So what can I do about it?

OK, time to get down to business. If you have been dealing with facial redness from rosacea for some time now, you will already be aware of the many tried and tested ways to manage your condition by understanding and avoiding its ‘triggers.’ For example, you may take care to avoid certain foods and drinks, cut down on cosmetics or just try to stay out of the sun.

So what are the most common triggers? Hover over the icons below to read more about a particular trigger, including some handy tips on how to manage it:

Quick Tip

Sun exposure

Often the most common facial trigger.

Always wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 and higher. Shield your skin from the wind with a hat or scarf.

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Quick Tip

Temperature & Weather

Cozying up to the fire or enjoying a hot soak might sound comforting, but overly warm environments can increase blood flow and facial flushing.

Avoid saunas, hot baths, and being close to sources of heat. Steer clear of extreme weathers and bundle up when heading out into the cold.

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Quick Tip

Food

Certain foods can trigger facial redness flare-ups, most notably:

Spicy foods
Large hot meals
Dairy products like yogurt and chocolate
Particular citrus fruits
Foods high in histamine including some cheeses, aubergine, spinach, vinegar and soy sauce

Keep a food journal to help you track what foods or beverages trigger flare-ups.

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Quick Tip

Beverages

It is a myth that facial redness is caused by alcohol abuse, but booze and hot beverages can trigger the condition.

As a general rule, it’s wise to be aware of alcohol consumption and reduce the temperature of hot beverages.

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Skin care products

Try avoiding products containing alcohol and fragrances. Also, heavy foundations that require a lot of scrubbing to remove.

Don’t use products designed for acne as they are often too harsh. Use a mild, soap-free cleanser and a moisturizer that is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores). Cleanse and blot the face dry with a soft cotton towel. Ask your dermatologist for tips suited to your particular skin type.

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Quick Tip

Exercise

While working up a good sweat is vital to healthy living, intense exercise can lead to overheating – triggering flare-ups.

If you’re going for an outdoor jog, step out in the early morning or evening when the sun is at its weakest. In cool-down mode, be sure to drink plenty of fluids.

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Emotional influences

Just having to deal with the visible signs of facial redness can bring on more flushing.

Practise simple stress management techniques (such as deep breathing exercises) throughout the day. Eat healthily, get plenty of rest and if facial redness symptoms continue to upset you, go talk to your doctor. Today!

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Quick Tip

Medical conditions

The menopause, chronic coughs and high blood pressure can all trigger facial redness.

As always, talk with your doctor about the symptoms you’re experiencing. They are the ones best informed to care for your condition.

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So triggers are a crucial piece of the facial redness puzzle. Gaining a decent understanding of them is one of the first steps in moving beyond RED and getting back to YOU.

Now if you have been doing some online research of your own, it is likely that you have come across a number of other suggestions regarding how to tackle your disease. But watch out! Not everything you read and hear has a scientific basis and can be considered credible.

Furthermore, controlling triggers is not the only way to deal with facial redness. There are effective treatments available from your dermatologist or healthcare professional.