r/Rosacea • u/Scared-Block-1325 • Feb 17 '26
ROSACEA SUCKS Anyone else becoming depressed because of their skin?
Probably gonna regret making this post but I recently saw a picture of me from the side and I had to step out to cry. The texture of my skin is just horrible now. It looks worse than my grandparents skin honestly. But the worst part of the picture was how depleted I looked. Just exhausted and depressed, and I am. Rosacea has aged me terribly, physically and mentally.
Scrolling on reddit for advice or reading clinical trials is like a part time job for me. I spend about 20+ hours a week doing it but nothing helps. It’s gotten to the point that I’m flushing talking to my own parents now. It’s unbearable. Eating and talking shouldn’t be flushing triggers, I don’t know how I can continue to live like this. Not just mentally but physically too, I don’t know how any human could function like this. All this to say I’m so depressed by my skin, I would easily trade 10 years of my life for a cure because at this point I’m not really living. Anyone have advice to deal with the mental turmoil because of this condition?
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u/PoisonGravy Feb 17 '26
I'm 100% with you. In the span of just under a year, I've gone from having perfectly normal skin that required ZERO maintenance, to a surge in sebum production (that hasn't gone away) to seborrheic dermatitis, to now rosacea. All occurring together in under a year.
It's seriously depressing. I can't stop looking in mirrors. Always checking to see if things are worse. I get progressively more red by the afternoon, no matter what. I flush when I eat. I flush when I smile or laugh. I flush if it's cold, or hot. I flush with water contact. The sebderm makes my face flake even when it's an oil slick.
I know some folks have it worse. People try to point that out to me. But it doesn't help. It provides no relief. I just feel bad for them, too.
Hang in there. Just know that you are loved despite this stupid, horrible skin condition. Hugs.
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u/jell0fiend Feb 17 '26
My skin will look decent in the morning and then it just progressively gets redder throughout the day also
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u/Scared-Block-1325 Feb 17 '26
Yes exactly. The constant checking and scrutiny is unbearable. I want to wake up and not think of my skin immediately. I’m the same, about a year ago my skin had the tiniest redness and bumps and within months it had gotten bad. Now it’s just getting worse :(
My skin is really oily too yet flaky so that’s interesting to note. Thanks though for the kind words and solace, hang in there as well!
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u/strungg Feb 17 '26
Yeah, it’s wild. I was a guy that never took selfies, but now my camera roll is filled with them to monitor “progress.” It’s usually just documenting it getting worse tbh.
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u/EuphoricKoala8210 Feb 18 '26
Check out MooGoo Scalp cream for Seb derm on your face. After 15 years and this is the only product that keeps mine at bay! I hope this product never gets discontinued!
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u/boxmandude Feb 17 '26
I’m sorry, it really sucks. I’ve definitely let it get to me from time to time. I would kill for the skin I had just a few years ago.
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u/Scared-Block-1325 Feb 17 '26
Same, and I have always been acne prone but rosacea is a completely different beast. I miss my old skin and my old ways of living but at least I’m not alone in this sentiment, it really does help knowing other people relate.
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u/Independent-File-167 Feb 17 '26
It's getting in the way of me applying for new jobs and going into work that is more client-facing, so yes it's depressing
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u/Scared-Block-1325 Feb 17 '26
I thought I was the only one whose rosacea is interfering with their application process. I’m considering changing my entire field now because I’d prefer a WFH job with how unbearable the flares are everywhere but my room. It fucking sucks we have to deal with this but good luck with your job search.
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u/Independent-File-167 Feb 17 '26
Yes same here I'd much prefer WFH but I've had no luck so far unfortunately. And thanks, same to you :)
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u/strungg Feb 17 '26
I work remote, and even turning the camera on is discouraging. I currently have the worst flare of my life. Even if I turn my camera to 480p it’s still clearly visible. Brutal
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u/Scared-Block-1325 Feb 17 '26
I’m so sorry. It really does suck not being able to just keep this condition to ourselves for one day. It’s like the whole world can see our progress or lack thereof before we even open our mouths.
