As warmer weather starts to break for many climate zones, most people look forward to spending plenty of time outdoors. However, for the millions of men and women, a change of temperature tends to trigger rosacea. If you have facial redness in the hot summer months, using the proper skincare products and prescription medications will help you get through the warm months.
How Does the Weather Affect Rosacea Symptoms?
Rosacea, which is characterized by red flushing of the skin and sometimes small pimple-like bumps, often gets worse when exposed to heat sources, including the sun. According to a survey conducted by the National Rosacea Society, 80 percent of the 431 participants said that they’d experienced a flare-up of their symptoms due to sun exposure. Another 54 percent said that taking a hot bath or shower had also triggered a flare-up. Additionally, drinking a hot beverage like coffee, tea or hot chocolate is a common trigger for rosacea.
Although the exact cause of rosacea is still unknown, exposure to heat may cause increased blood flow, sweating and nerve responses for those with this condition (National Rosacea Society). As a result, when you spend too much time in the sun, have an intense workout or take a hot shower, you have a greater chance of experiencing red flushing and visible blood vessels than those who don’t have rosacea.
New Help For Rosacea
In January 2017, the FDA approved a new topical rosacea medication called Rhofade (oxymetazoline). It is the only medication that is an alpha 1 agonist which means that Rhofade blocks unwanted dilation of facial blood vessels that dilate cause facial redness. I was involved in the research trials that led to its approval. One of these trials was a 12 month trial in which we studied the effects of Rhofade on rosacea all year long. In this study, subjects showed improvement of facial redness- even during the warm months of the year. Talk to your doctor to see if Rhofade can help prevent bothersome facial redness in your skin.
Minimizing Outdoor Flare-Ups
One of the simplest ways to minimize rosacea flare-ups is, of course, to avoid the triggers that cause them. While this might be feasible for some triggers, it’s not always possible or desirable to avoid going outside in beautiful sunny weather. With that in mind, try following these tips when spending time outside, especially in warm or hot weather.
Always wear sunscreen. This applies to people with and without rosacea, although it becomes especially important if you’re trying to reduce rosacea flare-ups. Make sunscreen a part of your everyday skincare routine to help you remember to apply it. Then, if you’re going to be outside for long periods of time, make sure you reapply at least every two hours. Choose a physical sunscreen because many rosacea suffers report redness and stinging when they apply chemical sunscreens such as avobenzone.
In addition to your sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your face.
Bring a spray bottle with cool water or facial water like La Roche Posay Thermal Facial Water and use it to mist your face and maintain your cool.
Try to limit your time outdoors during the peak hours between 10am and 4pm, when the sun is at its strongest. If you are going to be outside midday, limit strenuous exercise and other physical activity during this time.
Use a calming lotion such as Zerafite Soothing and Calming Moisturizer or a soothing oil such as PAORR Argan Oil to help soothe your skin.
The Bottom Line
For those struggling to manage the red skin associated with rosacea flare-ups, spring and summer can be difficult times of the year. Luckily, there are a number of steps you can take to help reduce and effectively manage your symptoms so that you can get outside and enjoy the fresh air.
If you’re unsure of whether or not you have rosacea, or if you have specific questions about how to best treat your skin condition, find a physician in your area who offers the Skin Type Solutions® quiz to help you navigate the gentlest and most effective skincare products and treatments for your unique skin type. Don’t forget to ask about a prescription for Rhofade! Find a physician to help you find a skincare routine to help with your rosacea.
Dr. Leslie Baumann, M.D. and her team at Baumann Cosmetic Dermatology believe in proof, not promises. World-recognized for both cosmetic and general dermatology, our treatment strategies rely exclusively on evidence-based, scientifically verified products and procedures that promote skin health and a natural appearance. We combine effective medical procedures with individualized instruction on proper skincare, nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle in order to maximize the health of the skin and body as a whole while minimizing the effects of aging. For more, visit Dr. Baumann’s blog for daily updates Monday through Friday, or inquire about an appointment through Derm.net.