Tips to Decrease The Severity of Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that usually affects the face and sometimes the eyes. People who have rosacea experience redness and pimples; in later stages, the skin can thicken. Though its causes are not known, doctors suspect that there may be a tendency to inherit rosacea.

Nutrition Connection

Follow these dietary recommendations to avoid flare-ups:

-Chill out. Eating cool foods—from both a spice and temperature standpoint—can help tamp down rosacea flare-ups. Instead of that tortilla soup with jalapeño sauce, opt for a cool cucumber salad.

-Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of iced water or other noncaffeinated beverages can lead to fewer flare-ups. Drink even more in the summer or when you’re exercising.

-Keep a food diary. Take note of the time of day you eat, what you’re eating, and even how you’re feeling emotionally and what you’re doing. This is the most effective way to get a handle on foods that trigger your flare-ups. Common trigger foods include alcohol and spicy foods.

QUICK TIP:
-Dodge the wind
Avoid exercising outdoors on windy days—wind can trigger flare-ups.

Beyond the Diet

Follow these lifestyle tips to help decrease the severity of rosacea:

-Don’t smoke. Smoking can cause flushing, so here’s another reason to quit the nasty habit.

-Seek shade. 81% of people with rosacea report that sun exposure triggers flare-ups.

-Just say “ohm.” Stress can easily set off flare-ups—in fact, 79% of rosacea sufferers say that stress is a trigger for them. Consider learning meditation techniques, take a yoga class, or just sit quietly and breathe deeply for 10 minutes while you’re going through stressful times.

-Cleanse skin gently. Just as certain foods can triggers rosacea, so can certain skin care products. In particular, avoid cosmetic products made with known potential triggers, which include alcohol, witch hazel, peppermint, eucalyptus oil, clove oil, menthol, and salicylic acid. Also steer clear of products that have fragrance, and instead use unscented skin care products.