April is Rosacea Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on a skin condition that affects millions of people—often without them realizing what’s behind their persistent redness, flushing, or breakouts. If you’re living with rosacea, identifying what triggers your flare-ups is key to managing symptoms and maintaining calm, healthy skin.

What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that typically affects the face, leading to symptoms such as redness, visible blood vessels, bumps that resemble acne, and sensitivity. It can vary from person to person, and while there’s no cure, effective management starts with understanding your unique triggers.

Common Rosacea Triggers

Rosacea flare-ups are often linked to specific environmental, lifestyle, or dietary factors. Some of the most common include:

• Sun exposure – UV rays are a top trigger. Even brief exposure without protection can lead to redness and irritation.
• Hot weather or cold wind – Sudden temperature changes can stress the skin and cause flare-ups.
• Spicy foods – Heat-inducing foods can dilate blood vessels and increase redness.
• Alcohol – Especially red wine, which can lead to flushing.
• Stress – Emotional stress is a big contributor to flare-ups.
• Hot beverages – Coffee, tea, and other hot drinks may worsen rosacea symptoms.
• Skincare products – Harsh ingredients or fragrances may irritate sensitive skin.

How to Keep Your Skin Calm

While you may not be able to avoid every trigger, there are effective strategies to help keep your rosacea under control:

• Use gentle skincare products – Look for fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and non-abrasive cleansers and moisturizers.
• Wear sunscreen daily – A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is essential. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often better tolerated.
• Manage stress – Incorporate calming practices like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation into your daily routine.
• Keep a trigger journal – Track foods, weather, and activities to help identify patterns behind flare-ups.
• Avoid overheating – Stay cool during exercise and avoid hot showers or saunas.
• Consult a dermatologist – Prescription treatments and professional guidance can make a big difference in reducing symptoms.

Don’t Let Rosacea Control Your Confidence

Rosacea can be frustrating, but you don’t have to manage it alone. If you’re struggling with redness, bumps, or irritation, our dermatology team is here to help. With the right treatment plan and support, you can calm flare-ups and feel confident in your skin. Book an appointment today and take the first step toward clearer, calmer skin.