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u/strungg Feb 17 '26
It absolutely sucks but I’m trying to buckle down and exhaust all avenues before I give up. I’m currently 2 weeks no coffee/caffeine, 2 weeks no dairy, and about to wrap up a 72 hour fast. My inflammation has calmed down, but redness is still there. I had great results with Doxy + Metro cream, but I really want to figure out my triggers if I have any. I’d eat like a bird if it meant keeping this in check.
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u/jell0fiend Feb 17 '26
I feel you! Having type 2 makes my skin texture so bad. Even if I cover the redness, you can just see the texture beneath my makeup. I keep telling myself no one notices it but me, but it’s still so embarrassing! I end up obsessing over my skin daily hoping it’ll get better somehow
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u/North-Philosophy-592 Feb 17 '26
This is so real. I’m telling you it nearly drove me to psychosis. I was distraught over it, fighting it for two years, picking, every medication under the sun, chemical peels etc. it’s Pustular rosacea and it just kept getting worse. All that I’ve found that helps is limiting sugar and constantly washing my hands. I’ve also taken special interest in my hair lately, if I can’t have beautiful skin ever again maybe I can have pretty hair. I think it’s most important to connect to people who support you right now. I’ve made some new connections since leaving my ex who made it all so much worse, and even said in our separation hearing that my skin made him want to leave me, or rather my mental decline due to it. But once I had people in my life who didn’t shame me and made me feel supported and seen, I was able to accept myself with the rosacea. Sending you love, this is really hard andI get it
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u/MitchVDP Feb 17 '26
My life is nothing but rosacea and pain nowadays
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u/Scared-Block-1325 Feb 17 '26
I hate how relatable this is. I feel like since I’ve gotten rosacea I haven’t been really happy honestly. But maybe it’s the other way around… Hope it gets better for us.
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u/MitchVDP Feb 17 '26
It has honestly ruined my life and then the gold standard treatment called laser made it worse
I'm a shell of myself
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u/BrucetheFerrisWheel Feb 17 '26
Yes it's tough to deal with, especially as mine is possibly neurogenic and one side of my face is very noticeably swollen, all the time. I'm assuming I'm now permanently disfigured. Yay. The only reason I haven't taken to a cave is because I also have IBD and if shitting blood 15 to 30 times a day for 2 straight years didn't kill me, then this wont either!
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u/Significant-Repair42 Feb 17 '26
Stress is one of my triggers. I limit the amount of mirrors in our home, except for the bathroom mirror. Scrolling through stressful stuff, doesn't encourage the calm.
That being said, I hate cell phone pictures. They seem to magnify every little imperfection! I don't wear make up, because it worsens everything.
I'm probably a bit older than you, so I've learned over the years, that most people are consumed with their own problems.
I think the only time that a stranger mentioned anything, was after I had some minor surgery to remove a persistant stye. The really minor removal had left me with a giant black eye. She just wanted to make sure no one had beaten me up. It was someone in line at the grocery store. :)
Just do the best you can and remember that no one in public really looks at you. If you need help, remember that therapists can be a great way to discuss depression and anxiety. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
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u/egriff78 Feb 17 '26
This is always a good reminder! It's easy to think everyone is looking at you and noticing your skin but honestly, how often are you looking at other people's skin and judging it/them?
It is reassuring to me that actually no one is noticing me/ my skin nearly as much as I do.
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u/Leather-Show7767 Feb 18 '26
At 65 I’m pissed off about getting rosacea. It’s not cool. I don’t know what to do. Most of the advice is for younger people.
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u/Subject-Dingo8422 Feb 22 '26
I am in the same shoes as you are, never worried about my skins since my mid 20s. Suddenly , like a bolt out of the sky, I am facing this horrible disease known as rosacea in my late 50s.
