Rosacea is a chronic skin condition caused by excessive inflammation and vascular dysfunction. It can cause a feeling of facial burning, stinging, warmth, flushing, and overall facial sensitivity. Rosacea can be triggered by sun exposure, temperature changes, stress, alcohol consumption, certain products, and spicy foods to name a few.
Rosacea is a regular and recurring annoyance for the millions of people dealing with it. But there are ways to reduce flare-ups and symptoms with some simple skin care, diet, and lifestyle adjustments.
Rosacea Dos
I recommend the following to my patients:
- keep your skin care routine simple. The fewer products you use, the better. Choose mild ones that won’t irritate your skin.
- Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF 30. Also, keep your time in the sun to a minimum as rosacea is often aggravated by sun exposure.
- Protect your face from wind and cold. Covering your face with a scarf helps protect your skin. Just make sure the material is not made of wool or any irritating material.
- Avoid any foods that you find may trigger your rosacea.
- Stay calm and keep down your stress. Use daily stress management practices including yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises. Gentle exercise can also help.
Rosacea Don’ts
Here are tips of what not to do if you have rosacea:
- Don’t overheat. Extremely hot temperatures often aggravate rosacea.
- Avoid rubbing, scrubbing, or massaging your face.
- Don’t consume too much red wine, alcoholic beverages, spicy foods, and hot beverages. For many patients, these foods and drinks cause flare-ups.
- Avoid the use of fragranced items including fragranced cosmetics, perfumes and laundry detergents.
- Avoid excessive temperature changes including high heat (sunbathing, saunas, hot baths/showers and hot beverages), winds, extreme cold, and high humidity.
We’re here to help
If you are having a difficult time controlling your rosacea, it’s time to see us. Contact us to make an appointment.