The occasional flushing of the cheeks is normal when embarrassed, hot or post a big workout, but when the flushing won’t go away or your blood vessels become enlarged you could be dealing with Rosacea. Like our complicated and unwelcome friend Eczema, the root cause of Rosacea is unknown, however experts believe it could be due to genetics or an overactive immune system.
Sometimes mistaken for acne or dermatitis, Rosacea causes flushing or long-term redness on the face and can escalate to enlarged blood vessels and in extreme cases – pus-filled bumps.
The bad news? Rosacea has no cure. The good news? You can successfully manage it by avoiding flare-up triggers and sticking to a gentle, organic skincare routine.
Rosacea Triggers
Research has identified various triggers that can exacerbate Rosacea symptoms. Understanding these triggers is crucial for preventing flare ups and managing this frustrating skin condition. The common theme with Rosacea triggers seems to be heat, so protecting your skin from the sun, heat and avoiding stress can help to keep your skin calm and reduce symptoms.
Sun Exposure:
Excessive exposure to the sun is a common trigger for rosacea flare-ups. UV rays can dilate blood vessels in the skin, leading to increased redness and inflammation. Everyone should make sun protection a priority every day, but this is particularly important for those with Rosacea. Using a daily SPF that is suited to sensitive skin along with wearing long sleeves, lightweight clothing will help to protect your skin from flare ups and sun damage that can lead to premature ageing. Win – win!
Hot Weather:
Speaking of the sun, high temperatures and humidity can also provoke rosacea symptoms. Excessive sweating and a hot climate can cause blood vessels to expand, leading to flushing and redness. Seek shade, wear lightweight, breathable clothing and stay cool where possible.
Stress:
Nothing heats your body faster and causes inflammation than stress. Not ideal when you’re trying to keep your body cool and reduce redness. While it’s not always possible to entirely eliminate stress from our lives, taking some time to practice mindfulness and leading a healthy, balanced lifestyle will help you manage stress and the flare ups that result from it.
Alcohol:
Excessive alcohol consumption isn’t great for anyone, but is especially triggering for those with rosacea. In particular, red wine is a well-known trigger for rosacea symptoms so it’s best to stay away from this choice of drink all-together. Limiting alcohol consumption and choosing your drink of choice carefully may help to minimise flare-ups.
Spicy Foods:
Just as external heat can manifest a rosacea flare up, so too can heat that is ingested. Spicy or hot food and drink can trigger rosacea flare-ups in some individuals. It’s important to take note of your diet to easily identify possible food and beverage triggers as they arise.
Exercise Exertion:
Whilst regular exercise is important for everyone’s overall health and wellbeing, intense workouts can lead to increased blood flow, overheating and flushing in individuals with rosacea. If you have rosacea it may be beneficial to choose low-impact physical activities and avoid exercising in hot environments to reduce the risk of triggering symptoms.
Harsh Skincare Products:
Skincare products containing harsh ingredients or fragrances can irritate sensitive skin and trigger flare-ups. If you suffer from Rosacea it’s advisable to choose gentle, non-comedogenic products formulated for sensitive skin. Patch testing new products and gradually introducing them into your skincare routine one at a time can also help to identify products that may be aggravating your rosacea symptoms.
A GENTLE SKINCARE ROUTINE TO SUPPORT ROSACEA PRONE SKIN
If you have rosacea it’s important to find natural products that are gentle on the skin and fragrance free to avoid irritation. We’ve curated a nourishing and natural skincare routine for all of our rosacea prone friends to nourish and support your sensitive skin.
CLEANSE
If you have sensitive, rosacea prone skin it’s important not to strip your skin as it may lead to a dry, irritated complexion. If you’ve completed a double cleanse at night, it’s not always necessary to use a cleanser in the morning.
Double cleansing can seem like just another time-consuming step in your skincare routine, but it’s actually very important. The first cleanse will remove makeup, dirt and excess oil. The second cleanse will “clean” the skin, allowing the active ingredients in your cleanser to do their job.
Comfort rosacea prone skin using a nourishing Oil Cleanser. Oil cleansers are great for this skin type as they effectively melt away your SPF, makeup and dirt without damaging or irritating dry, sensitive skin.
A purifying blend of natural oils that cleanses the skin and gently dissolves makeup and impurities to reveal clear, radiant complexion. The nourishing, antioxidant-rich formula enhances skin’s natural repair and keeps the lipid barrier intact, restoring moisture balance and healthy glow.
While rosacea can be a challenging condition to manage, understanding and avoiding triggers can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups. Implementing healthy lifestyle choices and avoiding known triggers can allow you to take some control of Rosacea and achieve clearer, calmer skin. If you’re finding it challenging to manage your skin condition we recommend consulting with a dermatologist who can deliver guidance and treatment options tailored to your individual skin and potential triggers.
