How can I avoid rosacea flares?
Rosacea Triggers and Management Strategies
Managing rosacea works best when you identify and reduce exposure to common triggers. These can vary from person to person, but the categories below are widely reported.
Food and beverages
- Avoid hot drinks like coffee and tea when steaming hot
- Avoid spicy foods
- Avoid alcohol
- Avoid cinnamon and cinnamaldehyde containing foods
- Limit histamine rich foods such as bananas, avocados, dried fruits, nuts, smoked fish, and aged cheeses
- Avoid peanuts if they worsen symptoms
Temperature and weather
- Avoid extreme heat and cold
- Reduce sudden temperature shifts
- Protect skin during wind, cold, or dry conditions
Sun exposure
- Use broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
- Choose zinc oxide or titanium dioxide based formulas
- Wear a wide brim hat with at least 4 inches of coverage
- Avoid direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Skin care ingredients to avoid
- Alcohol and benzyl alcohol
- Acetone
- Propylene glycol
- Alpha hydroxy acids
- Beta hydroxy acids
Skin care products to avoid
- Astringents and toners
- Harsh scrubs and abrasive exfoliators
- Products with alcohol, menthol, camphor, witch hazel, fragrance, peppermint, or eucalyptus oil
- Waterproof makeup and heavy foundation
Skin care products that are better tolerated
- Soap free, pH balanced cleansers
- Silicone based cosmetics and sunscreens
- Moisturizers with glycerin
Helpful resources
- National Rosacea Society, rosacea.org
- American Academy of Dermatology, aad.org
Rosacea triggers are individual. Track flare ups in a simple diary to identify what affects your skin most.