Summertime rosacea breakouts can be frustrating and uncomfortable.
While the season brings warmth and sunshine, it often worsens the symptoms of this chronic skin condition.
Why is this happening and is there anything you can do about it?
Causes of summer rosacea flare-ups
Usually, it is one or more of the following factors that cause summer rosacea to flare up.
Heat
One of the main triggers for rosacea is heat. As temperatures rise during the summer months, the increased heat can dilate the blood vessels near the surface of the skin, leading to redness and flushing.
Exposure to the sun
The sun is another major trigger for rosacea flare-ups. Ultraviolet (UV) rays not only directly heat the skin, but also cause inflammation. This can worsen existing rosacea symptoms and lead to more frequent breakouts.
Keep in mind, however, that this is not the case for everyone. In some people, short exposure to the sun can improve symptoms. In a studythe researchers found little difference between those with rosacea and those without when exposed to UV radiation.
So watch your skin to see if sun exposure helps or hurts. Either way, it’s usually best to protect your skin from burning with a safe sunscreen like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Humidity
High levels of humidity, which are common in many areas in summer, can increase sweating. This, in turn, can cause flushing and irritation on sensitive skin.
Outdoor activities
Being active outdoors in the summer is great for your overall health. It can worsen rosacea symptoms, however, if you’re not careful. Increased physical activity can lead to sweating and overheating, which are known triggers for rosacea.
Alcohol consumption
Summer often brings social gatherings and outdoor events where alcohol consumption can be more common. Alcohol is a well-established trigger for rosacea flare-ups due to its ability to dilate blood vessels.
Spicy food
Barbecues and picnics are popular summer activities that often involve spicy foods. Ingredients like chili peppers can cause vasodilation and can cause rosacea if you are sensitive to them.
Prevention and treatment of summer rosacea breakouts
To help your skin look and feel its best during the hot summer months, try these tips.
Protect your skin from the sun
As mentioned above, it is best to protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. According to his research National Rosacea Society, patients who took steps to protect their skin when outdoors were able to reduce their incidence of rosacea. In the survey, 88 percent said their efforts were successful or somewhat successful in reducing flare-ups.
In addition to wearing sunscreen, also remember to wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors during the day and light-colored clothing that covers your skin. Umbrellas work well too!
remain calm
Since heat is a common trigger for a rosacea flare-up, do your best to stay cool at all times. Choose shaded areas and air-conditioned spaces when possible. Dress in layers so you can remove clothing if you start to feel overheated. Drink cold water. Use cool face mists or cool wet washcloths to soothe reddened skin during hot spells.
Rescue + Relief Spray has skin-soothing botanicals that draw heat away from the skin while taming inflammation. Formulated and proven effective for rashes, redness and acne caused by rosacea. It relieves stinging and swelling, leaving behind a cool, soft sensation. Keep it with you and use as needed throughout the day when skin is angry and stressed.
Plus, since it’s non-caesogenic, it won’t aggravate rosacea breakouts!
Maintain a regular skin care routine
The more you take care of your skin, the healthier and stronger it will be. This can make it more resistant to triggers that can cause a flare-up.
Choose skin care products for sensitive skin that are non-comedogenic. Doctors recommend avoiding irritants such as:
- perfumes
- alcohol
- acids such as glycolic and lactic
- camphor
- urea
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends cleansing your face twice a day very gently. It will help remove oil and dirt that can aggravate irritation. Be sure to choose a mild rosacea-friendly cleanser (not soap) and apply gently with your fingers in a circular motion. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat gently with a clean towel.
Then use a non-alcoholic/astringent toner. Our Rescue + Relief Spray is perfect as it will hydrate and soothe the skin, preparing it for your moisturizer.
Finally, apply our Calming Moisture. It is a soothing, light and breathable moisturizer. It also helps instantly soothe redness and erythema while reducing inflammation while lightly hydrating without clogging pores.
Hydration of the skin
Dermatologists agree that hydration is essential regardless of whether your skin is dry or oily.
Keep your skin moisturized and hydrated with gentle, non-irritating products. Look for those labeled non-edible and fragrance-free to minimize the risk of irritation. You can use Rescue + Relief Spray and Calming Moisture as often as you need to keep your skin soft and smooth.
With regular use, these products help restore essential lipids, maintain skin balance and help create a strong moisture barrier to ward off impurities and irritants that can aggravate sensitive and rosacea-prone skin.
Manage stress
Since stress is a known rosacea trigger, try to incorporate a daily stress-relieving activity into your schedule. Good options include yoga, meditation, deep breathing, tai chi, any type of exercise, pet therapy, music therapy, time with friends, crafts, and gardening.
Watch your diet
Be careful what you eat in the summer months. Avoid spicy foods, hot drinks and alcohol and choose cooler and hydrating foods like fresh fruits and vegetables. Melons are perfect.
Stay hydrated
You want to stay hydrated inside and out, so take water with you and drink regularly throughout the day. Even mild dehydration can trigger a flare-up.
Use rosacea-friendly makeup
The notes the AAD that for some people, makeup can cause rosacea to flare up. If you notice that this is the case for you, there are some things that can help.
First, apply a mild, unscented moisturizer to your skin before applying makeup. Then use a light foundation or tinted moisturizer that spreads easily. Avoid waterproof makeup and heavy foundations.
Makeup artists often use Calming Moisture as a primer or mix Calming Moisture with foundation for their sensitive skin to keep inflammation and redness at bay.
Kristen Arnett, International Makeup Artist and Clean Beauty Expert, says:
Calming Moisture minimizes redness, hydrates and helps keep skin healthy despite what’s being done to it during Fashion Week. Indeed – the models love this!!”
Check your medications
Certain medications can cause flare-ups under certain conditions. Ask your doctor if any of the medications you are taking may make you more vulnerable to flare-ups. Some possibilities include drugs used to treat:
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
- Worry
- Migraines
- Glaucoma
Consult a Dermatologist
If your symptoms continue to worsen and none of these tips help, consult a dermatologist. They may have topical medications or treatments that can help you manage the condition.
conclusion
The two most important things to remember are patience and consistency. Make sure to hydrate and stay consistent with your skincare routine and be patient with yourself as you incorporate new habits and your skin is likely to respond by feeling more comfortable and looking healthier.
How do you deal with summer rosacea breakouts?
Featured image from Alexander Gray via Unscrew.
