5 dermatologist tips for preventing rosacea flare-ups during summer heat

Miami’s summer sunshine, heat and humidity can be a recipe for rosacea flares. While managing red, flushed skin in the summer months can take some more preparation than during other times of year, there are some things you can do to still enjoy outdoor activities while keeping your skin cool and comfortable.

Here are a few of my favorite tips:

1. Cool down with thermal spring water

Keeping your skin cool before it gets too hot is one of the most effective ways to reduce rosacea flares. I like to keep a bottle of thermal spring water in the refrigerator and spritz it on my face and neck to stay cool. You can bring it with you in your gym bag or cooler if you are going to be at the beach. You can also use a cool water bottle and place it on your neck. There are a lot of thermoreceptors on the back of the neck, so cooling this area can help to cool you down quickly.

2. Wear sunscreen

Everyone needs to wear sunscreen, especially if spending time outdoors, but this is especially important for people with rosacea. According to the National Rosacea Society, sun exposure is a symptom trigger for more than 81% of rosacea sufferers.

Choose a broad-spectrum, mineral-based sunscreen that is a match for your sensitive skin type. Seek shade whenever possible and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your face.

3. Plan outdoor activities around peak sunlight

If you play outdoor sports or like to run or walk outside, plan to do these activities in the early morning or in the evening when the sun’s UV rays are weaker. Try to avoid outdoor physical activities during peak sunlight hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

4. Avoid alcohol

Alcohol is another well-known trigger for rosacea and can lead to facial flushing and other symptoms. Drinking ice green tea, cucumber-infused water or berry smoothies instead can help to keep you cool and provide some anti-inflammatory benefits.

5. Use rosacea-friendly skin care products

Make sure the products you are putting on your skin are right for your skin type. Rosacea is a sensitive skin subtype and needs gentle products. Exfoliating ingredients like AHAs and retinoids can worsen rosacea symptoms, so use these ingredients only if they are formulated for your skin type and gradually introduce them into your routine to make sure your skin can tolerate them.

Bottom line

Rosacea doesn’t have to keep you indoors all summer. With a few small adjustments to your routine, it’s possible to enjoy the outdoors while minimizing flare-ups.

I’m still on sabbatical and no longer run Baumann Cosmetic Institute, so please follow @SkinTypeSolutions on social media, or visit LeslieBaumannMD.com if you have questions.