Proven solutions to address and treat rosacea symptoms.
Even though rosacea is a common skin condition, many people struggling with it feel alone. Exploring the facts about rosacea can empower you to understand your symptoms and their root causes. Most importantly, understanding your rosacea can give you back control – for your best summer skin!
Do I have rosacea?
If you have rosacea, you’ve likely noticed redness and visible blood vessels in your face and frequent flushing. You may also have acne-type symptoms, with small red bumps and pus-filled bumps on your face. Your symptoms may flare up for weeks or months at a time and then fade away again.
Why can rosacea be challenging to diagnose and treat?
Many people with rosacea don’t realize what they are suffering from. It’s easy to misinterpret symptoms and assume you’re experiencing an acne outbreak or allergic reaction. Perhaps you notice redness as it flares up in the hotter summer months, or after a few glasses of wine; but without a diagnosis or deeper understanding, some people worsen their rosacea symptoms without realizing they’re doing so!
How does the sun impact people suffering from rosacea?
If you think you have rosacea, one of the best things you can do is to understand the triggers and catalysts for your symptoms. Direct sunlight or extreme temperatures are among the most common rosacea triggers. As rosacea makes the skin feel especially raw and sensitive, harsh direct sunlight without sunscreen can make symptoms worse, making the summer months more difficult for patients suffering from rosacea. There has even been research that suggests that sun exposure could actually be responsible for the blood vessel damage that is associated with the disorder.
What else could be triggering my rosacea symptoms?
Keep note of what seems to aggravate your symptoms so you can gain better control over your skin. Learning and understanding your unique symptoms can be freeing and empowering as you learn what works and what doesn’t.
Common triggers for rosacea include:
• Hot or spicy foods
• Alcohol
• Extreme temperatures
• Exercise
• Some cosmetics
• Certain medications that affect blood pressure or circulation
• Stress or anxiety
How can I protect my skin from the sun and offset rosacea symptoms?
> Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection and an SPF of 30+ every day.
> Put on a wide-brimmed hat and SPF clothing on sunny days to avoid direct sunlight.
> Wear sunglasses! Many people with rosacea experience dry, swollen or irritated eyes along with their other symptoms.
> Avoid the sun, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
What sun products are the best for people suffering from rosacea in sunny weather?
» A great sunscreen is strong ammunition against rosacea symptoms.
» Try mineral-based sunscreen with ingredients like zinc or titanium dioxide.
» It’s worth investing in a high-quality sunscreen; it doesn’t help to protect your skin if your sunscreen aggravates your symptoms too!
Take care of yourself.
Your body will be more equipped to combat rosacea if you are well-rested, emotionally balanced, and intentionally managing stress. By developing a pattern of checking in with how your body feels and reacts, you can regain power over your rosacea symptoms.
