Rosacea, also known as acne rosacea, typically affects adults in their 30’s or 40’s, but it can affect anyone at any age. The exact cause of rosacea isn’t known, although it likely involves a combination of genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices. Rosacea symptoms include redness, swelling (especially of the nose), visible blood vessels and pimples. Here are some rosacea triggers to avoid if you want to maintain clear skin and keep your rosacea under control.
Sunlight
The sun is one of the top rosacea triggers. Sunlight can cause a flare-up because it causes irritation and inflammation of the skin. If you live in a place where you have a lot of sunny days, be sure to wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day, even if it’s cloudy out. And as always, avoid direct sunlight when possible.
Hot drinks
One of the biggest rosacea triggers is hot drinks like tea, coffee, and cocoa. It’s a good idea to make sure that your drink is not too hot before you consume it. If you have sensitive skin and find that the temperature of these beverages is too much for you, try drinking them when they have cooled down or use lukewarm water instead.
Spicy food
It’s estimated that spicy food triggers rosacea in as many as one in five people. It can be difficult to pinpoint which foods are triggering your rosacea, but adding some spices back into your diet will help you find out which ones are causing the problem.
Alcohol
If you have rosacea, it is important not to drink alcohol as it can make your skin sensitive and increase the chance of a flare-up. If you do consume alcohol, limit it to two drinks per day, spaced at least four hours apart. Beer is not recommended because it contains more yeast and gluten, which can aggravate rosacea symptoms.
Exercise
Studies have shown that rosacea can be caused by exercise. One study found that 41% of people who exercised had at least one flare-up, while only 26% of those who didn’t exercise experienced a flare-up. So it’s important to take good care of your skin after exercising. Wash off any sweat with cool water and pat dry with a clean towel. Apply moisturiser as soon as possible to lock in moisture. Avoid strenuous activities if you have sensitive skin or rosacea. Exercise might cause rosacea flares but taking care of your skin afterward will help prevent new ones from forming!
Stress
A lot of rosacea triggers are stress-related. Stress can cause or worsen rosacea symptoms, so it is important to reduce the stress in your life as much as you can and find ways to manage your stress levels. Talk with friends about how they cope with their stresses to see if there’s anything you could try that might work for you. There are many things that could contribute to stress: from work pressures, family issues, illness or financial concerns.
Hot showers
One of the top rosacea triggers is hot showers or baths. Hot water, especially when you have a warm shower, increases your body temperature, which can lead to redness in your face. This is because your capillaries will dilate, and your blood vessels will enlarge. The heat also stimulates the production of oil by the sebaceous glands in the skin. These are all things that contribute to rosacea symptoms. So try having a cold shower instead!
Dairy
Many people who have rosacea have found that they get red and irritated when they consume dairy. Some studies suggest that milk proteins can trigger the inflammation associated with rosacea. If you suspect dairy may be the culprit, try removing dairy from your diet for a few weeks and see if it helps alleviate your symptoms. Of course, this means thinking about what you eat, not just drinking milk in coffee or having a slice of pizza now and again.