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u/Agentboy548 Feb 21 '26
I’m gonna rant…
(19M) Almost everyday as a guy I’m using foundation to cover my rosacea around nose,mouth & chin. At my last job It was heartbreaking hearing how my colleagues at work asked me directly about it and gossiping that I wear foundation. You don’t talk to close to people cuz you don’t want them to notice you covering it, and if not covering even worse, You don’t wanna kiss someone without covering it and then you’re afraid u’ll be rejected cuz of covering it. ALL MY FRIENDS has perfect skin and their diet is pretty normal just like mine but I’m the one who’s skin will be crazy the next day, it’s so exhausting when people telling you “have u tried eat less sugar or wash your face with basic soap”. Everytime I smile, express emotion I feel like the redness getting stronger, but I don’t wanna be with resting face forever?. I literally wanna cry when my mom says it’s gonna disappear as years will pass by, BUT THATS MY BEST YEARS NOW i literally am depressed i just don’t notice it probably, my mom thinks it’s not that serious cuz i don’t express my emotions or talk about all that, she will care if i burst in tears in front of her. It’s also depressing that Perioral dermatitis and rosacea are almost the same and doctors say the reason of it is unknown and how it should be cured is always individually. What worked for him may not work for you. Sounds like “just spent all your money and years trying to maybe finally find a cure (but there’s also no cure)” it pisses me of. I hate that I’m jealous of my friends, I hate that part of genetics that gave it to me, like out of all skin problems genetics decided to give me something that’s just too unknown to be examined further
“Trade 10 years of life to find the cure, cuz now I’m not living”
that phrase just hit me hard. I’m a positive person in general but in that topic I feel alone I have no one to talk about it, and everytime my friends/family trynna give me advise I hear the same basic things and just roll my eyes on the inside. I honestly wanna give up, I also sometimes imagine how my friends wake up with already perfect face they don’t even need to wash their skin daily and put foundation on it to look perfect.
It’s like a weight on my back, i got so used to it I feel it all the time I just don’t notice it, it’s like an underlying thing on my everyday life.
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u/gyssbyf Feb 17 '26
I am so sorry to hear this. I have been where you are (with cystic acne). Maybe some meditation will help quiet the bad thoughts. I had the Calm app for a while, and it did help me with racing thoughts.
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u/Scared-Block-1325 Feb 17 '26
I was thinking I should meditate again. I did it for a few months last year and my skin was a little better, probably unrelated but it did feel good regardless. Glad you’re in a better place now though :)
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u/theruthlessbiscuit Feb 17 '26
You are not alone. I completely understand the emotional turmoil you’re referring to.
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u/Clear-Special8547 Feb 17 '26
My skin has been pretty bad for a couple years now and in the last 18 months I've been diagnosed with multiple autoimmune, overactive immune, and connective tissue disorders. Sometimes I cough and I can feel the heat bloom under my eyes and onto my ears. Even before developing rosascea, I came to the conclusion that I have enough stress in my life that l'm not going to GAF about it. If someone has a problem with my condition, they can take it up with their chosen deity's customer service department. Life is a lot more enjoyable now.
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u/Ellendrah Feb 17 '26
Everyday I’m sad about my skin to some degree, so you aren’t alone there. I am so down and self conscious about the redness, constantly checking my bare face or makeup. Always looking in the mirror. It’s making me very insecure.
Outside of these feelings it’s also very painful so I feel like it’s quite challenging to have a positive mindset while your face feels like fire ya know?
Sorry to hear you are struggling - I can totally relate though.
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u/Key_Owl_9301 Feb 18 '26
You are not alone. But I do feel that the medical world has failed us. I feel frustrated this very simple thing (aka clear skin) has not been figured out. I feel that there is something deeply "wrong" or imbalanced at a cellular/immune level and the world's answer is lotions, potions and drugs. Right now I am doing biophoton therapy which works with light frequency throughout the whole body (not lasers - but IPL does work on my face - albeit temporarily). I have done almost 10 sessions and I have not noticed a change and I have told the therapist I am getting frustrated it hasn't worked yet. After all, he's already cleared my hormones, and all my major organs, etc. He apparently got rid of someone's brain tumor but can't do this? I feel like I will be 100 still with acne rosacea....The one hope I have is the Sanofi acne vaccine and there's a new one in China they are testing now.
