How to Eat Your Way to Fewer Rosacea Flare-ups

Rosacea affects more than 16 million Americans, and this uncomfortable and unsightly skin condition can flare up for many reasons, including diet.

At their three New York City locations, Dr. Javier Zelaya and his team at Skinworks Dermatology help patients struggling with rosacea or other skin conditions. Here’s what they want you to know about how adjusting your diet can reduce your rosacea flare-ups.

Rosacea basics

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin disease that can bring numerous symptoms depending on the type (vascular, pustular, phymatous, or ocular). It’s sometimes confused with other skin problems, such as acne. Symptoms include:

Redness in the center of the face
Visible blood vessels
Swollen, pus-filled bumps
Stinging and burning sensations
Dryness
Thickened skin
Irritated, red, and watery eyes

Rosacea most commonly affects light-skinned women and people over 30, but anyone can develop the condition.

What causes rosacea isn’t entirely understood, but factors that often lead to outbreaks include sun exposure, stress, anxiety, hormonal changes, aerobic exercise, weather extremes, and diet.

The connection between diet and flare-ups

Foods and drinks that can lead to rosacea flare-ups include:

Alcohol
Hot beverages
Capsaicin, found in chili peppers, hot sauces, jalapenos, and other spicy foods
Cinnamaldehyde foods, including cinnamon, chocolate, citrus, and tomatoes

These substances can trigger rosacea in various ways, such as affecting the receptors in your skin that sense pain and warmth, leading to flushing and redness.

Dietary changes to reduce problems

One option, of course, is to reduce your consumption of the foods and drinks that may trigger flare-ups. Another is to add foods to your diet that can help lower your risk, including:

Dietary fibers and whole grains

Fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, and grains such as oatmeal and brown rice not only improve gut health but also help with inflammation.

Omega-3 fatty acids

These can be found in salmon, sardines, walnuts, and several plant-derived oils, such as canola and flaxseed. They also help reduce inflammation that can trigger outbreaks.

Probiotics

This category includes foods that enhance your gut microbiome, such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and low-sugar kefir. Probiotics help regulate gut bacteria; they work well with the previously mentioned high-fiber foods.

Rosacea can be frustrating when it flares, but you can manage this condition and reduce the frequency of episodes with dietary adjustments and support from our team. To learn more, call the office in Maspeth, Chelsea, or Park Slope, or request your appointment online today.