Rosacea Review - Newsletter of the National Rosacea SocietyRosacea Review - Newsletter of the National Rosacea Society

sunscreen

Sun Protection Key to Avoiding Flares in Summer — and All Year Round

Are they isolated events or a trend? Extraordinary heat waves – extremes in high temperature and humidity – may be the norm rather than the exception this year as weather maps display the bright orange that signals the arrival of yet another round of very hot weather. For rosacea patients especially, these are reminders to take cover from the effects of the sun. Fortunately, in a recent National Rosacea Society (NRS) survey, patients said they frequently used sun protection and are vigilant about protecting their skin.

Picking The Right Sunscreen for Rosacea and the Environment

The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 3.5 million Americans were diagnosed with skin cancer in 2019, making this risk associated with sun exposure a very compelling reason for protecting yourself from the sun. Yet for rosacea patients there is even more reason for sun protection, as sun exposure is one of the most common triggers for rosacea flare-ups.

Sunscreen, Other Measures Help Reduce Flare-Ups, Survey Shows

Although sun exposure may be the most common rosacea trigger, patients who take steps to protect their skin when outdoors have been successful in reducing rosacea outbreaks, according to a new National Rosacea Society patient survey. Virtually all of the 739 respondents said they make an effort to shield their skin from the sun, and 88 percent of those said their efforts had been successful or somewhat successful in reducing their rosacea flare-ups.

Smart Sun Protection Keeps Flare-Ups Away

While many are aware that protection from sunlight is important to prevent skin cancer, rosacea patients have even further reason to minimize their exposure. In fact, beyond being the top trigger for rosacea flare-ups named by 81 percent of patients in a National Rosacea Society survey, researchers have found that sun exposure may be linked to the visible blood vessels (telangiectasia) often associated with rosacea.

Sun Protection May Require Proper Sunscreen

While sun exposure is one of the most common trigger factors for flare-ups, finding a sunscreen that does not irritate the face can be a challenge for many rosacea sufferers.

"Individuals with rosacea are often uniquely sensitive to topical preparations applied to the face," said Dr. Mark Lebwohl, chairman of Dermatology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, at the recent annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. "For this reason, attention to ingredients can help patients find products that work best for them."

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