Rosacea flare-ups in summer can be frustrating and uncomfortable.
While the season brings warmth and sunshine, it often exacerbates symptoms of this chronic skin condition.
Why does this happen, and is there anything you can do about it?
Causes of Rosacea Flare-Ups In Summer
Usually, it’s one or more of the following factors that cause rosacea flare-ups in summer.
Heat
One of the primary triggers for rosacea is heat. As temperatures rise during the summer months, increased heat can dilate blood vessels near the skin’s surface, leading to redness and flushing.
Sun Exposure
The sun is another significant trigger for rosacea flare-ups. Ultraviolet (UV) rays not only directly heat the skin, but also cause inflammation. This can aggravate existing rosacea symptoms and lead to more frequent flare-ups.
Keep in mind, though, that this isn’t true for everyone. In some people, brief sun exposure can make symptoms improve. In one study, researchers found little difference between those with rosacea and those without when exposed to UV light.
So watch your skin to see whether 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 humidity levels, which are common in many areas in summer, can increase sweating. This, in turn, can trigger flushing and irritation in sensitive skin.
Outdoor Activities
If you’re active outdoors in the summertime, that’s great for your overall health. It can exacerbate 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 may be more common. Alcohol is a well-established trigger for rosacea flare-ups due to its ability to dilate blood vessels.
Spicy Foods
Barbecues and picnics are popular summer activities that often feature spicy foods. Ingredients like chili peppers can cause vasodilation and may trigger rosacea if you are sensitive to them.
Preventing and Treating Rosacea Flare-Ups in Summer
To help your skin look and feel better during the warm summer months, try these tips.
Protect Your Skin from the Sun
As mentioned above, it’s best to protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. According to a survey by the National Rosacea Society, patients who took steps to protect their skin when outdoors were successful in reducing rosacea outbreaks. In the survey, 88 percent said their efforts had been successful or somewhat successful in reducing flare-ups.
In addition to using 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!
Stay Cool
Since heat is a common trigger for rosacea flare-ups, 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. Sip on cold water. Use cooling facial mists or chilled damp clothes to soothe flushed skin during hot spells.
Our Rescue + Relief Spray has skin-calming botanical ingredients that remove heat from the skin while taming inflammation. It was formulated and proven to be effective for rashes, redness and acne caused by rosacea. It relieves stinging and swelling, leaving behind a cool, soft feel. Keep it with you and use it as needed throughout the day when skin is angry and stressed.
Plus, since it’s non-comedogenic, so it won’t exacerbate rosacea acne breakouts!
Maintain a Regular Skincare Routine
The more you care for your skin, the healthier and stronger it will be. This can make it more resilient to triggers that may cause a flare-up.
Choose skincare products made for sensitive skin that are non-comedogenic. Doctors recommend avoiding irritants like:
fragrances
alcohol
acids like 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 worsen irritation. Be sure to choose a mild, rosacea-friendly cleanser (not soap) and apply gently with your fingertips, using a circular motion. Rinse with warm water and pat gently with a clean towel.
Next, use a non-alcoholic/astringent toner. Our Rescue + Relief Spray is perfect as it will moisturize and calm skin, preparing it for your moisturizer.
Finally, apply our Calming Moisture. It’s a soothing, lightweight and breathable moisturizer. It also helps immediately calm redness and flushing, while reduce inflammation while lightly moisturizing without clogging pores.
Hydrate Skin
Dermatologists agree that moisturizing 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 as non-comedogenic and fragrance-free to minimize the risk of irritation. You can use our Rescue + Relief Spray and Calming Moisture as many times as you need them to keep your skin feeling soft and smooth.
With regular use, these products help restore essential lipids, keep skin balanced, and help build a strong moisture barrier to keep out impurities and irritants that may aggravate sensitive and rosacea-prone skin.
Manage Stress
Since stress is a well-known rosacea trigger, try to incorporate a daily stress-relieving activity into your schedule. Good options include yoga, meditation, deep breathing, tai-chi, any sort of exercise, pet therapy, music therapy, spending time with friends, crafting, and gardening.
Watch Your Diet
Be mindful of what you’re eating during the summer months. Avoid spicy foods, hot beverages, and alcohol, and choose more cooling, 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 sip regularly throughout the day. Even slight dehydration can trigger flare-ups.
Use Rosacea-Friendly Makeup
The AAD notes that for some people, makeup may trigger rosacea flare-ups. If you notice that this is the case for you, there are some things that can help.
First, apply a mild, fragrance-free moisturizer to your skin before you apply makeup. Next, 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 clients 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 – models are loving this!!”
Check Your Medications
Some medications may trigger flare-ups under certain conditions. Ask your doctor if any of the medications you’re taking may make you more vulnerable to flare-ups. Some possibilities include drugs used to treat:
High blood pressure
Cardiovascular disease
Anxiety
Migraines
Glaucoma
Consult a Dermatologist
If your symptoms keep getting worse and none of these tips help, check with a dermatologist. They may have topical medications or therapies that can help you manage the condition.
Conclusion
The two most important things to remember are patience and consistency. Be sure to moisturize 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 too.
How do you deal with rosacea flare-ups in summer?
Featured image by Alexander Grey via Unsplash.