The cold winter months can be a difficult time for people that have chronic skin disorders, especially those that suffer from rosacea. In fact, some patients only have rosacea flare-ups when the air is cold, dry and windy. While you can’t control the winter weather, there are steps you can take to alleviate your discomfort and possibly avoid an episode of seasonal rosacea.
Rosacea is marked by the presence of redness and bumps that typically appear across the cheeks, forehead and chin. This “blushing” condition is found in women more than men. Rosacea can come and go based on environmental conditions, so knowing how to take proper precaution is important.
During the winter, take heed to the following rosacea tips:
- Don’t forget sunscreen: Sun exposure is the leading trigger for rosacea. It is easy to assume you don’t need sunscreen during the winter. However, just because the temperature is cold doesn’t mean that your skin is less exposed. Go ahead and make a habit of wearing a SPF 30 sunscreen daily if you have rosacea.
- Avoid hot drinks: Warming up with a nice cup of cocoa or coffee is desirable during the winter. However, if you want to avoid a rosacea flare-up, you may want to skip this holiday tradition or cool it down before sipping. Hot drinks can intensify facial blood vessels and lead to flushing – an effect that rosacea sufferers need to avoid at all costs.
- Pay attention to your home environment: It is common to want heat blaring from your vents in your home during the cold months. However, this produces hot and dry air, which is a bad recipe for rosacea. Instead, keep your house temperature moderately warm and use humidifiers to moisten the air.
- Moisturize your skin: While it is important to keep the air around you moist, it is equally important to directly hydrate your skin during the winter. Ask your dermatologist for an effective facial lotion that is safe for rosacea sufferers, which should be bland with limited ingredients. Another way to keep your skin from drying out is to drink more water, hydrating your body always hydrates your skin too!
- Protect yourself from the wind: Wind is a top trigger for rosacea, especially when it is cold wind. Consider wearing a scarf on a regular basis to shield your sensitive facial skin when you have to go outside.
At Olansky Dermatology Associates, we offer the most proven treatments for rosacea, from topical creams to laser therapy. Our dermatologists always take the time to explain ways you can better manage or avoid flare-ups during the winter. To get relief from your rosacea, call our office today.
