The holidays bring plenty to look forward to: Thanksgiving dinner with family, cozy evenings by the fire, and festive gatherings with friends. But if you have rosacea, this time of year can also bring unwelcome redness, flushing, and breakouts. At Dermatology of North Asheville, we often see rosacea flare during the late fall and winter months, and the reasons are often hiding in plain sight on the holiday table.
What Is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a common, chronic skin condition that causes redness across the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. Many people also notice visible blood vessels, acne-like bumps, a burning or stinging sensation, and frequent flushing. It most often appears in adults between 30 and 50 and is more common in people with fair skin, though it can affect anyone.
There is no cure for rosacea, but it can be managed. One of the most effective tools is learning your personal triggers, the things that cause your symptoms to flare.
Common Holiday Triggers
Alcohol
Red wine is the best-known rosacea trigger, but it isn’t the only one. Research has found that white wine and liquor are also associated with increased rosacea risk. If you plan to enjoy a drink at holiday gatherings, consider limiting how much you have, alternating with water, or choosing a festive mocktail instead.
Spicy and Seasonal Foods
Spicy dishes are a well-known trigger, but some holiday favorites may surprise you. Foods containing a compound called cinnamaldehyde, including cinnamon, chocolate, tomatoes, and citrus, have been linked to rosacea flares in some people. That doesn’t mean you need to skip the pumpkin pie. We recommend paying attention to how your skin responds.
Hot Drinks
That steaming mug of coffee, cider, or cocoa could be a culprit, but it’s the heat, not the caffeine, that’s typically the problem. In fact, research suggests caffeinated coffee may be associated with a lower risk of rosacea. Let hot beverages cool to a warm temperature before sipping.
Cold Wind and Indoor Heat
Asheville’s chilly mountain air and brisk winds can irritate sensitive skin, especially during a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway or a winter hike. Moving from the cold into a warm house, or sitting close to a fireplace or wood stove, can cause sudden flushing. Protect your face with a scarf outdoors and try to avoid sitting directly next to heat sources.
Holiday Stress
Travel, hosting, shopping, and packed schedules can all take a toll. Emotional stress is one of the most commonly reported rosacea triggers. Building in time to rest, getting enough sleep, and practicing simple stress management techniques can benefit both your well-being and your skin.
Tips for Keeping Rosacea Under Control
Keep a trigger journal: Track what you eat, drink, and do, along with any flares, to identify your personal patterns.
Use gentle skincare: Choose fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers, and avoid harsh scrubs or products containing alcohol or menthol.
Moisturize daily: Cold, dry winter air can weaken your skin barrier, making rosacea symptoms worse.
Wear sunscreen year-round: Sun exposure is a top rosacea trigger, even in winter. Choose a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Stick with your treatment plan: If you’ve been prescribed medication for rosacea, continue using it as directed through the holiday season.
When to See a Dermatologist
If your redness is persistent, your skin frequently burns or stings, or you notice bumps, thickening skin, or eye irritation, it’s time to see a dermatologist. Rosacea can worsen over time without treatment, and prescription options can make a meaningful difference in managing symptoms.
With a little planning and awareness, you can enjoy everything the holidays have to offer while keeping your skin calm, comfortable, and healthy.
References
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Rosacea: Tips for managing. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/rosacea/insider/manage
Gallo, R. L., Granstein, R. D., Kang, S., Mannis, M., Steinhoff, M., Tan, J., & Thiboutot, D. (2018). Standard classification and pathophysiology of rosacea: The 2017 update by the National Rosacea Society Expert Committee. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 78(1), 148-155.
Li, S., Cho, E., Drucker, A. M., Qureshi, A. A., & Li, W. Q. (2017). Alcohol intake and risk of rosacea in US women. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 76(6), 1061-1067.
Li, S., Chen, M. L., Drucker, A. M., Cho, E., Geng, H., Qureshi, A. A., & Li, W. Q. (2018). Association of caffeine intake and caffeinated coffee consumption with risk of incident rosacea in women. JAMA Dermatology, 154(12), 1394-1400.
Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Rosacea: Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rosacea/symptoms-causes/syc-20353815
Weiss, E., & Katta, R. (2017). Diet and rosacea: The role of dietary change in the management of rosacea. Dermatology Practical & Conceptual, 7(4), 31-37.
