How to treat Rosacea

Do you experience redness on your face and persistent blushing or flushing? It’s possible that you have rosacea. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by redness, red bumps, and visible blood vessels. In this blog post, we will explore common triggers of rosacea to avoid and provide you with self-care tips to minimize its appearance and find relief.

Common Triggers to Avoid

1. Harsh skincare products: Patients with rosacea tend to have sensitive skin. It is best to avoid products with fragrances and exfoliants like retinols and AHA/BHAs.

2. Spicy Foods & Alcohol: If you notice that you become more red after eating spicy foods or drinking alcohol, it is best to avoid them. Spicy foods and alcohol can dilate blood vessels and contribute to facial redness and inflammation.

3. Extreme Temperatures: Both hot and cold weather can cause rosacea flare-ups. Protecting your skin from extreme temperatures by using air conditioning or fans during hot weather and protecting your face with a scarf during cold weather can help minimize flare-ups. We also recommend showering and bathing in warm water instead of hot water.

4. Stress: Stress is a common trigger for many skin conditions including rosacea. Managing stress levels can help reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.

Self-Care Tips

1. Moisturize: Keep your skin well-hydrated by using a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer. Moisturizing helps restore the skin’s moisture barrier, reducing dryness and irritation that can worsen redness and inflammation. We recommend the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, EltaMD PM Therapy, or SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment which is specifically made to calm inflammation and combat redness.

2. Sun Protection: Shielding your skin from harmful UV rays is vital for managing rosacea. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning, even on cloudy days. For rosacea-specific recommendations, consider trying the EltaMD UV Clear sunscreen, available at our office.

3. SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Family: SkinCeuticals recognizes the unique needs of individuals with rosacea and has developed a range of products specifically designed to address these concerns. We already mentioned the Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment, but the line also includes the Phyto Corrective Gel, Phyto Corrective Masque, and Phyto Corrective Essence Mist. Each product within this family is formulated to combat redness and inflammation, making them ideal for those with rosacea or sensitive skin.

However, rosacea is often difficult to treat with just self-care and over the counter products. If you continue to experience persistent rosacea, please schedule an appointment with one of our experienced medical providers. We can talk you through a number of options including anti-inflammatory creams, oral antibiotics, and cosmetic procedures like IPL Photo Facials to minimize redness.