Rosacea Triggers
While we're still in the dark about the exact causes of rosacea, we've got a pretty good handle on several triggers that can turn a good skin day bad. In this post, we'll dive into what might be setting off your rosacea and share some tried-and-true tips to help keep your flare-ups in check. Let’s demystify those triggers together and find ways to smooth things over with your skin.
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Sun Exposure: The sun is not your skin's friend if you're battling rosacea. UV rays can aggravate your symptoms by dilating blood vessels, ramping up redness and flushing. Shield your skin with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen and try to keep out of the sun during its fiercest hours.
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Hot Drinks and Spicy Foods: Love a hot cup of coffee or crave that spicy taco? They might not love you back. Both hot beverages and spicy dishes are known to trigger rosacea symptoms. Try cooling things down and dialing back the spice to see if it helps ease your redness.
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Alcohol: Alcohol can prompt your blood vessels to dilate, leading to noticeable redness and flushing. If cutting back isn't your cup of tea, consider switching to lighter drinks like diluted clear spirits.
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Stress: Stress wreaks havoc on rosacea. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, or even regular physical activity can help manage your symptoms better.
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Harsh Skincare Products: Harsh chemicals and fragrances in skincare products can be your skin's worst enemy. Look for soothing, gentle formulas made for sensitive skin, and steer clear of irritants like alcohol, menthol, and witch hazel.
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Extreme Temperatures: Both sweltering heat and bitter cold can flare rosacea. Keeping your environment temperate and protecting your skin against extreme conditions can reduce symptoms.
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Certain Medications: Some medications, including topical steroids and certain blood pressure drugs, might exacerbate rosacea. If you suspect your medication is affecting your skin, a chat with your healthcare provider may be in order.
