We’ve already had two heatwaves so far this summer, with another one on the way! For some, this means fun times drinking rosé by the pool, but if you are living with rosacea, the hot weather can bring challenges. Sun exposure, alcohol, or just getting stressed on a commute can trigger facial flushing, dry patches and pimples.
This can be a distressing problem to deal with, especially when you want to look your best for holidays and social events. Here’s a look at the skincare habits and professional treatments that can help you to manage rosacea in the summer time. At our skin clinic in Windsor, we offer a range of advanced facials and light therapies for rosacea.
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that usually affects the face, particularly the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. It is most common in fair-skinned women over the age of 30, but it can affect anyone.
If you are prone to flushing and have begun to notice permanent tiny broken blood vessels on your skin that do not go away, this could be the first sign of rosacea. It is sometimes also accompanied by red bumps or white pustules on the cheeks. Other symptoms may include dry skin and swelling or irritation around the eyes.
Why summer can be the worst season for rosacea
The exact causes of rosacea are unknown. However, there are some well-established triggers, many of which are more evident in summer.
Heat and UV exposure
Hot summer temperatures (or being in contact with heat, such as a hot shower or sauna) dilates the blood vessels and increases blood flow to the surface of the skin. This increases redness, flushing and blotchiness. UV exposure also triggers facial flushing and redness, and the skin may sting or be sensitive to touch.
Alcohol and spicy foods
Alcohol and spicy foods are often served at summer social events, and they are both common rosacea triggers. The problem can be exacerbated by outdoor events such as barbecues, where it is difficult to escape direct sunlight and heat.
Sweating and stress
Sweating and getting hot through physical exercise, hot crowded commutes or attending busy and stressful events can cause flare ups. It may also be triggered by emotional stress, which leads to a vicious circle of worrying about your appearance and getting more stressed.
How to take care of your skin
Rosacea can’t be cured, but the symptoms can be successfully managed. Use a full-spectrum sunscreen every time you go outdoors during the summer. If regular SPF products irritate your skin, look for gentler zinc oxide or titanium dioxide based alternatives. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two to three hours when outside.
Protect yourself from the heat
If possible, avoid going outdoors during the core of the day between 11am and 3pm during hot weather, and use a fan or iced drink to keep cool indoors if you do not have access to air conditioning. If you have to go outdoors, wear lightweight breathable clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from overheating.
Carry a chilled spray misting bottle with you to lightly mist your face when you feel yourself flushing or your skin is prickly.
Avoid hot showers
Hot water exposure can trigger facial redness that takes a while to calm down. When showering or washing your face, use lukewarm water instead. Follow up with gentle skincare products that do not contain alcohol or synthetic fragrances. Instead, look for natural ingredients such as green tea and aloe vera.
Know your food and drink triggers
Many people find that alcohol, particularly red wine, hot drinks and spicy foods trigger their rosacea. Look for milder alternatives—if you don’t want to go booze-free, clear spirits such as gin and vodka tend to have the least effect for some people.
Consider professional skincare treatments
If you have more advanced rosacea with permanent redness, this can be a cause of self-consciousness and affect your day to day confidence. At our skin clinic, we offer Dermalux LED phototherapy, which is designed to trigger the skin’s natural healing processes with innovative tri-wave light therapy.
It reduces redness and inflammation, and also targets the bacteria that can lead to pustules. It’s a fast and non-invasive way to create a clearer and more even-toned complexion, and the results can be visible after just one session.
It can be used alongside prescription skincare treatments such as topical gels for rosacea prone skin.