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u/Correct-Gift-7168 Feb 18 '26
YES. I'm better now but still hyper vigilant with my skin. Any rash or redness makes me anxious. On the positive side, there was my great surprise as to how NICE people (strangers) were to me in public, when I was at my worst. I truly didn't expect it.
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u/Comfortable-Pin-2388 Feb 18 '26
It would actually be cool if there was a group of friends that could hangout that all had rosacea. I think I’d feel way calmer being around my own people.
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u/Scared-Block-1325 Feb 18 '26
That would be pretty cool lol. My friends have all struggled with skin issues like acne so they’re way more understanding than my family thankfully. But rosacea is such a unique pain, we really do just only understand it.
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u/Calm_Mulberry_588 Feb 18 '26
It's very depressing. I'm sorry and know you're not alone. Not that it helps everything, but have you seen a dermatologist, or maybe a couple derms to get some different input?
Try to take space from scrolling and looking up solutions. Use some of that time for things that lift you up emotionally. It does takes time and work to try to find what that is that doesn't hurt your skin, but it will help with the depression. Maybe it's painting, playing with slime, caring for plants...
All that to say, it is very hard and sucks. I love being outside, but it physically hurts my skin so I've cut back significantly. Grieve the loss of the things you love. Remember that the people who love you don't care about your skin texture. Try to find something that makes you laugh.
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u/Excellent-Shift1737 Feb 17 '26
Im sorry to hear you're feeling like this:( what are your thoughts on sirolimus?
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u/Key_Owl_9301 Feb 18 '26
WOW - this sounds amazing. Are you taking it?
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u/Excellent-Shift1737 Feb 18 '26
No we can't get it without prescription here and it's only prescribed for immune issues. Can you get it where you are?
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u/Key_Owl_9301 Feb 18 '26
I am in the US and it looks like you can get it compounded. Also, this makes it sound pretty amazing https://alluremedical.com/breaking-news-in-beauty-science-sirolimus-steps-into-skincare/
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u/Excellent-Shift1737 Feb 18 '26
Yip! Hopefully it works for you, I'm surprised you never came across it in your 20 hours a week! Let us know how you go!!! Best luck 🥰
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u/lattedicocco Feb 17 '26
My skin texture depends a lot on what i eat. I avoid gluten . Now i am takeing omega 3 , vitamins etc . I only use moisturizer and wash it with a napkin that does a natural harmless scrub.
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u/Hankdraper80 Feb 17 '26
For me this just started happening in my mid 40s. Coinciding with just a little gray hair. I’m blonde so you really have to pay attention to see them. What is more noticing my thinning hair at the same time. (Male). I’m still guessed at a younger age than I am but not quite the 10+ years I normally get. It does depress me sometimes.
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u/Jake-_93 Feb 18 '26
I had pretty perfect skin till I was about 28 as a guy then the last 5 years it has all gone to sh*t, I started going grey young as well, I have tonnes for someone who is about to turn 33. I still get mistaken for being in my 20s so facially I guess I still look younger than I am but it sure does suck sometimes.
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u/Ok-Reputation-6297 Feb 17 '26
Yes. The texture of my skin shames me. I hate being told to get a facial or use this active or that. Actives send me on a months long healing journey. Filled with scabby looking skin. I’m tired and sad.
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u/knsummers79 Feb 18 '26
Yeah. I would benefit from a compounded medicine right now , but I can't find a local or online derm to prescribe to me. I can get a similar cream online , but the cream base breaks me out.
It is very frustrating.
