Rosacea affects 16 million people in the US ,and can persist throughout a person’s entire lifetime. Rosacea can come and go! It's important for you to know the triggers and what causes flares and how you can avoid them. WHAT IS ROSACEA? Rosacea is a common skin condition in which your complexion is constantly flushed red. You can have a type of rosacea with breakouts as well. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, rosacea initially starts with people who blush more frequently. It can then develop into perpetual redness and may appear in different forms ranging from ocular rosacea (in which eyes and eyelids can become irritated and swollen) to phymatous rosacea (when skin thickens into a bumpy texture). WHO CAN GET ROSACEA? Fact: Rosacea in more common in patients of Irish, English, Scottish descent.
However, you can see rosacea in all ethnicities and that is why you should see a board certified dermatologist who can recognize and correctly diagnosis your skin!
WHAT CAN TRIGGER ROSACEA?
Stress
Although the exact cause of rosacea remains unclear, it is confirmed that the condition is related to our vasculature or blood vessels!
Since certain emotional responses—such as stress—cause a changes to your heart rate and blood pressure trigger it’s quite possible your emotional responses could be behind your rosacea.
Should you find your rosacea to be stress-induced, take some time to unwind every day. I'm a fan of having a ritual: mine is washing my face as soon as I get home and a face masks to relax!
Certain Food & Drinks According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), spicy foods and alcohol could cause rosacea to flare up. Enjoy these in moderation. Spicy foods, fried foods, chocolate, citrus, caffeine, and hot temperature drinks like teas and caffeine can also cause your rosacea to flare. (Yes ,I know it's all the good stuff). This is why I share with my patients that moderation is key! Cosmetic & Skin Care Products What you’re putting on your skin can cause it to react in unwanted ways. Certain products can irritate the skin and if you are prone to rosacea, could cause a rosacea flare up. When in doubt, reach for gentle skin care products and avoid harsh astringents, toners, and ingredients that are known to cause irritation such as camphol and menthol. Be cautious with your makeup! In trying to cover up the redness, remember that makeup products may be causing that rosacea to flare. Be sure to avoid irritants especially if you have sensitive skin. The same goes for any skin care products you’re using: make sure to use soap-free cleansing products. Also, to protect your skin barrier, take care to moisturize on a regular basis. Extremes of Temperature and Sunshine Extremes of temperature like very cold weather and winds or very hot humid temps can cause rosacea. I share with my patients wear a scarf and protect your face year-round with sunscreen to help. Sunscreen is such a key for rosacea!