Can skin care products trigger rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation in your skin, most often appearing on your face. Its symptoms include:

• small red or discolored bumps, depending on your skin tone
• skin thickening
• acne-like pustules

These symptoms usually appear in a cyclical fashion in flare-ups related to certain triggers. Doctors aren’t exactly sure what leads to rosacea, but many different triggers can cause your symptoms to worsen.

Because rosacea primarily affects your face, many people feel inclined to use skin care products, such as cleansers and moisturizers, to manage flares. However, some skin care products may actually be what’s triggering your symptoms.

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Skin care products and rosacea

Rosacea is a common condition affecting more than 5% of people worldwide. Its symptoms happen in flares due to inflammation in your skin, which is what causes flushing, redness or discoloration, and pimples on your face. Many things can trigger rosacea flare-ups, including your skin care routine.

In fact, some 2020 research suggests that using a facial cleanser more than twice per day, using face masks more than four times per week, and wearing makeup more than six times per week are linked with the development of rosacea.

The researchers suggested using mild moisturizers and sunscreen can have beneficial effects. They also recommended mild cleansers that don’t have foaming effects.

Rosacea can lead to deficiencies in your skin barrier, which means the skin’s protective barrier is weakened or impaired. This means that, even when you don’t have a flare, your skin may be very sensitive and prone to irritation.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends avoiding any skin care products that contain the following ingredients:

• alcohol
• camphor
• fragrance
• lactic acid
• glycolic acid
• menthol
• urea
• sodium lauryl sulfate

Some products will be specifically for sensitive skin. Try to stick to these products, as they’re less likely to cause the inflammation and irritation linked with rosacea.

Other rosacea triggers

Alongside skin care products, many other things could trigger a rosacea flare, including:

• Sunlight: UV light from the sun may worsen your symptoms and lead to flare-ups, and it may even be a contributing factor in the development of rosacea.
• Stress: Times of high stress may cause rosacea symptoms to flare up.
• Certain foods: Your diet may affect rosacea, especially spicy foods.
• Alcohol: Drinking alcohol, especially red wine, is a known trigger of rosacea symptoms.
• Weather: Hot or cold temperatures or high winds can trigger rosacea.
• Temperature: Hot baths or saunas and overheating may be a trigger.
• Exercise: You may notice that your rosacea flares up after exercise.
• Some medications: Certain medications, such as topical steroids, may worsen your symptoms.

Triggers are different for everyone. If you have rosacea, it may be useful to keep a diary of your activities and symptoms to help identify your personal triggers.

What causes rosacea?

Experts still aren’t sure what exactly causes rosacea, but they believe it’s due to a mixture of genetics and environmental causes.

For example, doctors believe that rosacea is hereditary, meaning that if a family member has rosacea, you may be more likely to develop it. Some 2018 research has also identified specific genes likely associated with the condition.

However, you can still develop rosacea even if you don’t have a family member with the condition. This is where environmental factors come into play, including UV light. UV light can trigger and worsen symptoms, but some 2021 research suggests that it may even play a role in the development of the condition.

Rosacea treatment

There is no cure for rosacea. The main goal of treatment is to reduce flare-ups, prevent worsening, and avoid discomfort from your symptoms.

One common treatment method for rosacea is topical creams you apply to your face. These include:

• brimonidine gel (Mirvaso)
• metronidazole gel (Metrogel)
• azelaic acid (Finacea)
• ivermectin cream (Soolantra)
• benzoyl peroxide cream 5% (Epsolay)

In some rare cases, doctors might prescribe a low dose of an oral antibiotic, doxycycline (Oracea), which can manage breakouts and skin thickening. They may also try isotretinoin (Absorica), which is a common acne medication, to manage symptoms of thickening skin.

Even though harsh skin care products may worsen rosacea, it’s important to note that a mild skin care routine that’s good for sensitive skin may help manage your condition.

Online care for rosacea

It’s important to seek treatment for rosacea to prevent your condition from worsening and to help you manage flare-ups.

Online care services, including Optum Perks Online Care, may make getting treatment easier. With these services, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your symptoms, and a US-licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after to prescribe a treatment plan.

Summary

Rosacea is a common condition that causes inflammation in the skin, most often on your face. It can cause irritation, discoloration, flushing, and pimples. Doctors aren’t sure what exactly causes rosacea, but there are several potential triggers.

Skin care products — specifically, products containing strong ingredients like alcohol and fragrances — are one possible trigger. If you have rosacea, aim to use only mild products specifically formulated for sensitive skin. This can help prevent flare-ups and reduce discomfort.

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