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Common Causes and Triggers of Rosacea, And How to Reduce Flare-Ups
19th February 2026
min read
Expert By
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition that involves recurring skin changes on the face. Many people ask what causes on the face and why such as redness, blood and bumps keep returning. The true cause of rosacea is not known but is linked to a of genetics, immune system and highly facial blood vessels.
In this article we will discuss the causes of rosacea and common triggers of and how to manage them including sunlight, heat, alcohol, food and stress.
What Causes Rosacea?
The exact cause of is not fully understood, but there does appear to be a genetic or family component, which is an important risk factor.
Rosacea is also linked to an overactive immune system and blood vessels. In people with rosacea, the blood vessels overreact to certain triggers, increased blood flow to the skin. This leads to the key rosacea symptoms, such as redness, flushing and inflammation. While inflammation contributes to these symptoms, researchers do not yet fully understand what causes the .
What Causes Rosacea Flare-Ups?
Certain or lifestyle can make rosacea worse. for include sunlight, heat, stress, alcohol, spicy foods and changes in . When to these triggers, the blood vessels widen and inflammation increases, symptoms.
stress is a well-recognised trigger for rosacea. When you feel stressed, it can cause the blood in your face to widen, which makes redness, flushing and irritation worse. stress levels through coping strategies is therefore an important part of flare ups.
People with rosacea have skin that is more sensitive than normal. Sun exposure and ultraviolet (UV) light are some of the most common rosacea triggers, blood vessels near the skin’s surface to dilate. This leads to increased redness, flushing and sometimes a or stinging sensation.
Because of this, sun exposure is a common trigger for . Protecting your skin by every day, shade, and using hats or protective can help reduce and prevent symptoms from worsening.
Alcohol is another common of rosacea. Alcohol causes of the blood vessels, which makes it more likely to experience rosacea . Some drinks are particularly problematic, especially red wine, which contains higher levels of histamine. For this reason, it is best to avoid alcohol, particularly red wine. Or, you could try these types of for a while to see if your symptoms change.
Heat in any form is a common trigger of outbreaks, and that includes hot drinks. Hot liquids rosacea, not because of the drink itself but because of the heat. Allowing hot drinks such as tea or coffee to cool before can help reduce .
Significant changes in can also . High or low can dilate blood vessels and facial flushing. Dressing appropriately for cold weather and excessive heat can help reduce flare-ups.
Heavy or vigorous can rosacea in some people. This is usually because exercise increases body and blood flow, causing the blood in the face to dilate. If exercise is a for you, try the intensity, taking breaks or in a cooler environment.
One of the main reasons certain is their histamine content. Histamine promotes vasodilation, which makes your red blood vessels dilate, causing to occur. Foods that contain histamines include tomatoes, citrus fruit, legumes, and nuts.
Spicy foods, particularly chilli peppers, are another important trigger. These foods contain capsaicin, the compound responsible for the when eating spicy food. That sensation also heats up the skin and the risk of and rosacea . Reducing or spicy foods can help avoid this.
Cheese and processed meats are rich in histamine. vasodilation, which can worsen redness and . Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, can also trigger and redness. This may be due to a to lactose, a sugar found in milk or to specific proteins in dairy. Avoiding or these foods may reduce symptoms in some people.
Chocolate can also trigger for some. It contains cinnamaldehyde, a flavonoid, and similar to histamine, it’s thought it can trigger the in the face in people with rosacea.
can be a for some people. Like chocolate, they contain cinnamaldehyde and can release. If worsen your symptoms, it may be to avoid them.
How to Identify Your Personal Triggers of Rosacea
Because vary from person to person, identifying what triggers for you is key.
Keep a diary
If you’re not sure what your triggers are, keep a rosacea diary. Each time your flares, write down what you ate, what you drank and your surrounding environment. Being aware of your triggers and avoiding them can help you keep rosacea under better control.
Seek the help of an expert
If your face is red, bumpy or sensitive and you don’t know why, get the help of an expert to make sure you’re treating the right . and skin types, so a professional will carry out a thorough to confirm the diagnosis.
Once diagnosed, a can help you to get to know your rosacea triggers and avoid them. Not only that, they can put together personalised treatment plans to help manage your symptoms, which can include desensitisation plans, and scarring .
How Can You Reduce Rosacea Flare-Ups?
Identify and avoid triggers
The first step in is understanding what causes rosacea flare ups in your individual case. Common triggers include sun exposure, stress, hot or cold weather, spicy foods, alcohol, and hot . Keeping a diary of flare-ups alongside your diet and environmental conditions can help you spot patterns.
Protect your skin from the sun
Use a with SPF 30–50 and UVA/HEV every day. hats and clothing and shade will further reduce caused by sunlight.
Follow a gentle routine
Use a �[https://www.111harleystreet.com �healthy] skin plan’ tailored to your rosacea. Avoid products containing alcohol or other irritants, and choose products to the skin and skin function.
Read our article to learn and how to sensitive skin with clinically-recommended products.
Use when necessary
In some cases, may be required to inflammation and other symptoms. These are used when and skincare adjustments alone are not enough.
Manage stress
Stress can rosacea flare-ups in many people. such as gentle exercise, yoga, and deep breathing can help reduce stress and improve skin health.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
A balanced diet, adequate hydration, and or can all support your skin and help reduce rosacea flare-ups. Avoid where possible to give your skin the best chance of calm and .
Take Control of Your Rosacea at Thames Skin Clinic
Rosacea can feel and unpredictable, but you don’t have to manage flare-ups alone.
At , we are a , doctor-led skin clinic in Twickenham in London. Our founder, , is a highly experienced medical doctor with over two decades in aesthetic medicine.
We assess your skin thoroughly, identify your triggers and design a personalised care plan to help you calm redness and reduce for the long term.
If you’re ready to and build a sustainable with expert oversight, with our team at Thames Skin Clinic today.
To learn more about rosacea, how it develops and what you can do to manage it long-term, read our full guide on .
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