Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes redness in your face, particularly across the nose and cheeks. Some people may also have small, pus-filled bumps. These signs and symptoms may worsen or flare up for weeks to months, then go away (remission). Sometimes this skin condition can be mistaken for natural ruddiness, acne, or other skin problems. There is no cure for Coupeville rosacea but identifying your triggers is vital in preventing flare-ups. Rosacea makes the skin extremely sensitive, so many triggers can worsen the symptoms, including sunlight, stress, and foods and beverages.  

Triggers vary from person to person, so a good way to pinpoint your triggers is to keep a journal of your foods, drinks, and personal care products. Based on common triggers, the following tips can help you avoid rosacea flare-ups.

Protect your skin from the sun

One of the most common causes of rosacea flare-ups is sun exposure; people with this condition find their skin sensitive to the sun. Even individuals with dark skin tones can have a flare-up after exposing their skin to the sun. To protect your skin from the sun, you will want to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Ensure you slather the sunscreen on all exposed skin anytime you are outside. It is best if the sunscreen is scent-free. Consider a sunscreen with active ingredients like titanium oxide and zinc oxide; these are least likely to irritate sensitive skin. Here are other ways to protect your skin from the sun.

• Avoid going out when the sun is hot
• Seek shade when outdoors
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and neck from the sun.
• Wear sun-protective sunglasses and clothing

Practice rosacea-friendly skincare

Skin care is important for controlling rosacea. Remember that many skin care products are too harsh for people with this skin condition. When buying skin care products, look for gentle formulas for sensitive skin. You want to avoid products that contain alcohol, sodium lauryl sulfate, menthol, and camphor. Retinoids can also irritate the skin, so you want to avoid any products with retinoids. In addition to using mild skin care products, you need to be gentle on your skin; don’t scrub, rub, or massage your face.

Minimize stress

If your rosacea flares up due to stress, it is best to find an activity that helps relieve the stress. Meditation, exercise, and tai chi are common outlets for stress. Joining a rosacea support group may also help.

Avoid overheating

Sit far enough away from fireplaces, heaters, and other heat sources; ensure you don’t feel the direct warmth. You also want to take warm baths and showers instead of cold ones. If you exercise or work out, ensure you have cool-down supplies like a cold water bottle. You can also have a towel to dip in cold water and drape around your neck. During cold weather, dress in layers so you can remove extra clothing if you get too warm.

If you have rosacea, consult your Island Aesthetics & Dermatology specialist to learn more about avoiding flare-ups.