Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It's characterized by redness, flushing, and small bumps on the face, and can be triggered by a variety of factors such as heat, spicy foods, and stress. For people with rosacea, taking care of their skin can be a delicate balancing act, as certain skincare products and habits can exacerbate symptoms. Here are five common habits to avoid if you struggle with Rosacea or redness prone skin:
1. Using Harsh Products
Products that contain alcohol, fragrances, and other harsh ingredients can trigger flare-ups and make symptoms worse. Instead, look for gentle, fragrance-free or “Clean” products that are specifically formulated for sensitive skin
2. No Sun Protection
Sun exposure and heat are known triggers for rosacea, so it's important to wear sunscreen every day. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and make sure to apply it generously to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, and ears.
If you’re sensitive even to sunscreens (which is common), consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to provide additional protection.
3. Over-Exfoliating
Exfoliating can be beneficial for removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores, but it can easily lead to over-exfoliating for people with rosacea. Scrubbing too hard or too often can irritate the skin and cause redness and inflammation even for normal skin types.
Limit your exfoliation to once a month and stick to gentle, non-abrasive exfoliating techniques such as certain Rosacea-friendly lasers (such as Pulse dye lasers) or even just a bamboo/cotton blend facial cloth (such as our Organic Cotton & Bamboo Facial Cloth) for exfoliating sensitive skin)
4. Using Very Hot Water
Hot water can be soothing, but it can also be a trigger for rosacea symptoms. When washing your face, use lukewarm water instead of hot water. Hot water can cause your blood vessels to dilate, which can lead to redness and flushing. For Rosacea or redness-prone skin, this can amplify the redness and irritation.
5. Not Managing Stress
Stress is a common trigger for rosacea, so it's important to manage stress levels to avoid flare-ups. Consider making lifestyle changes such as getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet (avoiding Rosacea triggers such as sugar, spices and certain dairy), and getting regular exercise to manage your stress levels.
It sounds easier said than done but start with the little changes such as a short walk to work or even a 10 minute deep breathing exercise – you’ll be surprised at the difference it can make.
Taking care of your skin when you have rosacea or chronic redness can be challenging, but avoiding these common triggers can help. Unfortunately Rosacea is still considered medically incurable as doctors still do not fully understand what causes it, but you can always start managing your symptoms early.
It’s still important to consult with a dermatologist for personalized skincare recommendations and treatment options. If you're interested, read on about how our founder found a way to beat her Rosacea blues.
