Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by facial redness, visible blood vessels, swelling, and sometimes acne-like breakouts. The exact cause is unknown, but factors like genetics, immune system challenges, and environmental triggers can contribute to symptoms.
Spring, in particular, can be a challenging time for managing this chronic skin condition due to increased sunlight, temperature changes, and allergens in the air.
At Orange Coast Dermatology, we believe our rosacea-prone patients deserve to enjoy our California sunshine just like everyone else. Here are five tips to manage rosacea flare-ups as things start to really warm up.
While rosacea triggers can differ from person to person, there are a host of common flare-up culprits that we want you to watch out for. As we mentioned, heat is one of the most common triggers, whether caused by the environment or by consuming hot foods or beverages.
Your dietary habits can also be instrumental in your plan of defense against flare-ups. Rosacea is an inflammatory condition, so minimizing ultra-processed, inflammatory foods with high processing and low nutrient density, as well as excessive alcohol consumption, can help.
Instead, opt for antioxidant-rich whole foods and notice your response to spicy foods, as that can be a common rosacea trigger for our patients. If you choose to drink alcohol, avoid binge drinking by consuming under 14 drinks a week for men or seven drinks a week for women.
If, despite your best efforts to avoid these common redness instigators, you’re still unsure of your specific triggers, our team is here to help you figure out the particular circumstances in your body and lifestyle that might keep you stuck in your rosacea rut.
If you’ve ever worked with a dermatologist or looked for skin care advice online, you’ve probably heard that we skin professionals recommend using sun protection factor (SPF) every day of the year, even on cloudy days. But this is especially important if you suffer from rosacea.
You can still have fun in the sun, but ensure you protect your extra-sensitive skin from harmful UV rays. Try a mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide based) with SPF 30+, as chemical sunscreens can irritate rosacea-prone skin.
You can take other steps to protect your skin from the sun besides applying daily SPF. Try wearing clothing with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses to supplement SPF, which you should reapply for every two hours you’re outside.
Establishing a consistent but gentle skin care routine is essential for managing rosacea flare-ups. When it comes to over-the-counter skin care, we recommend choosing products that are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and designed for sensitive skin.
Avoid harsh ingredients like alcohol, menthol, and abrasive scrubs, as they can aggravate rosacea symptoms. Cleanse your face with a mild cleanser twice daily, and moisturize with a soothing, non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and its barrier function intact.
According to a survey of 1,066 patients conducted by the National Rosacea Society, emotional stress is the second-most common flare-up trigger, just behind sun exposure. While reducing stress is easier said than done, every small step you take to manage it counts.
Combat stress to the best of your ability by maintaining a supportive diet and moderate exercise routine, incorporating techniques like meditation, yoga, and breathwork. If necessary and accessible, look into ongoing mental health management, like therapy.
While the aforementioned tips can help combat spring rosacea triggers, there are a number of reasons why visiting a skin care professional at a dermatology clinic like ours is your best line of defense to prevent flare-ups year-round.
Consulting with us at any of our three SoCal locations will allow you to receive treatments like topical prescriptions, in-clinic services, and personalized insight and advice to manage your rosacea holistically in a way that’s tailored to your skin and lifestyle.
If you’re in SoCal and could use some guidance dealing with rosacea or any other skin issue, contact us to schedule a consultation so you can enjoy spring and summer to the fullest. We have offices in Rancho Santa Margarita, Orange, and Mission Viejo, California.
