Do you suffer from redness, sensitivity or rosacea?
Here’s how to keep your skin calm in the summer heat.
If you’re someone who suffers with redness, sensitivity or rosacea, the summer months can feel particularly challenging. As the temperatures rise, so does the risk of flare-ups. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can set off a chain reaction in the skin, leading to increased redness and rosacea symptoms – not just on the face, but on the body too.
What causes rosacea?
With rosacea affecting about one in 20 people in the UK, it’s more common than you might think. The exact cause of rosacea remains unclear but pinpointing what triggers flare-ups is crucial for managing the condition effectively.
Factors that commonly worsen rosacea include extreme temperatures – both hot and cold, hot showers, baths and saunas. Overheating from vigorous exercise, exposure to fragrances or alcohol in skincare products, plus stress and sun exposure can also contribute to flare-ups.
Symptoms can include facial flushing, persistent redness, small red pus-filled bumps, skin thickening and even sore eyelids. But you don’t have to suffer all summer – here are some simple steps you can take to manage these symptoms.
Sun protection is non-negotiable
The number one rule for anyone with rosacea (or really, anyone with skin!) is to protect yourself from the sun. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen should be your daily go-to.
Try to avoid being outdoors during peak sun hours (10am to 4pm). If you must be outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and stay in the shade whenever possible.
Overheating can also trigger rosacea, so stay cool by drinking plenty of water, wearing breathable fabrics and misting your face with a cooling spray when needed.
Watch what you eat and drink
Hot weather often leads to cold drinks, but be careful – alcohol, especially red wine, is a common rosacea trigger, as it causes the blood vessels to dilate.
Spicy foods and hot drinks can also cause flushing. Opt for cool, soothing foods like cucumber and watermelon and stick to iced herbal teas or plain water to stay hydrated without triggering a flare-up.
Gentle skincare is key
When your skin is sensitive, the last thing you want to do is bombard it with harsh products. Stick to gentle moisturisers that are free from alcohol, fragrance and other potential irritants.
Look for products that are specifically-formulated for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin such as our Dr Somji Anti-Redness Concentrate which is packed with calming ingredients that help reduce redness and soothe irritated skin. What sets this formula apart is the addition of centella asiatica exosomes. Researchers in Asia found that when animals would roll around in tiger grass after they hurt themselves, it would reduce and heal inflammation. This ingredient works in the same way on the skin – to heal and soothe.
It also contains reishi extract and antioxidant-rich passion fruit extract for skin regeneration, plus patchouli extract to calm skin, boost collagen and strengthen the barrier function. I recommend applying three to four drops immediately after cleansing to calm redness. In a consumer trial of 60 people, 75% said the product reduced the appearance of redness on their skin and 88% said that it left their skin feeling calm after four weeks of use.
While summer can be a challenging time for those of you with redness, sensitivity or rosacea, it doesn’t mean you have to hide indoors. With the right protection and a few tweaks to your lifestyle and skincare routine, you can enjoy the sunshine without worrying about flare-ups.
Henal Somji
Dr Munir Somji is a cosmetic surgeon and co-founder of DrMediSpa, located in Marylebone, Knightsbridge and Loughton. He has over a decade of experience in performing and teaching advanced aesthetic non-surgical and surgical procedures. Recognising the impact of skin health and the link to confidence and wellbeing, Dr Somji is passionate about restoring patient confidence and has gained himself a reputation for his meticulous work, reassuring manner and performing treatments that deliver subtle results.