There Are Quite a Few Triggers
Whether it’s that takeout with a kick or your favorite hot sauce, spicy foods are known to be among the worst rosacea triggers, says Downie. More fun things—like drinking alcohol (especially red wine), laying out in the sun, and taking hot showers and baths—are also known to also kick up rosacea. And factors like stress, heat (think: when you turn up that thermostat in the winter), and windy or frosty weather can also spike a flare-up. If you experience redness that lingers after any of these common triggers, it’s very possible that you have rosacea.
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Genetics Plays a Part
If dad or grandma has rosacea, you can practically count on any chronic redness you’re experiencing being rosacea, too—there’s a super strong genetic component to this skin condition, says Downie.
It’s Easily Diagnosed
Whether you have rosacea or just red irritation can be determined by a quick trip to the dermatologist. “Patients typically come in complaining of persistent redness—after considering triggers, family history and level of sun damage, we dermatologists can diagnose it,” explains Downie.
There Are a Few Treatment Options
Figuring out which of the common triggers above makes your rosacea worse and avoiding them is the first and most basic line of defense that dermatologists discuss with patients, says Downie. Treatment options include creams and oral antibiotics that your doctor can prescribe. For more moderate to severe cases (or if you just want to zap that redness), in-office chemical peels and lasers can achieve significant results, adds Downie.
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Wearing Sunscreen Is Essential
And as with all issues that affect skin, strong sun exposure can increase your risk as well as worsen the symptoms—sorry, beach bunnies! It’s essential you wear at least an SPF 30 every day to prevent flare-ups from the sun. Using gentle skin products will also help keep your skin cool and calm. Stick with cleansers and moisturizers that are fragrance-free and that contain natural hydrators like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin to help reinforce the skin barrier, replenish moisture levels, and keep skin feeling comfortable.