Tips For Avoiding Rosacea Flare-Ups This Season
Winter is the time for hot cocoa and holiday jingles. However, for some of us, ’tis the season for redness and rosacea flare-ups. If you suffer from rosacea, your skin may become more aggravated during the winter, even with mild weather conditions.
Luckily, there are some great ways to manage rosacea in the winter so you can enjoy the season. That’s why we’ve created this helpful guide for the best winter rosacea treatment. Read on to find out more.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that usually occurs on the face. This skin condition is more common in people with lighter skin and women. However, men tend to experience worse symptoms.
Rosacea manifests as an intense redness on the cheeks and bumps that look like acne. It can look like you have a permanent blush across your cheeks and nose. Sometimes, blushing can occur on the ears, neck, head, and chest.
Symptoms
Aside from redness, broken blood vessels may bloom through your skin. Here are some other symptoms of rosacea to look out for:
- Burning or stinging sensation on the skin
- Dry or rough skin
- Swollen and sensitive skin
- Large pores
- Bumps that look like acne
- Broken blood vessels on eyelids
- Bumps on eyelids
- Dry eyes
- Vision problems, and
- A swollen nose, sometimes shaped like a bulb
While rosacea is a long-term skin condition, you will have good and bad days. Sometimes, your symptoms may flare up and fade after a few weeks before returning.
What Causes Rosacea?
No one knows the exact cause of rosacea, and scientists are still looking for answers. However, there have been some clues, like genetics. Many people who suffer from rosacea say it is a condition that also affects family members.
Researchers also discovered that people with rosacea react to a bacterium known as bacillus oleronius. Contact with this bacterium causes the immune system to go into overdrive. Scientists found this bacterium inside a Demodex mite, which is another possible cause of rosacea.
This mite lives on the skin and does not usually cause harm to anyone. However, some people could be sensitive to these mites. Some people with rosacea may also have a large population of these mites living on their skin.
How Is It Different from Acne?
Acne and rosacea look similar, and both affect the face. People often confuse these two skin conditions, but some key differences set them apart.
While rosacea affects women and sometimes men, acne doesn’t discriminate between genders. In addition, acne often affects adolescents but can affect people regardless of age. On the other hand, rosacea usually affects people between the ages of 30 and 60.
Facial bumps in rosacea appear as your skin gets more inflamed.
Acne comes with lesions and blackheads. Dryness is a common symptom of rosacea, while acne causes the skin to increase oil production due to sebaceous glands.
What to Do if You Have Rosacea
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for rosacea. However, here are a few things you can do to minimize flare-ups and symptoms.
Watch Your Diet
Anything that can increase blood flow to the skin’s surface can aggravate symptoms. For you, this could mean adjusting your diet. Any spicy ingredients, like paprika, curry, or pepper, can cause the blood vessels to dilate. This is what results in flushing.
Substituting these for other ingredients like basil or oregano can also help. Using these ingredients will allow you to avoid redness without sacrificing flavor.
Fruits are full of good nutrients and antioxidants, so it’s hard to believe they can be bad for your skin. However, some fruits, like pineapple, tomatoes, and strawberries, are also high in histamine.
Histamine relaxes your blood vessels, resulting in flare-ups. It’s also best to avoid inflammatory foods like dairy. Triggers are different for everyone, so it’s best to identify what yours are first. You may not have to say goodbye to your favorite foods after all.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Sudden temperature changes are a huge trigger for rosacea flare-ups.
Keep a safe distance from heaters and fireplaces so you don’t feel the heat too directly on your skin. If you live in a warmer environment, dress in loose, breathable clothing. Don’t forget to bring a jacket if you think it’ll be cold outside.
You also want to avoid extreme temperatures when washing your face. It’s best to use lukewarm water instead of hot or icy water when cleansing your face.
Don’t Spend Too Much Time in the Sun
Too much sun exposure could cause your skin to inflame and worsen the redness. If you can help it, stay in the shade and wear UV-protective clothing. Wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat can also help protect your face from the sun.
