avoid using too many products, especially harsh foaming cleansers, physical scrubs, and exfoliants with acids or enzymes. AHAs and BHAs are well-known irritants for rosacea-prone skin, but even fruit enzymes—despite their 'natural' appeal—break down proteins, which can weaken your skin barrier. While these ingredients might be tolerable for very robust skin types, they are far too aggressive for those with sensitivity or barrier impairment. Stripping cleansers and excessive exfoliation compromise the skin’s natural defences, making it more reactive and prone to flare-ups.

Everyone is talking about the skin's microbiome and barrier impairment these days, but I’ve been banging on about this for over 24 years!

Is Rosacea affected by weather?  For example, does living in a dry or humid climate have an impact?

Rosacea is most definitely affected by the weather because heat or overheating exacerbates the problem. A dry climate is not ideal either, as it can dehydrate the skin. Those with rosacea really need to increase their water intake and use products that help hold moisture in the skin. This is why hyaluronic acid is such a great ingredient, but you have to be wary of all the other ingredients commercial skincare brands add. The simplest formulations are the best.

Why do you recommend that rosacea sufferers NOT wash their face in the shower? Does the same apply for swimming?

Swimming is fine, especially if it's in salt water, which can actually have a soothing effect on the skin. Tap water does contain contaminants and, depending on where in the world you live, your water supply can feel a lot more drying on the skin.

The amount of tap water that runs over your face during a shower is significant, and if you then add a foaming cleanser to the mix, a sensitive skin sufferer will emerge from the shower with a red, blotchy face that feels very tight. Daily micro-irritation is cumulative and exacerbates rosacea.

Do you have any client success stories you can share with us regarding rosacea?

As a hands-on therapist for over three decades, I have hundreds of success stories, but one stands out.

Back in the early 2000s, shortly after launching MV, a leading Australian beauty editor came to my East Sydney clinic with severe rosacea. Despite having access to every product on the market - including prescription creams and high-tech formulations - nothing had worked for her.

She was blown away by the improvement in just a few short weeks. She continued seeing me for facials because my treatment was the only one that didn’t make her skin worse. To this day, nearly 20 years later, she still orders MV products, proving that when you find something that works, you stick with it!

If you could only recommend ONE product, what would it be and why?

Let’s be honest—there’s no such thing as just one product when it comes to properly supporting rosacea-prone skin! That’s exactly why I created The Radiance Starter Kit—my curated selection of gentle, skin-loving essentials designed to calm, nourish, and protect sensitive complexions. Rosacea-prone skin thrives on simplicity. Each product in this kit is formulated to be soothing, non-reactive, and deeply restorative—helping to both support and strengthen your skin’s natural barrier while keeping irritation at bay. If you’re looking for a place to start, this is it.

Managing rosacea is all about consistency—gently refining your skincare, identifying triggers, and simplifying your ritual can make a world of difference. The good news? Thoughtful, minimal skincare is what we do best at MV.

While rosacea is a lifelong condition, the right approach can help keep symptoms in check and prevent flare-ups from escalating. Small, intentional changes—like choosing calming, non-irritating products and avoiding known triggers—can have a profound impact on your skin’s health and comfort.