Acne is a skin condition characterized by pimples, blackheads, and cysts. It appears due to clogged hair follicles from oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells.
Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder marked by facial redness, small, red, pus-filled bumps, and visible blood vessels. The skin is quite sensitive, and many mistake the bumps for acne.
While acne and rosacea are distinct skin conditions, they resemble one another in appearance and share triggers. Let’s evaluate some of the triggers that are unknowingly causing discomforting acne and rosacea flare-ups.
Food and Beverages
The relationship between diet and skin conditions is complex. Spicy foods, alcohol, and hot drinks often worsen rosacea by causing facial redness and swelling.
Similarly, dairy products and high-glycemic foods, such as white bread, rice, and sugar-laden snacks, can cause acne outbreaks for some. These foods can increase insulin levels and trigger hormonal fluctuations, leading to increased oil production and clogged pores.
A few simple dietary adjustments will mitigate irritation and flare-ups. You’ll have a clearer complexion that makes you feel confident in your skin.
Environmental Triggers
Did you know that simply spending time outdoors can exacerbate acne and rosacea? Elements such as extreme temperatures, high humidity, and strong winds can all play a role in irritating the skin.
Extreme cold dries out the skin and depletes the barrier, so it’s more susceptible to irritation. High temperatures and humidity increase sebum production to encourage clogged pores and acne breakouts. Likewise, strong winds and dry air can irritate the skin, potentially worsening rosacea symptoms by causing dehydration and increasing redness and sensitivity.
Emotional Factors
Skin health correlates with one’s emotional health. Stress hormones such as cortisol can escalate oil production for blocked pores and subsequent breakouts. Similarly, anxiety and significant life changes can intensify rosacea symptoms, causing facial flushing and heightened sensitivity.
This “mind-skin connection” underscores the critical need for stress management and emotional wellness in a holistic approach to treating these skin issues. Adopting stress-reduction techniques can positively impact your skin’s health. Consider implementing positive affirmations, assistance from a professional counselor, and activities such as running or yoga to alleviate stress and improve your mental and physical well-being.
Harsh Cosmetics and Skincare Products
Some ingredients, including alcohols, fragrances, and certain acids, strip the skin of its natural oils, causing irritation and exacerbating skin conditions. For individuals with acne, products that are too abrasive can damage the skin’s protective barrier, increase inflammation, and encourage the formation of pimples. Similarly, those with rosacea may find that certain cosmetics and skin care products cause irritation and redness, further triggering their symptoms.
Carefully select products labeled as “non-comedogenic,” “fragrance-free,” and suitable for sensitive skin types to minimize the risk of irritation. Gentle and hydrating ingredients will soothe and protect the skin from this type of flare-up.
At Jil Goorman Beauty, we want to help you have a say in your skin care regimen. That’s why you can arrange your own rosacea skin care kit with us! Select every product, from the cleanser to the moisture cream to the sunscreen, to craft a kit that suits your skin type and preferences.
Visit our website to learn about your options. We’re here to help you manage every acne and rosacea flare-up so that your common triggers are problems of the past.