Today I got the lovely news that I have Rosacea. This skin disorder typically begins after age 30 and the tell-tell signs are redness on the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead that may come and go. Eventually, the redness becomes ruddier and more persistent. In other words, you look like a hot mess, and not like the picture! I had a feeling this would be my diagnosis but I was in denial and wanted to stay there. I had been using very aggressive products with a bunch of retinals and AHAs to combat this ‘condition’ I felt I had, only to find out that I was using the exact opposite of what would be helpful. So today I have been studying up on what causes rosacea and what triggers it. According to the National Rosacea Society, there are 16 million of us being diagnosed. With summer in full swing, (heat and sun being big triggers) I thought I would share what I have learned from my doctor and from the wonderful world wide web!

1. Hot Temperatures. This can be anything from a hot bath, sauna,  exercise, or too much sun. The one thing the dermatologist stressed to me is that I NEED to be wearing my sunscreen even if I am not going outside. People with rosacea are very sun sensitive.
2. Skin Care products that cause stinging or redness. Stay away from drying cleansers, retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic acids, and the like. Be kind to your skin and use hydrating cleansers and anti-inflammatory cosmetics and moisturizers.
3. Vitamin D. A new study is being considered now. One study group found that patients with rosacea had an average vitamin D level 25 percent higher than the healthy individuals in the group. Something to consider. I am faithful with my daily D3, but now that it is summer and I am getting more D naturally I think I will back off of it for a bit and see if that helps.
4. Beverages. Alcohol, especially red wine, (excuse me while I sob into my pillow for a bit), beer, bourbon, gin, vodka, or champagne. Hot drinks include hot cider, hot chocolate, coffee, or tea. Ok, my tea is usually lukewarm by the time I drink it so I am safe there, but my wine, oh, this could be problematic. Have to work on that one. ;)
5. Foods. Wow! The list of foods that I found really shocked me. Here is the complete list. (Note that not all foods affect all people with rosacea the same way. The recommendation is to keep a food diary and make notes when you get flair-ups).  Wouldn’t you know it, chocolate is on the list along with spicy foods!! OMGosh! Life is not fair!