These Unexpected Things Could Be Aggravating Your Rosacea & They're SO Everyday

The NHS lists caffeine from coffee, tea, and cola as a potential rosacea trigger. Others have argued, however, that the caffeine-rosacea association is a myth; the National Rosacea Society, for example, suggests that it's actually the heat from coffee and tea that causes flare-ups. Like many aspects of rosacea, the exact correlation is frustratingly ambiguous, and you might just have to adopt a suck it and see approach.

A study released last year by the American Academy of Dermatology stated that "increased consumption of alcohol, particularly white wine and liquor, is associated with a higher risk of rosacea in women." Though the study didn't unpack why this connection exists, the researchers guessed that "alcohol’s weakening of the immune system and widening of the blood vessels could contribute to the redness and flushing that occur when one develops the condition." Confusingly, the study also reported that red wine isn't likely to cause you to develop rosacea, but it is likely to worsen the condition for existing sufferers.

Dermatologist Julia T. Hunter told SELF that "eating spicy foods — or foods that your gut may be sensitive to — can all trigger flare-ups." According to the magazine, spicy foods can increase facial redness by encouraging the blood vessels in your face to dilate — so next time you're at Nando's, try switching your extra hot chicken for lemon and herb.

According to the NHS, "strenuous exercise" can aggravate rosacea. They recommend switching up your exercise routine from high-intensity to low-intensity workouts — so runners and gym-goers might want to switch out some of their more intense sessions with walking, swimming, or Pilates.

Another trigger the NHS warns against is stress — which, easier said than done, I know. But stress can wreak havoc on our bodies in innumerable ways, including worsening rosacea, so it's worth trying out relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga, doing regular (low-intensity!) exercise, or speaking to your GP if you're finding it difficult to manage your stress levels.

This is a cruel list, I know, but it turns out dairy — the greatest food group, IMO — could be exacerbating your rosacea. Beauty blogger and British Skin Foundation ambassador Talonted Lex writes on her blog about cutting out dairy, "I did notice a big change in my skin and I notice straight away if I treat myself to some cheese or a delicious creamy pudding." If you suspect dairy might be triggering your rosacea, try limiting your consumption to see if it has any effect.

Talonted Lex also says that blow-drying her hair can cause a flare-up; she writes, "Heat around my face triggers an instant flare up so I try to leave my hair to dry naturally as often as I can." For similar reasons, you might also want to avoid hot baths, saunas, and steam rooms.

Dermatologist Dr Stefanie Williams told Red that many rosacea sufferers layer on thick moisturisers because their skin feels sore and dry. "But it’s actually the micro inflammation caused by the condition that makes it feel that way, rather than true dryness, and rich creams can make matters worse, causing more inflamed lesions," she told the magazine. If you're struggling to find a suitable replacement, look to this handy list of the best moisturisers for rosacea for inspiration.

The NHS calls sunlight "the most commonly reported trigger of rosacea," and encourages daily use of a high SPF, regardless of the weather (yes, that means in the North too.) Wearing SPF every day is a pretty great habit for everyone to get into, even those who aren't dealing with rosacea — so slap it on and reap the flare-up soothing, skin damage-preventing benefits.

As undeniably irritating as it is, rosacea doesn't have to be a cause for despair. Take a trip to your GP, try out a few of these lifestyle tweaks, and do your utmost not to stress about your skin. A quick reminder: rosacea or no, you're absolutely bloody beautiful.