Rosacea in the Summer Time
Most of us are very excited about summer and feeling warm weather against our skin, but for some skin conditions summer can wreak havoc. Here are a few tips to navigate patio season without triggering a Rosacea flareup.
For people with Rosacea, summer may not be a season to get excited about – but summer can still be fun, with a few simple precautions.
Rosacea involves swelling of the blood. While many people think that it is caused by excessive drinking, this is a misconception. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that makes the face turn red and causes skin sores that can look like acne.
For all skin types, the most important summer skincare step is to apply sunscreen as protection against sunburn. For people who suffer from Rosacea, it is important to take this one step further and also apply a mineral base powder, for added protection. Mineral base powders are sold in many cosmetic clinics and spas, such as the Jane Iredale line and Sugarbox Mineral Makeup (sold at Sugarbox in Yaletown).
Consider avoiding outdoor activities when the sun is at its peak. Early in the morning (before 11am) and evening (after 5pm) are ideal to minimize the risk of sun damage. Remember that chlorine can aggravate Rosacea, so try to clean your skin with a gentle cleanser after swimming.
While alcohol does not cause Rosacea, it can trigger a flareup. Between outdoor barbeques and patio parties, limiting your alcohol intake can be difficult in the summer. If you suffer from Rosacea, try to limit yourself to two drinks per week. Alcohol is a vascular dilator and will make flareups more visible. If you truly need a drink, avoid beer (or try to drink something local, as it will have less preservatives, which can increase redness), drink white wine instead of red, or drink gin, vodka, or whiskey diluted in water rather than juice or pop. The best option is not to drink at all.
Water is your best friend in summer. It is recommended to drink 8-12 glasses (3 Litres) per day. This is especially important for people who suffer from Rosacea, to keep the skin hydrated.
If you find it difficult to control your Rosacea flareups, it may be time to try an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment to reduce some of the symptoms. IPL is most effective with treatments three weeks apart for 3-5 treatments. A serum high in Vitamin C, such a s DCL’s High Potency “C” Scape, can also greatly reduce your flareups in the summer. If you are struggling with Rosacea acne, Pyratine XR Cream will reduce the acne without irritating the skin.
Enjoy your summer!
This article was written by Pure Light Laser