Rosacea symptoms vary from patient to patient, but there are many things all rosacea patients have in common. Specifically, everyone has triggers that intensify their symptoms. If you suffer from rosacea, there are ways to manage your symptoms so you can live your best life:
Triggers? Avoid them!
This may seem obvious, but if you know what triggers your flare-ups, try to avoid them. The most common triggers include sun exposure, emotional stress, hot or cold weather, wind, alcohol intake, spicy foods, heavy exercise, hot baths, heated beverages, and certain skin care products and cosmetics. You have a much better chance of keeping your rosacea controlled by identifying and then avoiding lifestyle and environmental factors that you know trigger flare-ups or aggravate your condition.
You may not have ways to avoid some triggers, such as emotional stress, but some can easily be managed. For example, if heat is your problem, avoid hot baths, hot drinks, and exercises that make you sweat intensely. Instead, warm water and yoga may be perfect for you. And, yoga may also help lower your stress level!
Skin care: products and cosmetics
Gentle is key! Don’t rub, scrub or use an irritant. Avoid products that sting, burn or may cause additional redness. And no matter what else you do, always use sunscreen that has UVA/UVB protection with at least SPF 30. One designed for sensitive skin works best!
- Face washing: Use a mild and non-abrasive cleanser to wash your face. Then rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. Never pull, tug or use anything rough.
- Go fragrance-free: Fragrances cause more reactions than any other ingredient. Your best bet is to use only fragrance-free skin care and makeup products.
- Less is more. Reduce the number of skin care products and cosmetics you use. Make sure to test each one before you use it on your face to ensure it doesn’t aggravate your rosacea.
Medications
While we cannot cure rosacea, we do have various medical treatments to help you control it. A range of oral and topical medications treat the various signs and symptoms associated with rosacea.
Here to help you manage your rosacea
The key to managing your rosacea is by avoiding triggers, following an appropriate skin care routine, using the right cosmetic products for you, and following the instructions and medications that are prescribed.