If you have rosacea, regular flare-ups of facial redness, bumps, and flushing can be frustrating and embarrassing. Unless yours is a very mild case, it’s unlikely to be confused with a little extra blush. According to the National Rosacea Society, an estimated 16 million Americans have rosacea, and only a fraction are being treated.
If you have recently been diagnosed with rosacea, you’ll learn it’s a chronic condition that cannot be cured. But don’t fret. Just because it isn’t going anywhere, doesn’t mean your diagnoses has to be written all over your face. The key is to prevent progression in the earlier stages, find a treatment that works for you, and importantly, avoid triggers that set off symptoms. While your doctor may prescribe topical or oral treatments to reduce inflammation caused by excessive mites (don’t freak out—everyone has them) or light therapy to reduce redness, let’s talk about daily choices you can make to keep your finger off the proverbial trigger.
Many of the things you do every day can cause rosacea to flare. These can vary from person to person. Once you identify which ones apply to you, you will get much better results from treatment, reduce flares, and keep your symptoms at bay.
Here are some of the most common rosacea triggers and what you can do to avoid them:
SUN
Reduce your time under the sun’s harsh rays and apply SPF 30+ with zinc oxide daily. Don’t forget to wear protective clothing.
HEAT, WIND & COLD
Avoid getting overheated from exercise or spending too much time in warm locations. Try pool workouts or lower intensity workouts indoors instead. Don’t spend too much time out in the cold and wear a scarf or cover your face from drying winds.
STRESS
Take downtime when you need it and try to keep your cool. Stress isn’t good for anyone. It’ll show.
SPICY FOODS
Sorry to say it, but that affinity for putting hot sauce on everything will not serve you well. Try milder options instead, or if that doesn’t work, order something else entirely.
SKIN & HAIR PRODUCTS
Stay away from products that make your skin feel dry or scaly. Read your labels: Avoid products that include triggers like menthol, camphor, or sodium lauryl sulfate.
MAKEUP
Instead of waterproof makeup or heavy foundations that require irritating makeup removers, opt for light, liquid-based foundation that can be set with powder, or apply a mild, fragrance-free emollient to your skin before you apply makeup.
MEDICINES
Some medicines are known to worsen symptoms, including those used to treat high blood pressure, glaucoma, anxiety, migraines, and heart problems. Ask your doctor if there is alternative that will work better for you.