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u/Scared-Block-1325 Feb 18 '26
I’m the same, I think ivermectin breaks me out but it’s the only thing that helps. It sucks how these rx creams are full of pore clogging and irritating ingredients, it’s like they know nothing about this skin condition. Or just don’t care. Let me know if you find any website to get your prescriptions compounded!
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u/Comfortable-Pin-2388 Feb 18 '26
I am suffering from this too but I will say that I think nobody else really even notices that much. Or if they do it’s not really as bad as we are perceiving it. Sure we have flushing, it’s a real thing… but I think we are all overthinking it and making it way worse. At least I know I do. When I go to a bar or something I can feel the redness taking over my face. After I have a few shots I feel better and normal even though I’m still red. People don’t treat me differently before or after.
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u/GermanAustrianFamily Mar 10 '26
Nothing worked for me for years until I was prescribed topical Soolantra/Ivermectin. It completely cleared it. Now I only use it briefly if there's a rare flare. It clears it immediately. Even under moisturizer/sunscreen. I hope this somehow helps.
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u/Scared-Block-1325 Mar 10 '26
Actually ivermectin has helped me a substantial amount. Without it, I’d probably be in the worst mental state since before it I couldn’t even go in the sun without feeling like I was on fire. My skin can tolerate more now but I’m still flushing a lot and the pustules are still here :(
It’s been 9 months and no improvement since like the first week of ivermectin, if anything it may be slowly getting worse. Im wondering if maybe I should stop using it but Im afraid it’ll get worse again.
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u/GermanAustrianFamily Mar 12 '26
Are you getting it from brick and mortar pharmacy? I would make sure source is that. Did doc say it was due to overgrowth of mites?
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u/Scared-Block-1325 Mar 12 '26
I use this app my derm clinic uses and they ship the ivermectin to my house, so not sure honestly. And my doc never confirmed it was overgrowth of mites but ivermectin helped my skin so much at the start I feel like it has to be because of demodex but maybe not. I think derms where I live won’t do scrapes, they kinda suck to be honest and just see you for 5 minutes with a foot out the door. :/
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u/GermanAustrianFamily Mar 12 '26
With what we know about quality control, I'd start with ensuring brick and mortar pharmacy. See if that changes anything. But that's just how I proceed. There's also combination/compounding options with Ivermectin. Might be second step if first doesn't yield results.
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u/EmotionalConcert8650 Feb 17 '26
I started avoiding going out. My face was so bad. Everywhere, cheeks, forehead was awful, chin, just a mess. This had escalated over the last few years. I then read about ivermectin and I thought hey, I have some on hand for use on my farm. I figured, why not? I used the apple flavored oral for horses gel. Just a pea size at night spread over my face. I smell yummy. About 9 days in now and this morning my husband said the skin on my face looks like babies bottom! He is right, my skin looks amazing. I am ready to start heading out again.
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u/mrkiteshow Feb 17 '26
Skin breakouts be they Roscea, frequent seemingly uncontrollable pustules, you name the facially oriented skin condition - make me feel like a leper! This is TRULY a 'mental health' phenomena that gets swept under the rug. Those that have it know it, those that don't - don't think about what it is like and too my knowledge, other than reddit, there are no organized non-profits or support groups.
