Rosacea is a skin condition that affects millions of Americans. It is a chronic dermatology condition that causes redness, inflammation, and visible blood vessels on the face. While the exact cause of rosacea is unknown, there are certain triggers that can cause flare-ups. If you are one of the people who suffer from rosacea, don’t worry! There are many steps you can take to prevent flare-ups and keep your skin healthy. Here are some tips to help you prevent rosacea flare-ups and keep your skin looking and feeling its best.

Protect your skin from the sun: Sun exposure is one of the most common triggers of rosacea flare-ups. It is important to protect your skin from the sun by wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. When possible, stay indoors during peak sun hours or wear protective clothing such as hats and sunglasses.

Reduce stress: Stress is another common trigger of rosacea. Try to manage your stress levels by practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation. Regular exercise can also help reduce stress and keep your skin healthy.

Avoid overheating: Overheating can trigger a rosacea flare-up. Steer clear of hot tubs, saunas, hot showers, and exercising in hot weather. Cooling down with ice packs or a cool shower can also help prevent flare-ups.

Rethink hot beverages and foods: Hot beverages and spicy foods can also cause irritation. Try to avoid consuming hot beverages and spicy foods, or at least limit your intake of them. Choose cold drinks instead of hot ones, and mild foods instead of spicy ones to help reduce symptoms.

Reduce alcohol: Alcohol can dilate blood vessels and trigger a rosacea flare-up. Reducing your alcohol intake or avoiding it altogether can help prevent flare-ups. If you do choose to drink, try to limit your intake and have a glass of water between each alcoholic beverage.

Be mindful of the ingredients of skincare products and makeup: Certain ingredients in skincare products and makeup can irritate the skin. Be sure to read product labels and avoid products with harsh chemicals and fragrances. Look for products labeled as "hypoallergenic" or "non-irritating."

Check medicines: Certain medications can also trigger rosacea flare-ups. If you think your medication may be causing your rosacea, speak to your doctor about alternative options.

Protect your face from wind and cold: Cold weather and wind can irritate your skin and increase symptoms. To protect your skin, wear a scarf and hat to cover your face when it’s cold or windy outside.

Treat rosacea: While there is no cure for rosacea, there are many treatments available to manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Speak to our experts about the right treatment plan for you.

Rosacea can be a frustrating and uncomfortable condition, and can happen to anyone; but there are many steps you can take to prevent flare-ups and keep your skin healthy. Be sure to protect your skin as best you can and speak to one of our providers about a plan to manage your rosacea symptoms. We can help you understand what to look for and the best way to treat your specific type of rosacea.

Helendale Dermatology and Medical Spa is located at 500 Helendale Road in Rochester, NY and can be reached by phone during regular hours by calling 585-266-5420.You can also reach our staff by sending an email through our secure contact page.