Science Hub

March 2025 Science Wrap Up

28 March 2025

Dr Ginni Mansberg

Happy March. We have spent the entire month in Australia which has been lovely! Fred and Izzy the wonder dogs did enjoy having their routine back! Can you believe we’re almost gearing up for Easter? I hope you might get a bit of a break! March represents a change of seasons. And your skin can really suffer at this time. Sensitivity, dryness, even breakouts can flare when the temperature changes.

Meanwhile, settle back with our latest science wrap for 2025!

New Insights Into Rosacea

Rosacea has long been recognised as a chronic inflammatory skin condition, but the exact mechanisms behind it have remained a mystery. A brand new study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology took a deep dive into the molecular drivers of rosacea, analysing gene expression in rosacea patients and testing skin cell behaviour in lab conditions. The findings confirmed that inflammation is at the heart of rosacea.

One of the key discoveries was that rosacea skin cells behave differently from normal skin cells. They proliferate and migrate faster, which may explain why some people develop thickened skin over time, particularly in phymatous rosacea (such as rhinophyma on the nose). On top of this, pro-inflammatory genes and proteins like IL-6, TNF-α, and OSM were overactive, showing that rosacea is more than just surface-level redness. It’s an ongoing inflammatory process deep within the skin.

Perhaps the biggest breakthrough was the identification of TLR2 and S100A9 as potential culprits. TLR2 is a receptor that recognizes external stressors (like bacteria or UV damage) and triggers inflammation, while S100A9 amplifies immune responses. Both were overactive in rosacea patients, fuelling inflammation and abnormal skin cell behaviour. In lab experiments, blocking these proteins reduces inflammation and slows down abnormal cell growth, suggesting they could be new treatment targets for rosacea.

The study also found that rosacea shares pathways with other autoimmune diseases like psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease, reinforcing the idea that rosacea might be part of a broader immune system dysfunction. This could shift the way doctors approach treatment, considering internal inflammation rather than just treating the skin.

We’re increasingly getting a clearer picture of why rosacea happens at a molecular level, and that could lead to breakthrough treatments that don’t just manage symptoms but actually address the root cause. Exciting times ahead for rosacea research!

Ferulic Acid for Papulopustular Rosacea: A New Treatment Option?

Another rosacea study investigated ferulic acid as a potential treatment for papulopustular rosacea. Rosacea treatments often focus on reducing inflammation, repairing the skin barrier, and improving blood vessel function, and this study explored whether ferulic acid could help in these areas.

What Did the Study Find?

Sixty patients with mild to moderate papulopustular rosacea were randomly divided into two groups. Both groups took 100 mg of doxycycline (an oral antibiotic) once daily for six weeks, but one group also applied a 3% ferulic acid solution twice daily, while the control group used a placebo (normal saline).

After six weeks, patients using ferulic acid showed significantly better improvements than the control group.

80% of the ferulic acid group saw improvement, compared to 63.3% in the control group.
Redness, papules, and pustules started improving within two weeks, with the most noticeable changes occurring between weeks 4–6.
Skin barrier function improved, as seen in increased hydration levels and reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL)—a key marker of skin barrier health.
Side effects were mild—some patients (30%) reported an initial greasy feeling, while one (3.3%) had mild tingling and itching, which resolved over time.

How Much Should You Use, and How Often?

Based on this study, a 3% ferulic acid solution applied twice daily (morning and night) for at least six weeks seems to be effective for reducing inflammation, calming redness, and improving skin barrier function in papulopustular rosacea.

Why Does This Matter?

Rosacea can be chronic and difficult to manage, and many treatments have side effects (like irritation from retinoids or antibiotic resistance from long-term oral antibiotics). Ferulic acid offers a gentler, well-tolerated alternative with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-repairing benefits.

This study suggests that ferulic acid could be a valuable addition to rosacea treatment, especially for those looking to reduce redness, strengthen their skin barrier, and improve overall skin health, without the harsh side effects of traditional treatments. Further studies will help confirm its long-term effectiveness, but this research points to ferulic acid as a promising, evidence-backed option for rosacea-prone skin.

Sensitive Skin and Hormones: What’s the Connection?

Ever felt like your skin is extra fussy? You know- burning, tingling, or itching for no obvious reason? You’re not alone! Sensitive skin (SS) is a common issue, triggered by everything from harsh weather and pollution to stress and hormones. While most people think of it as a facial problem, it can also affect the scalp, hands, and genitals, too. But just how common is it? That’s what researchers set out to discover in a massive international study across 20 countries.

Scientists surveyed over 20,000 women aged 18-55 from the U.S., Canada, France, Brazil, China, and Saudi Arabia. Here’s what they found;

More than half of the women reported having sensitive skin.
Women with irregular menstrual cycles were significantly more likely to experience the issue.
Skin sensitivity didn’t fluctuate much across different phases of the menstrual cycle (premenstrual, during menstruation, or post-ovulation).
Younger women (18-40) had higher rates of SS compared to those over 40- I know this conflicts with other research and I’m not quite sure why this is.
Among women 40+, those who were menopausal had significantly lower rates of SS- I know that seems random.
The highest prevalence of SS was found in the Middle East, followed by Europe, with the lowest rates in East Asia.
Women with SS—whether their cycles were regular or not—reported poorer mental well-being based on the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scales. Chicken or egg? That wasn’t clear.

What Does It All Mean?

Hormonal fluctuations play a big role in skin health. Women with irregular periods tend to have drier skin and a weaker skin barrier, possibly due to changing hormone levels.

The takeaway? If your skin is feeling extra reactive, your hormones (and even where you live!) could be part of the equation. And a quick reminder that managing sensitive skin AND ageing, pigmentation and acne is what we do best. Reach out to our customer care team for help!

Rosacea Skincare Kit - Anti Redness

Our Rosacea Skincare- Anti Redness Kit is tailored to meet the unique needs of rosacea-prone skin with gentle, non-irritating products to help manage flare-ups and soothe sensitivity. This kit includes a soap-free, emollient-rich cleanser that gently removes impurities without triggering irritation. A broad-spectrum sunscreen, like Zinc Shade, shields skin from UV rays—a common rosacea trigger—while avoiding irritating ingredients. Moisturisers with skin barrier builders like ceramides, panthenol and niacinamide, (all in our Repair +) help reduce water loss and strengthen the skin barrier, reducing inflammation. Finally, our Ultimate A (retinal) night cream addresses redness and dilated blood vessels with minimal irritation. Thoughtfully designed for calm, clear, and comfortable skin.

Featuring;

A specific combination designed to reduce redness & prevent flare-ups
Powerful skin barrier builders
Antioxidants and anti inflammatory ingredients to combat redness

Anti-Aging Sensitive Skincare Kit

You really can have it all with our Anti-Aging Sensitive Skincare Kit! This kit is packed with powerful, science-backed ingredients to tackle the signs of aging. From fine lines, wrinkles and large pores to dullness and thinning skin- all while being incredibly gentle on sensitive skin. It’s designed to smooth and brighten without irritation, helping to preserve and repair your skin barrier for lasting hydration and resilience. Say goodbye to harsh products and hello to a routine that treats your skin with care, giving you the best of both worlds: uncompromising effectiveness and anti-aging benefits with a soft, soothing touch.