If you’ve ever dealt with rosacea, you know the flare-ups aren’t just about redness — they can come with stinging, burning, bumps, and a serious hit to your confidence. While there’s no permanent cure for rosacea, there are ways to manage it and prevent those flare-ups from catching you off guard.
At Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology in Alpharetta, Canton, Cumming, Dahlonega, Dawsonville, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lavonia, and Toccoa, Georgia, our expert team of dedicated dermatologists can help you understand your triggers and the importance of building a skin-soothing routine. We’ll start by breaking down a few practical, dermatologist-backed ways to help keep your rosacea calm, controlled, and under wraps.
Let’s get started.
Everyone’s rosacea story is different. What sets off one person’s flare might not affect yours at all. However, some of the most common triggers include:
Identifying your personal triggers is the first step in preventing future episodes.
When it comes to rosacea, less is more. A gentle, consistent routine can help reduce inflammation and protect your skin barrier. Here’s what you need to know:
We recommend sticking to gentle, skin-loving products that won’t aggravate your rosacea — use a mild, non-foaming cleanser. After washing your face, apply a calming moisturizer to lock in hydration. For sun protection, opt for mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are less likely to irritate sensitive skin.
Stay clear of harsh exfoliants like scrubs or strong acids, as they can damage your skin barrier and trigger redness. Skip products with alcohol, witch hazel, eucalyptus, or synthetic fragrances as these common ingredients can be especially irritating. Also, avoid using hot water on your face, which can worsen inflammation and leave your skin feeling even more sensitive.
Stress is one of the most common and sneaky triggers for rosacea flare-ups. And unfortunately, the stress of having a flare can cause another flare. It’s a frustrating cycle, but one you can mitigate with the following mindful habits:
Talking to a therapist can also help address underlying stress that may be contributing.
The weather can be a huge contributor to rosacea flare-ups, both in hot and cold climates. Thankfully, a little prep can go a long way for both extremes:
When in the sun, we recommend wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Also, it’s always important to use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ mineral sunscreen daily and to stay in the shade when possible.
For colder temperatures, use a thick and protective moisturizer and cover your face with a scarf when outdoors. Also, it may help you to use a humidifier indoors to combat dry air.
Ultimately, rosacea doesn’t have to control your skin or your life. With a little awareness and the right routine, you can keep flare-ups to a minimum and feel more confident in your skin. If you’re ready to start tuning into your skin and treating it with the gentle care it deserves, call us at 770-800-3455 or use our online booking tool to schedule an appointment at our nearest location today!