Rosacea triggers: Factors that can affect people with this skin condition

If you have rosacea, you should feel redness in your face for a long time and have experienced small red bumps. These symptoms can last for weeks or months and then go away for a while. The problem with this skin condition is that your face can turn red even after spending time in the sun. Reaching for skincare products may leave you with a burning sensation. There are several factors that can worsen your symptoms. Learn more about common rosacea triggers and the common rosacea triggers so that you can avoid the discomfort caused by them.

What is rosacea?

Rosacea, characterized by persistent redness, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects the face almost completely. The overall prevalence of this skin condition is 5.1%, with a study published in the 2024 journal of the American Academy of Dermatology showing that people between age groups 25 and 39 are mostly affected.

This means that symptoms may worsen and may subside for a while. “Many people mistake it for acne, but rosacea is different because it has a lasting redness and sensitivity.

What are the symptoms of rosacea?

Symptoms of rosacea may vary, but generally include:

• “Permanent redness in the cheeks, nose, forehead and jaw, especially persistently caused by dilation in the blood vessels,” experts say. It may not appear to fade or tan frequently.
• You may experience a burning sensation in your face along with itching.
• Small broken blood vessels appear on the surface of the skin, giving it a web-like pattern. This occurs because the blood vessel walls become weaker.
• It can cause small red bumps or pus-filled acne. “That’s why this skin condition is often wrong with acne,” says Dr. Malhotra.
• In severe cases, the skin in the nose, especially the skin, becomes thicker and bumpy due to too much tissue growth.
• If you have rosacea, your eyes may feel dry and itchy. “Redness, swelling and sensitivity to light can also be experienced by some people,” says the expert.

What is Rosacea Trigger?

Some common rosacea triggers are:

1. Sun Exposure

UV or UV rays from the sun can damage the skin and cause inflammation. This can lead to a redness that doesn’t go away anytime soon. “Sun exposure also weakens blood vessels and makes them more likely to cause flare-up,” says Dr. Malhotra.

2. Hot climate

High temperatures increase blood circulation to the surface of the skin, causing excessive flushing. “Sweating caused by fever can irritate sensitive skin and make symptoms more pronounced, especially in summer and in high humidity,” experts say.

3. stress

Stress, one of the common rosacea triggers, is known for releasing hormones like cortisol. “This hormone can cause inflammation and worsen rosacea. Anxiety, tension, or strong emotions can lead to increased flushing and make stress management important to control symptoms,” experts say.

4. Spicy food

Ingredients such as chili, pepper and hot sauce often contain capsaicin, which can stimulate nerve endings and expand blood vessels. “This reaction can cause flushing, warmth and discomfort, especially in people with sensitive skin,” experts say.

5. alcohol

Alcohol is also one of the common rosacea triggers. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, Alcohol, and in particular Red Wine, found it to be the most common trigger for rosacea. “Certain alcoholic beverages, such as red wine, contain histamine, which can cause persistent flare-ups,” experts say.

6. Hot drinks

Drinks such as coffee, tea, and hot chocolate can also be triggered by the Rosaceae family. They can easily raise body temperature and cause cleaning. “The heat from these drinks stimulates neural responses, increases redness in the face, making rosacea symptoms more pronounced,” says the expert.

7. Cold climate

It’s not just a heat, but also a cold temperature that can affect the skin. Cold weather, harsh and chilly winds, and dry air can remove moisture from the skin and cause irritation. “The response to cold in your body can constrict and expand blood vessels, causing rosacea flare-up,” says Dr. Malhotra.

8. Specific skin care products

Severe skin care ingredients such as alcohol, fragrances and keratinic acids can destroy skin barriers. “Sensitive skin responds to these irritants by exacerbating the symptoms of rosacea, with increased redness, burning and inflammation,” says an expert.

Maintaining a symptom diary can help you identify and manage rosacea triggers.

How do you calm the rosacea flare?

To relieve rosacea flare-up, do the following:

• Use mild Flegley skincare products such as cleansers, moisturizers and sunscreen. Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and fragrance-free sunscreens are the least likely to irritate the skin that is prone to alcohol, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
• Applying a cool, damp cloth can reduce the redness and discomfort associated with this condition.
• Identify and pilot known rosacea triggers like stress and hot drinks.
• Topical or oral treatments prescribed by your doctor can help you manage your symptoms. “Metronidazole, an antibiotic, is often used to treat rosacea because it helps reduce inflammation,” experts say.

Symptoms of rosacea can be cared for with the help of topical or oral treatment. However, knowing the triggers of rosacea can be a great help.