How To Calm Rosacea Flare Up? – A COMPLETE Guide
If you’re one of 415 million people who suffer from rosacea, then you’re probably always fretting over when your next flare-up will be.
It’s an unpleasant thought, but unfortunately it’s a fact of life that you can’t escape.
But there’s no need to dread that period when your symptoms pop back up.
For how to calm a rosacea flare up, there are a number of things you can do to help calm your rosacea, and maybe even cause your flare-up to abate a bit quicker!
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But first, what is rosacea?
If you’re still not sure whether you’re actually suffering from rosacea or just your average acne, then you should know that there are some factors that may lead you to being more susceptible to developing rosacea.
People above their 30s are more susceptible to rosacea, and there is a higher number of recorded incidences among women, though the cases are usually more severe with men.
If someone in your family has rosacea, then there’s a good chance that you may develop it, too.
Rosacea is also more commonly observed in people from northern and eastern Europe, particularly those of Celtic or Scandinavian origins.
Fair skin is also a factor when it comes to rosacea.
There are a number of things that could trigger a flare-up of your symptoms, and knowing these may help you to avoid them.
What are the things that could cause a rosacea flare up?
If you know what to avoid, you can save yourself from another flare-up.
This won’t totally cure you of your ailment, of course, but it helps to know that you can delay a flare-up if, say, you have an important event coming up and you don’t want to have to deal with your pesky symptoms.
Diet
There are some food and drinks that you should avoid, for starters.
If you’re a fan of drink, then we’re sorry to say that alcohol may be helping to trigger your flare-ups.
Best to decline when your friends invite you for a night out! You should avoid caffeine while you’re at it, too.
Spicy foods are also a no-no. You’re better off with foods that have a mild flavor.
Weather - Temperature & Humidity
You should also be wary of more extreme weather conditions.
Extremely hot or cold temperatures can make you sensitive skin flare up, so you should always keep an eye on the weather channel before planning any outings.
You should also take into consideration the humidity and intensity of the sunlight whenever you go out.
Seems like so much work for a picnic, huh?
If you do need to go outside, then use a sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the elements.
Emotional state
Even the way you feel can trigger flare-ups!
Certain emotions cause blood to rush to your face, causing a “blush,” which can definitely worsen your symptoms.
Exercise
Unfortunately for the fitness enthusiasts out there, the intense nature of a workout is also a trigger for rosacea.
Because physical exertion will cause blood in your body to pump faster, you’re more likely to trigger your symptoms.
No worries, though! Just alter your routine to shorter, less intense repetitions.
Skin care products
And, of course, the products that you put on your face should always be carefully considered even before you buy them. After all, your skin is extra sensitive, and you wouldn’t want to irritate it!
Avoid products that use alcohol, or the ones that are scented.
So you know the things and conditions that you should avoid in order to delay your flare-up.
But what exactly should you do if it’s too late, and you’re already well into another period of redness and oversensitivity?
How to calm the symptoms of rosacea
With all the possible triggers enumerated above, you’re probably worried about how to calm a rosacea flare up, and how much adjustment your lifestyle is going to have to make in order to completely avoid them.
But no worries; even if a flare-up is already underway, there are ways that you can help calm your symptoms, and even help the flare-up pass a little quicker.
1. Deep breathing
One of the simplest things you could do to combat the flush is deep breathing.
Because the redness in your face is essentially just blood rushing to your skin, causing your vessels to be more visible, making yourself physically calm may abate the redness.
Yoga and meditation may help you control your emotions better, and thus avoid the blushing.
2. Use rosacea-friendly products
If you use moisturizer, pick one that has anti-redness qualities. And if you’re into makeup, consider one that has a greenish tint, because it will offset the redness.
This doesn’t calm your rosacea, but it’s a good way of covering it up if you’ve got a public event coming up.
The American Academy of Dermatology lists some tips that help you out with choosing the right product! A proper skin-care routine
Of course, the best way to help treat your symptoms is to go to a doctor. A dermatologist can set you up with a skincare routine that will help avoid triggering your symptoms.
Typically, you’ll be recommended a topical ointment that will help remedy your immediate concerns, like the onslaught of acne and pus-filled bumps that come with a rosacea flare-up.
But you may also be given a long-term product that will help avoid future inflammations, thus minimizing the effects of your flare-ups.
3. Medication
Some oral drugs can even constrict your blood vessels, so ask your doctor which medications are perfect for you.
4. Use a Humidifier
Lastly, because Rosacea can cause the affected skin to be sensitive and quite dry, a humidifier is an excellent option and can be of great help in dealing with the symptoms.
Humidifiers, like these ones, are the first of our go-to options for quick relief.
How To Calm Rosacea Flare Up?
There’s no known cure for rosacea just yet, but that doesn’t mean that you should spend your life hiding away.
There are a number of things that you can do to avoid flare-ups, most of which are lifestyle choices.
The easiest ones to remember are to avoid eating and drinking things with alcohol and caffeine content, and even spicy food.
You should also avoid working out too hard (moderation, everybody!) and going out in extreme weather.
And of course, check with your dermatologist to find out which products you should use to help treat your symptoms in case your flare-up is already underway.
Don’t let your ailment stop you from living your best life, and find ways to live with it!