Rosacea is one of the most common skin conditions, with studies estimating that more than 5% of the adult population is affected, however, it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Often misdiagnosed as acne or simply redness due to fair or sensitive skin, rosacea is a separate, hereditary condition. While there is no cure for rosacea, with a little extra care and maintaining regular treatment, those burning, rosy flare-ups can easily be kept under control. Avoiding these known triggers can help you to minimize the effects of rosacea outbreaks, but if symptoms persist you should seek advice from a doctor.

  1. Sunlight

By far the most common trigger for nearly all rosacea sufferers, according to studies. The first step is to protect your skin every day by wearing a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF30. Be sure to check the labels to make certain you’re buying an unscented product with no irritating fragrances. Give your skin some added protection by wearing a hat and sticking to the shade whenever possible.

  1. Spicy Foods

High-temperature and spicy foods such as Indian or Mexican cuisine cause blood vessels to dilate and are a trigger for most rosacea patients. Avoiding these foods can be an effective part of rosacea treatment. If you absolutely can’t resist that delicious curry or fiery enchilada, serving the food at a cooler temperature may lessen the redness in some cases.

  1. Alcoholic Beverages

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, alcohol intake is significantly associated with an increased risk of rosacea. For some sufferers, all it takes is one alcoholic beverage to trigger those rosy cheeks. While a variety of drinks have been reported to bring about a flare-up, the worst among them is red wine. Avoiding alcoholic beverages altogether can drastically reduce the degree and frequency of rosacea outbreaks. If, however, you feel like having a drink on special occasions, a glass of water in between each alcoholic drink will help to mitigate the redness.

  1. Strenuous Exercise

This one is a bit trickier. A high-intensity workout is necessary for maintaining good overall health, but it does increase blood flow, which usually results in facial redness in rosacea patients. However, avoiding exercise completely can, in the long run, exasperate rosacea symptoms. The solution then for an effective exercise regimen that compliments your rosacea treatment is to dial back the intensity, wear appropriate loose clothing that allows the skin to breathe, and try to work out in a well-ventilated area with plenty of airflow. If you’re jogging or biking outdoors, wear adequate sun protection and avoid peak sun times, generally between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The key is to keep the body as cool as possible during exercise, so also drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. For extra cooling off, keep a spray bottle or cool, damp towel nearby.

  1. Hot Drinks

Stopping by your local coffee shop is an enjoyable and – let’s face it, necessary – part of the day. But those hot drinks, especially when loaded with caffeine, are a common rosacea trigger. If ordering that latte iced isn’t an option, do be sure to let that steaming cup of joe cool off before drinking to avoid an outbreak.

  1. Cosmetics

Of course, what you put in your body is crucial when caring for your skin, and when it comes to rosacea triggers, what you put on your skin is just as important. When choosing makeup and other skincare products, opt for non-comedogenic products and always take a moment to check the label. Ingredients that dry the skin such as alcohol, menthol, peppermint, and witch hazel should be avoided to prevent redness and burning. Choose instead hydrating products and moisturizers specially made for sensitive skin, or for treating and neutralizing redness.

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