Once you have identified that you have symptoms of roscea and are managing them, it’s best to avoid flare ups by avoiding triggers. Everyone has varying triggers but these are the main ones to be aware of and minimise if you can:
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Sunlight - Sun exposure and its associated heat can increase blood flow in the capilarries to the skin. Also UV rays are harmful and they will have a negative effect on the skin and its barrier function.
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Heat - Research has shown that people with rosacea have increased blood flow and sweating rates. The flushed look is caused by the higher blood flow, heat and increased sweating.
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Exercise - For the reasons already mentioned, it then follows that exercise is a likely trigger. However, it would be a shame to avoid exercise because it has so many other benefits. One suggestion is to have shorter workout sessions so your skin is not flushed for extended periods of time.
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Stress - Stress makes chemical and hormonal changes to your body. Since rosacea is already linked to these abnormal chemical reactions, stress contributes to this.
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Alcohol - Research has shown there is a link and red wine contains a histamine that can worsen the flushing.
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Hairspray - Most formulations contain alcohol which can increase blood flow on the skin.
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Skin Products - People with rosacea often have a compromised barrier function. If a person’s skincare regime contains products that cause irritation, then they will trigger rosacea symptoms.
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Spicy Foods & Hot Drinks - the warmth from these foods and drinks will increase heat.
Each person with rosacea will have different triggers and some of the above triggers are unavoidable. However, thare are modifications that might improve your outbreaks such as daily use of sunscreen, managing stress, using non-irriitating skincare, avoiding hairspray and other products with alochol that coud well make a difference to you.