Regardless of the weather, always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen. We recommend wearing SPF 30 or higher if you plan on going outside. Sunscreen with active ingredients like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide is best for people with rosacea.
Use Only Sensitive Ingredients
Rosacea flare-ups can be uncomfortable and even painful for some people. Your skin may feel hot to the touch or sensitive. That’s why it’s best to use ingredients for sensitive skin.
Lactic and glycolic acids have become popular for achieving clear skin. Luckily, there is an alternative for people with rosacea and severe acne. Azelaic acid is anti-inflammatory and has antimicrobial properties.
Niacinamide is also great for reducing inflammation and redness. It keeps your skin hydrated and boosts your skin’s natural protective barrier. Aloe is a great natural ingredient that can give you some relief during flare-ups.
Is Retinol Good for Rosacea?
You may have encountered retinol at least once, and why wouldn’t you? It’s a great anti-aging skincare ingredient! However, is it safe for rosacea?
Retinol helps with uneven texture and breakouts by promoting collagen production. This is good news for people who are insecure about their rosacea scars. But sometimes, retinol can irritate the skin and worsen your symptoms.
Retinol is a tricky ingredient to work with, so it’s best to talk to your dermatologist first.
Products to Avoid if You Have Rosacea
Aside from worsening redness, harsh ingredients can also destroy the skin barrier. This makes you more prone to flare-ups in the future. Some ingredients to avoid if you have rosacea include salicylic, lactic, or glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide.
You also want to avoid witch hazel or anything with fragrance. Using sensitive ingredients will help strengthen your skin barrier. It’s a big bonus if your products can also boost hydration.
How to Treat Rosacea
If left alone, rosacea can cause permanent damage to your skin and eyes. Rosacea treatment can help you keep symptoms under control and reduce the chances of permanent damage.
Treatments That Might Help With Rosacea
Laser treatment is currently the best treatment for rosacea. After a few sessions, you can reduce the appearance of facial redness and blood vessels.
You can also talk to your dermatologist about taking an oral antibiotic. Topical treatments can also help soothe the skin. Always use topical treatment as prescribed to see the best results.
Studies also show that coffee can help with rosacea flare-ups. A daily facial massage can help with inflammation, but it’s best to speak to a specialist.
How to Combat Rosacea in the Fall
Rosacea and fall are not a very happy combination. The sharp cold starts to settle in, and, for many, it’s the start of a series of flare-ups. Here are some things you can do to enjoy fall and winter without risking a new flare-up.
Avoid Overheating
As mentioned, extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can cause your face to flush. If you live in an area with a warmer climate, bring a cold drink to cool your body down.
You can also use a cool towel to even out your body temperature when you’re feeling too warm. Dressing in layers can also make it easier to manage your body temperature.
Fight the Power of the Wind
Wearing a scarf can help protect your skin from cold wind. However, if you’re going to layer anything on your face, only use silk or acrylic fabric. Other fabrics like wool can trigger flare-ups on your skin.
Avoid Hot Drinks
Hot drinks are a common trigger for people with rosacea. While caffeine can be good for your symptoms, hot coffee can cause your blood vessels to expand and result in redness. Opt for an iced version or wait for your drink to cool down before you take a sip.
Have a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is the best diet for rosacea. A good diet means a healthy gut, and a healthy gut means fewer flare-ups. Always include prebiotics, probiotics, and fiber-rich foods in your meals.
Be Consistent With Your Skincare Routine
After finding the best ingredients for your skin, be consistent with your skincare routine. Your skin needs all the hydration it can get which is why the iS Clinical Pro-Health Serum Advance + is a great option for reducing inflammation while hydrating. If you’re looking for a product with an anti-blemish feature then iS Clinical Hydra-Cool Serum will also do the trick! If you’re introducing new ingredients, you won’t see results if you don’t use them as intended.
Rosacea Treatment: The Takeaway
Don’t let rosacea stop you from enjoying winter. These rosacea treatment tips will help you keep those symptoms under control, so you don’t have to worry about a flare-up again.
Treat yourself this snowy season to one of our facial services. Contact us today for a free consultation.
