Lifestyle Factors Overview It has long been known that a variety of cues or triggers will cause a rosacea sufferer to flush (become red).  Although there is not yet a cure for Rosacea, a combination of treatment of the symptoms and lifestyle changes to avoid these triggers can greatly reduce the negative impacts of Rosacea.  Below is a list of commonly recommended lifestyle changes. Each person will find that some of these items are more or less useful  to them.  The most important thing is to recognize your individual triggers and adjust your lifestyle accordingly.

Lifestyle Recommendations

• Avoid exposure to the sun whenever possible and use a good, non-irritating sunscreen whenever exposure cannot be avoided. Extremes of heat or cold may be a trigger for many people. Even hot showers, baths and warm rooms may cause a problem for some people. Exposure to wind (particularly cold winds) has also been shown to be a trigger for many people. 
    

• Avoid food and drinks which may induce Rosacea symptoms.  Common problem foods and drinks include spicy foods and dairy products. It is often recommended that alcohol should be avoided. Some people will find that any sort of hot drink will trigger a Rosacea reaction.  It is sometimes said that caffeinated products such tea & coffee will cause problems however a 1981 study found that the cause is more likely to be the temperature of the drink rather than the caffeine.
    

• Since Tobacco products are stimulants they are not recommended. Smoking also damages blood vessels which may worsen some symptoms.
   

• Take care of your skin. Choose skin products carefully.  Avoid scrubbing and products which may irritate the skin including exfoliant and astringent products (which contain alcohol). Only very mild products should be used on the face. Use water-based make-up and sunscreen.
    

• Avoid stressful situations. Anger, embarrassment and fright may all result in flushing and trigger Rosacea symptoms.
    

• Moderate, rather than hard exercise may be preferable.  

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Other Suggestions

• The Rosacea Ltd website recommends :

• drinking at least 8 eight-ounce glasses of icy cold water to help keep the body cool and supplied with adequate water.

• eating small meals

• changing wash cloths and towels after each use.

• As part of a gentle skin-care program, the Rosacea.Org website also suggests that men use an electric shaver rather than a blade. (If a blade is used, it should always be a sharp one).

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