INTRODUCTION
Summer is here. That means if you have rosacea, it is a good idea to make some changes to your skincare routine. As the seasons change, so do our skincare needs. During the summer, we tend to spend more time outdoors in the sun and hot weather. Both can be triggers for rosacea. It is important to take extra care of your skin during hot weather months to help prevent a rosacea flare.
WHAT IS ROSACEA
What is Rosacea? Rosacea is a skin condition that causes redness and flushing to the face and is sometimes accompanied by papules and pustules. The exact cause of rosacea is not completely understood. There are several known factors, such as genetics, immune reactions, skin mites, and environmental factors, although the exact cause is unclear. It mostly affects adults between 30 and 50 years of age, more so female than male, and is more commonly diagnosed in individuals with fair skin (Farshchian & Daveluy, 2023).
If you suspect you have rosacea, it is best to see your dermatologist for a diagnosis, as some other underlying conditions can be mistaken for the disease. For example, Lupus causes a similar rash on the face called a butterfly rash, which can be mistaken for rosacea. It is also important to note that if left untreated, rosacea can worsen over time and cause damage to the skin.
KEY TIPS FOR ROSACEA IN THE SUMMER
You should always have an SPF in your skincare routine, but if you have rosacea, it is especially important to incorporate sunscreen to protect sensitive skin. And don’t forget to reapply throughout the day!
If you spend prolonged time outdoors, a thermal water spray can help soothe and calm the skin.
Wearing a large-brim hat can help cover your sensitive facial skin and protect it from the sun.
Use a small portable fan to help keep cool.
Wear sunglasses. Around 50% of people with rosacea will have a flare-up that affects their eyes (Ludman, 2024).
HOW CAN ROSACEA BE TREATED?
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for rosacea. If you have a rosacea flare, contact your dermatologist ASAP to start treatment, as you might need a prescription medication. Low-dose Doxycycline is an antibiotic commonly used to treat rosacea. It usually takes a 4-to-6-week course to calm a flare-up. Many dermatologists like to add a topical cream to that regimen as well. Ivermectin and azelaic acid (15%) are commonly used treatments. Azelaic acid (10%) can be found in OTC without a prescription. Aloe vera and Centella Asiatica are calming ingredients and can be found in many skin care products aimed at helping redness or sensitive skin. Many products on the market help cover the redness caused by rosacea and are formulated for sensitive skin. The National Rosacea Society has a list of products they recommend. They are a great resource for all the latest research on rosacea.
KNOW YOUR TRIGGERS
It is important to know your triggers as they vary among individuals. For some, the sun and heat are known major triggers. Others may notice that changes in diet can cause a flare. Certain skin care products can also irritate rosacea. What ingredient might irritate one person may not irritate another.
Here are some other common triggers to watch out for:
Fragrance
Menthol
Eucalyptus oil
Alcohol
Witch hazel
The National Rosacea Society has started a Seal of Acceptance program to identify rosacea-friendly skin care products and cosmetics. They are an invaluable source for those who suffer with rosacea. I recommend going to their website https://www.rosacea.org/ and signing up for their newsletter. They offer access to educational materials, free product samples, discounts, and opportunities to participate in research (National Rosacea Society, 2024).
CONCLUSION
Just because you suffer from a skin condition that can be exacerbated by the sun does not mean you have to hide indoors. Take precautions, know your triggers, and know what works for your skin. Don’t be afraid to go outside and enjoy the sunshine!
REFERENCES
Ludman, P. [Updated 2024 Apr 3]. Rosacea Overview. American Academy of Dermatology Association. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/rosacea/what-is/overview
Farshchian M, Daveluy S. Rosacea. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557574/
National Rosacea Society. (2024) Rosacea skincare and cosmetics. https://www.rosacea.org/patients/skin-care-and-cosmetics?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwv7O0BhDwARIsAC0sjWO-wJ1SN_mWI7ujMkjzNH-NbAf-FLMNiIchnza6xeXt0tbmYv9Ve3AaAsJFEALw
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