Health
9 Top Rosacea Triggers and How to Tame Them
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4. Exercising, While Healthy, Is a Common Trigger for Rosacea Flares
Exercise is good for the body and the soul, but it’s also a factor that can aggravate rosacea. In the aforementioned National Rosacea Society survey, 56 percent of the respondents said that heavy exercise is a rosacea trigger.
“Exercise elevates your heart rate, which is good, but also causes flushing from increased blood flow to the skin,” Stuart says. Consider exercising in off-peak hours when the sun is low and outside temperatures are cooler, she advises. And for the record, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t exercise.
In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ fitness guidelines recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (such as briskly walking or lightly biking) or at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise (for instance, jogging or hiking) per week. In addition, the guidelines suggest doing strength training at least two days per week.
5. Drinking Too Much Alcohol Can Aggravate Symptoms of Rosacea
After a tough day at the office, unwinding with a glass of wine or a cocktail may sound like a good idea. But you may want to consider limiting alcohol when managing rosacea. A research review noted that red wine, beer, bourbon, gin, and vodka are some of the top culprits for rosacea flares. Know your limits, and consider destressing in a way that minimizes rather than exacerbates your symptoms.
RELATED: 9 Ways Practicing Yoga Benefits Your Health and Well-Being
6. Sipping Hot Drinks Can Cause a Rosacea Flare in Some Cases
Of the people who took the National Rosacea Society survey, 36 percent reported that heated beverages are a trigger.
Hot chocolate, hot tea, and hot coffee are all culprits. Keep in mind that anything that causes the blood vessels to expand can cause flushing and redness. If you can’t get by without your morning cup of joe, wait until it’s cooled down a bit before sipping. Or consider switching out hot tea and coffee for iced versions.
7. Using Makeup Can Be Helpful, But Certain Cosmetic Ingredients Can Worsen Your Symptoms
All manner of cosmetics can be a double-edged sword for people with rosacea. On one hand, they can cover up redness and other imperfections. But they can also be one of the things that aggravate rosacea, too.
“Use water-based makeup that’s fragrance-free and nonallergenic,” suggests Stuart.
Cosmetics containing alcohol, menthol, witch hazel, and eucalyptus oil in particular tend to be irritating for people with this skin condition.
It’s smart to test a new product on a less visible area of your skin, such as the inner arm, before putting it on your face. Be sure to leave it on for at least 24 hours, since rosacea can sometimes have a delayed reaction to stimuli that generate flares. If you have a reaction, don’t use it, and note what ingredients it contains to isolate the things that aggravate rosacea for you.
RELATED: 8 Essential Skin-Care Tips for People With Rosacea
8. Being in the Heat — Indoors or Out — Can Make Taming Rosacea Flares More Challenging
Heat is among the things that make rosacea worse. And it’s not just a challenge during the summer — it can be a year-round problem for you. “The winter is the time we close our windows and turn up those furnaces,” Stuart notes, “so lower that thermostat and open some windows to keep your living spaces cool and less dry.” In summer, seek out air conditioning. Dress in layers so you can peel some off if you begin to overheat, and avoid saunas and hot tubs.
9. Exposing Your Skin to Extreme Cold Can Similarly Be Triggering for Rosacea Flares
Winter winds and cold temperatures are common things that trigger rosacea. Cover your face with a scarf or ski mask, be sure to wear sunscreen, and limit hot beverages if that’s a trigger for you.
Ask your dermatologist about a skin barrier ointment that could protect your skin from the cold weather elements.
Get to know your personal rosacea triggers, advises Stuart. “Avoiding triggers does not seem to slow the progression of this skin condition, but a thorough knowledge of them will help you coexist with this disease more easily,” she says.
Additional reporting by Melinda Carstensen.
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