Winter can be a rough time for people with rosacea. The roughly 14 million sufferers in the U.S. brace for redness and bumps to appear on their skin during cold and blustery weather. However, you can take precautions to stay comfortable.
Brooks Bahr, MD, a dermatologist at 㽶Ƶ of Utah Health, provides these helpful tips to get through the winter while avoiding a flare-up of rosacea.
1. Remember Sunscreen
Sun exposure is the number-one trigger for rosacea. During the winter months, people are more likely to skip the sunscreen because temperatures are colder and the sun seems less obvious. Even if the sun isn’t making you feel hot, it’s still having an abrasive effect on your skin. When heading out, always wear a moisturizer with SPF 30, preferably with titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide as these two ingredients are less irritating to your skin if you have rosacea.
“It's especially important to remember sunscreen when participating in winter sports,” Bahr says. “If you are higher in elevation, the snow reflects the sun at a more extreme level.”
2. Avoid Hot Drinks
People are more likely to sip on warm drinks during the winter. But a hot drink can trigger a flush in your face and a flare-up of rosacea.
“If you have to have a cup of cocoa,” Bahr says, “drink it at a lukewarm temperature so you don't overheat.”
If a drink is hot enough to make you feel overheated, then it’s too warm and may cause a rosacea flare-up.
3. Don't Keep Too Warm
With freezing temperatures outside, everyone snuggles up to get warm once they are inside. However, sitting too close to the fire or giving in to the temptation to turn up the heat in your home may not be the best thing for your rosacea. And although the desire to take a hot shower or bath is tempting after coming in from the cold, set the water at a more moderate temperature to avoid overheating.
“Warm temperatures aggravate the skin to increase blood flow, triggering facial flushing,” Bahr says. “Add to that the dry heat coming out of your vents and it creates a warm, dry environment prime for a rosacea flare.”
4. Wear a Scarf
Wind is one of the biggest triggers for rosacea. Cold winter wind is especially harsh. Try to keep your face covered as much as possible to keep the wind from irritating the blood vessels on your face.
“It's best to limit time outdoors if you find the wind is irritating your skin,” Bahr advises. “If you must go out, make sure to have a warm scarf that covers the bottom of your face to block the wind.”
5. Moisturize
As your skin becomes drier, it also becomes more irritated, potentially leading to a rosacea flare. It’s important to use a bland moisturizer as scents and too many ingredients can aggravate the skin.
“People with rosacea should avoid fragrant lotions and stick to ones that are light and plain,” Bahr says. “When applying, avoid rubbing or massaging your face since that can aggravate your skin.”
Decreased humidity associated with low temperatures increases skin dryness and leads to rosacea.
6. Humidify and Hydrate
A humidifier replaces moisture in the air, which helps irritated skin. Combine that with drinking plenty of water and it can reduce skin dryness—an issue already aggravated in winter. Try substituting one soda, coffee, or juice a day with a glass of water to start.
“Any solution that will help you introduce more moisture to your skin is going to ease up on those potential rosacea triggers,” Bahr says.
Winter is already a burden on your skin. Take precautions to ensure smooth sailing and smooth skin.
