How to Treat Rosacea in the Cold Winter Months

If you have rosacea, you know that chilly winter air can make your skin dry and red. While this redness can be frustrating, there are steps you can take to treat it. This guide will help you better understand your rosacea and soothe your skin this winter.

What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin condition that causes redness and visible blood vessels on the face. Some people will also have redness on the chest, neck, head, and ears. Other rosacea symptoms include:

• Patches of dry skin
• Stinging or burning sensations on the skin
• Swelling of the nose
• Large pores
• Dry eye or vision problems
• Acne-like facial bumps

These symptoms typically appear for several weeks before fading away again. However, seasonal changes, like cold winter air, can make rosacea symptoms more prevalent.

How Can the Cold Trigger Rosacea?

While skin experts aren’t sure exactly what causes rosacea, they do know that most people have certain rosacea triggers. These triggers might be sun exposure, exercise, spicy foods--and often--cold weather. Dry winter air can cause your rosacea to flare up, often making redness, dryness, and stinging sensations even worse.

What Treatments Can Help?

While winter weather can trigger your rosacea, there are a few steps you can take to soothe your skin and reduce redness. A dermatologist will assess your skin and make sure that the skin condition you’re dealing with is actually rosacea. Once they confirm a diagnosis, they will likely recommend a combination of at-home care and professional treatments. These may include:

• Rosacea-Safe Skin Care: If you have rosacea, you should always be using gentle skin care products. But this is even more important in the winter. Avoid products that contain fragrance, alcohol, and other harsh ingredients. Your dermatologist can provide a list of what to avoid.
• Skin Protection: Cover up to protect your skin from the cold and sun this winter. Wear a hat and scarf when spending time outdoors, as well as a pair of sunglasses. You’ll also want to lather on the SPF to shield your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays.
• Laser Treatments: Laser therapy is often the best treatment for rosacea. Your dermatologist may recommend laser treatment for rosacea if you have visible blood vessels. This service can fade redness and blood vessels through a series of treatments.
• Oral Medications: Your dermatologist may prescribe an oral antibiotic if you have red bumps as a symptom of rosacea.
• Topical Treatments: Topical rosacea medications can soothe redness and soothe the skin. Some can also constrict blood vessels to reduce their appearance. If your dermatologist prescribes a topical treatment, it’s essential to use it as directed to see full results.

If you’re living with rosacea, now is the time to think about your winter skin health. Stay ahead of the curve by contacting Pacific Dermatology Specialists today. Our licensed dermatologists treat a variety of skin conditions, including rosacea, through our medical and cosmetic services. We also offer surgical treatments to support your skin health. With locations in Montebello, CA and other communities in the Greater Los Angeles area, we are proud to be the premier dermatology partners our clients trust.