Spring has officially sprung — and so have rosacea skin flares. For Rosacea Awareness Month this April, our team at Keehan Dermatology is here to offer expert guidance on how to control rosacea flares and soothe your skin as the weather gets warmer.
Over 16 million adults in the United States have rosacea, a chronic skin condition that causes inflammatory flares of facial redness and flushing, visible blood vessel damage, and acne-like breakouts, or a “rosacea rash,” across the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. Rosacea can also cause red, irritated eyes that are prone to styes.
Most rosacea flare-ups occur in response to a specific trigger or combination of triggers. You may notice that your skin becomes red and inflamed from:
Proactive rosacea management helps minimize red, inflammatory flares through trigger avoidance, consistent sun protection, gentle daily skincare, and stress management.
When a flare-up does occur, prescription medicated lotions and oral antibiotics can often keep it in check. And when rosacea redness persists, a series of intense pulsed light (IPL) cosmetic laser treatments can help clear visible vascularity and calm your skin.
Spring is sometimes called “rosacea season” because of how warmer temperatures, windier weather, increased sunlight exposure, outdoor physical activities, and seasonal allergens can trigger sudden inflammatory skin flares.
These three strategies can keep your skin calm and clear through the spring season:
The transition from drier winter air to springtime warmth and humidity can heat your skin, disrupt its natural moisture balance, and lead to a rosacea rash. A simplified daily care routine can help keep your skin cool, hydrated, balanced, and protected.
Gently cleanse your face (don’t scrub your skin) with cool or lukewarm water. Never wash with hot water, which can dilate facial blood vessels and cause flushing. Use a mild, cream-based, fragrance-free cleanser to prevent irritation and avoid stripping natural oils.
Swap your heavy winter facial cream for a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer that contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid (HA), or niacinamide to hydrate your skin and seal in moisture as it actively repairs and strengthens the skin barrier.
Sun exposure is the most common rosacea trigger, and ultraviolet (UV) light rays become significantly stronger over the spring months. In fact, you may find that spending just a few minutes in the sun causes your rosacea to flare.
Consistent sun protection is an essential part of every rosacea management plan. Apply a broad-spectrum, mineral-based sunscreen to your face and neck every day. Choose a product with an SPF of 30 or above that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are less likely to irritate sensitive skin than chemical UV-filtering ingredients.
Timing matters for outdoor plans. To reduce your odds of experiencing a sun-triggered rosacea flare, avoid heading outside during peak sunlight hours, when UV rays are at their most intense (10am-4pm).
When you do spend time in the sun, physical shade is one of your best defenses: Wearing a wide-brimmed hat can significantly reduce the heat and UV rays reaching your face, as can sticking to shady areas in general.
As you become more active in the spring, heat — both internal and external — can lead to rosacea flares. Avoiding or minimizing these heat triggers is an important part of springtime rosacea management.
Vigorous exercise can trigger rosacea flushing, and even more so in warmer weather. Opt for low-intensity workouts like walking, swimming, or yoga, and try to exercise in a cool, well-ventilated environment.
If you have seasonal allergies (e.g., pollen, mold), exposure can trigger skin inflammation and rosacea redness. Wash your face after spending time outdoors to remove allergens, and consider using an air purifier indoors.
If you feel a flare coming on, apply a cool, damp cloth to your face or neck to lower your skin temperature quickly. Aloe vera can also soothe and calm a heat-induced rosacea flare.
Effective rosacea management is largely proactive, working to prevent skin flares and keep the condition from worsening. It’s also reactive when needed, using medical treatment to calm inflammatory flares and clear your skin faster.
No matter what the season, rosacea control is within reach — and we can help. Schedule a visit with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Patrick Keehan at Keehan Dermatology in Fort Worth, Texas, today.
