Skin Care And Sunlight: Why They Don't Go Together

Rosacea is a skin condition that causes redness, visible blood vessels, and swollen bumps on the face. The condition can also cause dry, flaky skin and puffy eyes. Antibiotics and anti-acne medications can control symptoms for some people, but if rosacea isn't treated, it can get worse over time. Here are some tips to help you treat your rosacea.

Identify Your Triggers

While some people may have a hereditary propensity to rosacea, there's lots of things that can trigger a flare-up, like

• eating spicy foods

• consuming alcohol

• feeling stressed out

• over-heating (e.g. intense exercise)

• staying out in the sun

Rosacea isn't caused by poor skin hygiene, so while you may be tempted to over-scrub your face, you shouldn't since that can hurt any pus-filled bumps you may have. Keep a diary of your flare-ups and you may notice that there is a link to a certain food, activity, etc. Once you identify your triggers, you may be able to reduce your symptoms. If you cannot identify any triggers, ask your dermatologist to help you figure out the issue. Your rosacea may be related to another skin condition or be infection.

Change Your Diet

While more studies need to be conducted, capsaicin, cinnamaldehyde, and other food ingredients that cause a warming sensation can worsen rosacea. Rosacea can improve if you include diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc sulfate, or fiber. Some researchers believe that an imbalance of bacteria in the gut can also worsen symptoms, so you may want to promote good bacteria in your gut with probiotic foods, like yogurt, sauerkraut, and miso. Your dermatologist may even recommend some good nutritional supplements that can help your symptoms if you struggle to vary your diet.

Exercise the Right Way

Just because exercise warms up your body doesn't mean that you shouldn't do it if you have rosacea. There are ways of exercising without overheating. Be sure to stay hydrated before and after exercising. If you can, make sure you are working in a well-ventilated area so that the room doesn't become too hot and humid; some people may even opt for water aerobics or swimming laps to avoid becoming overheated. If you like to exercise outdoors, try to do it in the evening or early morning before the sun is at its peak so that you don't become overheated or burn. If you like to wear skincare products during exercise, ask your dermatologist for recommendations so that you aren't using products that clog your pores.

Ask Your Dermatologist for the Right Products

Ask your dermatologist to prescribe skincare products that are suitable for your skin. You don't want harsh products that contain fragrances, glycolic acid, alcohol, or camphor. Whether your skin gets dry or oily, it's important to use a good moisturizer so that your skin feels less itchy and stays hydrated. If you like to wear skincare products during the day, be sure that they have UV protection so that the sun doesn't worsen your symptoms.

Reach out to a dermatologist for more information on how to reduce and treat your rosacea symptoms.