Life with rosacea can be annoying, am I right?
You never know when a flare-up will turn your skin into a battleground, and you have things to do. There are pumpkin spice lattes to drink, kids who need full-time schedulers, chauffeurs, and chefs – and there are seven whole seasons of Gilmore Girls just sitting on Netflix with no one to watch them.
What triggers those sensitive red patches can vary from individual to individual, but with a little experimentation and research, you can discover a few quick ways to keep calm skin and a flawless complexion!
Mind the Temperature
One of the best things you can do to care for your skin sensitivities is to make sure you care for your skin when the weather changes. Harsh weather – cold or hot! – can cause flare-ups, but there are steps you can take to prevent it. Make sure you’ve got a broad-spectrum sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, and use it every day, no exceptions. Silicone may also help prevent the stinging and burning that comes with applying new products to your face.
Stick to the shade when outdoors, and when that’s not an option, consider wearing a hat to at least keep yourself partially out of the sun.
Cold weather can also trigger rosacea flares, so make sure you’ve got a scarf to cover up with when you leave your home in cold weather. Be sure to pick a non-irritating fabric that feels smooth against the face, as common fabrics like wool may leave you itchy and irritated.
Keep Track of What You Eat
Unfortunately, rosacea isn’t just triggered by the weather, but also by certain food and drink. The usual suspects include spicy foods, coffee and soda (et tu, caffeine?), and sometimes even red wine. Still, other foods can also cause a reaction, so it’s smart to keep a journal of what foods you eat so you can notice any patterns around your breakouts.
Be Product Vigilant
While it might be tempting to lather on hair and skincare products to find some rosacea relief, you’re going to want to keep it simple when it comes to your skincare routine. Many products contain ingredients that could irritate your skin, so when it comes to skincare you’re going to want to check the labels carefully. Anything with the following ingredients should be avoided:
- Alcohol
- Camphor
- Menthol
- Sodium laurel sulfate (this one is in lots of shampoos!)
- Menthol
- Glycolic acid
- Lactic acid
- Any fragrance
Any of these ingredients could cause a painful flare, so stick to gentle products!
Rosacea can be a pain, but we know you can manage it. Still, sometimes even superheroes like you need a sidekick, and that’s why we offer free consultations. Even if you’re just not sure what shampoo to use (why do they all have sulfates?!) give us a call, and we can set up a consultation to get you on the path to a personalized rosacea care routine!
