If you have rosacea, you’re probably familiar with the idea that taking care of your skin through careful skincare choices is crucial to managing your symptoms. However, what you don't do is just as important as what you do. Here are some tried-and-tested tips that have worked for both my patients and me on what not to do if you have rosacea.
What NOT To Do If You Have Rosacea
What skincare should I avoid with rosacea?
Avoid using harsh skincare products: Rosacea is a condition that causes redness, flushing, and inflammation in the skin. Using harsh skincare products such as physical exfoliants, scrubs, or abrasive cleansers can undoubtedly make your symptoms worse. Instead, use gentle skincare products that are formulated for sensitive skin. Ingredients or products to consider avoiding using include strongly acidic products, fragrance, drying alcohol, or essential oils. Do not introduce new products or actives when your skin is flaring.
Does heat make rosacea worse?
Avoid hot water to wash your face: Hot water can trigger flushing and redness in people with rosacea. Instead, use lukewarm water to wash your face and try to avoid using hot tubs or saunas.
What foods make rosacea worse?
Be wary when eating spicy foods: spicy foods contain chemicals that can trigger vasodilatation and flushing in people with rosacea. If you notice that your symptoms get worse after eating spicy foods, try to avoid them or limit your intake.
Is alcohol bad for rosacea?
Approach alcohol with care: Alcohol is another common trigger for rosacea, as its a vasodilator. If you have rosacea, it's best to work out what your skin can or can’t handle. Experiment with different beverages to find what works for you. Moderation is key.
Does make-up make rosacea worse?
My advice is to enjoy make-up - just be sure to make careful choices when it comes to products that cover your skin. If you want to cover up your redness, try to use makeup that is easy to remove so you won't irritate your skin in the process. Aggressive cleansing to remove longwear make-up can really wind your skin up and lead to an unhappy skin barrier and worsening rosacea signs.
Can the sun aggravate rosacea?
Try to minimize direct sunlight: sun exposure is undoubtedly one of the biggest triggers of rosacea symptoms. Wear a proper UPF 50 hat with a big enough brim to shield your face and use sunscreen with a broad spectrum SPF 50 with frequent reapplication. Consider using tinted all-mineral sunscreen for a little confidence-boosting evening out your skin tone and protect your skin from UV rays.
Are facials good for rosacea?
I’m not a fan of facials in general; but I’m staunchly against them in context of rosacea. Redness-prone skin likes consistency from someone who knows it - you!! So you might want to think carefully about whether or not it's worth the risk of unpredictability to have a facial.
Does stress make rosacea worse?
Manage your stress: Stress is a big trigger for rosacea sufferers. Find ways to manage your stress, such as developing a morning routine or improving your sleep hygiene. Emptying your stress ‘tank’ regularly is crucial to living with manageable amounts of stress.
Ultimately, this is a guide - look at your skin’s patterns to learn more about your specific triggers and combine this approach with a consistent skincare plan to improve your skin’s predictability and enhance your sense of freedom. Learn how I manage my rosacea here.