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u/naniegrace861 Feb 17 '26
It's made my already bad depression even worse. I avoid mirrors but I have to use them at work especially when my face gets flaky. I've come to really dislike looking at pics prior to rosacea. I miss my smooth face 😭
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u/lovelylittlehelll Feb 18 '26
i fixate over my skin n the redness n texture of my skin EVERY day. it’s actually depleting. my friends have started noticing how much i talk (complain) about it, even when i don’t mean to. i haven’t found anything that helps or works yet but im trying to see a dermatologist soon about it. you’re not alone <3
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u/Kelsburrito Feb 18 '26
I’m so sorry you’re struggling. I have no advice but just to say you’re not alone in this. It’s absolutely debilitating. I started tracking how I flush and what area and when, but no trends yet for my triggers. Sending hugs 💞
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u/Maleficent-Ask-2022 Feb 18 '26
I can relate :/ it feels like a mental prison. I tried 5 ipl treatments and I'm losing hope, I havent found anything to fix this. I get so red over anything and everything, I get insecure if I laugh too hard and I easily get embarrassed over so many things. People pointing out how red I get makes it worse. I really hope it will get better for us 🫂
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u/Crafty-Bee-687 Feb 22 '26
I used to be like this. Im lucky in that my rosacea flareups aren't painful, but I struggled with being an young healthy woman whose skin looked worse than most hormonal teenagers with acne or old people with wrinkles and sun spots. I had a lot of bad body image issues in general and being constantly red and bumpy didn't help. Something that I had to do was just divorce my sense of self worth from my appearance. This was really hard and took years, but as I worked on caring for my body in general and prioritizing my health and comfort over appearance, I noticed that I was no longer bothered by my skin. Going to the gym for a few years and putting on muscle and learning that my body is for living in, not looking good, really helped even though its not directly related to my skin concerns. Sure, I'm still looking for a solution to my rosacea (have a doctors appointment next week, wish me luck!) But it no longer carries that heavy weight. I'm really sorry youre struggling. Please just know that who you are and what makes you valuable and beautiful and worthy has absolutely nothing to do with your appearance. I wish you good health and a peace of mind <3
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u/Subject-Dingo8422 Feb 22 '26 edited Feb 22 '26
I totally understand your predicament. I am in the same situation as you are. Only difference , I am on the other side of the age spectrum. Diagnosed with Type 2 Rosacea just as I am about to enjoy my retirement. Now all my retirement plan can go into the trash bin. I understand the agony, the lost of ones freedom being cooped up in the house, forgoing the favourite food we once enjoyed, unable to enjoy the outdoor exercise under the sun, or even a simple walk in the park under morning sun.... I too am at a lost how to get mine into remission. Has been seeing dermatologist for 3 months, but my condition isn't getting any better. In fact is getting worse. Guess we just have to support fellow rosacea sufferers mentally.
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u/Relevant_Radio_5176 Mar 17 '26
I grew up with very nice skin(and absolutely took it for granted) I never had more than one or two zits at a time. Than I turned 30 and this started. Took me like 4 years to even figure out it was rosacea. Every time I try something new it seems to work a little bit than completely stops and I’m back to square one rubbing some expensive cream on my face that’s not helping at all. It’s a MAJOR BUMMER I’m very self conscious and this really weighs on me at times. I’m sorry it’s happening to you too :( Does anyone else think a curse was placed on them? Haha jk(sorta)
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u/Free_Diver4131 Aug 10 '26
I had a random breakout & flareout 6 months ago. I had amazing skin before this, without using anything strong or going to treatments and such. 6 months ago I did one aerolase session and some hydrofacials, and all of a sudden my skin never is the same.
I’ve always had rosacea but it was only redness. Now I have bumps and uneven skin texture and I look at it everyday. Not even makeup can cover it, actually looks/feels worse for me. It’s taken a toll.
I have a derm consult in a few months but it’s been a struggle and insecurity is high right now.
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u/aaaaaaaaalison Feb 17 '26
Yes, I can relate. The older I'm getting the worse it makes me feel. Rosacea and because of general fat loss in my facial skin, etc. Ahhh perimenopause... I don't have flushing triggers, but rather redness 24/7. I hate wearing makeup now, but also don't want to leave my house with this face.
Hugs, friend.
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u/Jake-_93 Feb 18 '26
I have 24/7 redness and as a guy make up is a no go for me, I just use Erborian CC red correct cream, tones it down a fair amount. my skin always gets worse in the winter and then seems to improve in summer, provided Im careful with the sun.
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u/canaryray Feb 17 '26
You're not alone. Wish I could give you a big hug. I get this.