Longer days, warmer weather, and lots of sunshine: summer brings plenty of reasons to celebrate, but rosacea flare-ups are not among them. If you’re like most people with this chronic skin condition, you probably notice increased symptoms as the weather heats up.
While you may not be able to beat the heat, you can control how you respond to it. Here’s what you should know about calming rosacea symptoms through the coming season.
Is Rosacea Worse in Summer?
Rosacea triggers can be different from one person to the next. But for the majority of those with rosacea, summer brings the perfect storm of factors that cause flare-ups. The leading causes of rosacea symptom flares include:
- Sun exposure
- Hot weather
- Vigorous exercise
It’s therefore no surprise that more than half of people with rosacea consider summer to be their worst season for symptoms. You might even find that foods commonly served at backyard barbecues aggravate your skin. From acidic produce like tomatoes and citrus fruits to spicy seasonings, marinated meat, and alcohol, these seasonal favorites may worsen your facial condition.
How to Treat Rosacea in Summer
Fortunately, you can still enjoy summer fun while preventing bouts of redness and discomfort. Here are some ways to effectively treat your rosacea in summer.
Practice Sun Protection
Everyone should be wearing sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, but this step is especially important for controlling rosacea symptoms. In the summer when the sun’s rays are strongest, go a step further by wearing a wide-brim hat or visor.
Avoid the Hottest Parts of the Day
Since intense heat can aggravate your skin, try to schedule your outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day, such as the early morning or evening. On especially hot days, consider hitting the gym or doing a workout inside instead. And on the days when you do decide to take your exercise outdoors, avoid overheating by taking frequent breaks.
Keep Cool While You’re Out
Beach days, amusement parks, and sightseeing trips… You don’t have to let your rosacea derail your vacation plans. But if you know you’ll be outside for extended periods when the weather is warm, take some simple steps to stay cool. Carry a spray bottle with chilled water to spray on your face periodically, chew on ice chips, or wear a cooling towel around your neck to refresh your face as needed.
Limit Food Triggers
Avoiding your favorite foods or drinks can be frustrating, but if you’re desperately trying to calm your rosacea, it may help to cut back on hot spices, alcohol, or other culprits. Histamine-rich foods including processed meats, cheese, and wine also top the list of triggers for most rosacea sufferers.
Continue Your Medication
Although there’s no cure for rosacea, there are several effective ways to reduce redness, discomfort, and overall flares. From oral and topical medications that target bumps and discoloration to laser treatments that remove visible blood vessels, our rosacea specialists can recommend targeted treatments to help manage your symptoms this summer.
Concerned With Your Rosacea? Schedule an Appointment With Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics Today
For personalized skin solutions for rosacea or any other skin condition, turn to Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics. Our services encompass both general dermatology and aesthetic treatments, providing you with comprehensive skin care to address any condition or concern. Request an appointment using our web form or by calling our office at (404) 355-5484.
