Do you look like you’re blushing all the time? Do you frequently get acne-like bumps on your face? If you answered yes, you may have rosacea — an inflammatory skin disease that affects more than 16 million Americans.
Although the condition is harmless, many people wish to address it for cosmetic concerns. Rosacea has no cure, but there is good news: Your symptoms can be treated by identifying your triggers.
The skin experts at Dadeland Dermatology, located in Kendall, Florida, are here to tell you about five of the most common rosacea triggers so you can prevent future flare-ups.
Sun is at the top of the list as the most common rosacea trigger. For someone with rosacea, just a few minutes in the sun could mean many red bumps, along with flushing on your skin.
We suggest applying a sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater to help avoid this. Opt for a fragrance-free type that contains zinc and titanium dioxide to minimize skin irritation.
Try to stay out of the sun during its peak hours, between 10 am and 4 pm. Wear a hat and stay in the shade when you can.
80% of participants in a survey reported exercise worsens their rosacea. The most common types of exercise to trigger rosacea were cardio and running. Experts believe this is because exercise raises your body’s temperature and increases blood flow.
Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, so instead of stopping, make modifications to your workout. This can include reducing the intensity of the workout, using a fan or air conditioning while training or shortening the duration of the activity. A majority of the survey respondents who made modifications to their workouts reported they helped.
No one wants to be stressed, but it’s something we all face from time to time. For those with rosacea, it can lead to an uncontrollable breakout that may even add to your stress level.
91% of people with rosacea reported that emotional stress triggers symptoms. Managing your stress can help you minimize skin problems while promoting a calm mind. Meditation and yoga are two of the best ways to help keep your stress levels down.
As summer temperatures rise, the severity of your rosacea might, too. 75% of people living with this chronic skin condition reported hot weather to be a trigger. But why?
Your body temperature rises in the heat, causing your skin to flush and your rosacea to spike. The best way to manage your symptoms is by dressing in layers so you can remove them to keep you at a comfortable temperature. Be sure to avoid hot showers, saunas, and hot tubs.
Many people love foods that bring the heat, but sadly, they are a common cause of skin problems including acne and broken capillaries, and they can rosacea.
Spicy foods usually contain acidic lycopene, which can wreak havoc on your skin and throw off your pH levels. While these types of foods cause inflammation in your stomach, they can also irritate your skin and cause a pre-existing condition to surface.
If you’ve had a skin reaction to spicy food, it’s best to eliminate it from your diet. Instead try incorporating pre-biotic and fiber-rich foods like bananas, asparagus, and garlic.
There are many rosacea triggers; these five are among the most common. Everyone’s body is different, and what triggers one person’s rosacea may not affect you.
Keep a journal and log the dates of your rosacea flare-ups and any potential triggers. This can help you understand the cause of your breakouts and help you work toward eliminating triggers. Rosacea can be frustrating, but making a few adjustments to your lifestyle can keep your flare-ups at bay.
Schedule your rosacea consultation with Dadeland Dermatology today by calling 305-250-2056 or booking online.
