Rosacea triggers are any factors that exacerbate or cause symptoms of this inflammatory skin condition to flare. Primary triggers include sun, heat, alcohol, spicy foods, stress and hormonal changes. Rosacea flares commonly manifest as facial flushing and redness, burning and stinging sensations, acne-like eruptions, irritated eyes and, if left untreated and uncontrolled, skin thickening.

Control the triggers; control the flares. 

Because triggers and their degrees of aggravation vary from person to person, identifying personal rosacea triggers is an important first step in controlling rosacea flares. Monitoring personal triggers for a minimum of two weeks has proven to be very helpful in controlling rosacea. Being mindful and conscious of triggers greatly increases the likelihood of avoiding or modifying them. The result is a reduction in in the frequency and severity of flares and an increase in the effectiveness of treatments and medications. Modifying personal triggers also alleviates the visible and long-term effects rosacea has on skin.

Download the Rosacea Diary from rosacea.org here or use it as a guide to make your own.

Check out this survey which lists the most common rosacea triggers.

Less common triggers include a wide range of foods such as soy, yogurt, bananas, avocado, spinach and vanilla. Interesting product triggers include hairspray and acne products. Coughing, caffeine withdrawal and over-eating also can trigger rosacea flares.

Once you know your triggers and make appropriate lifestyle and dietary modifications, rosacea flares can be controlled and held in remission.