Your rosacea summer survival guide

Looking for ways to protect yourself from rosacea flare-ups while making the most of summer? Get started with these common sense tips.

Make SPF your new best friend

While you should use sunscreen all year round, more time spent outside and longer days (not to mention stronger rays) make sun protection especially important in summer. Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, which is what The American Academy of Dermatology recommends. Remember to reapply your sunscreen every few hours, especially if you're sweating or swimming. Be sure to choose a sunscreen that is water-resistant (less easily removed by sweating or swimming) and broad spectrum (blocks both types of solar rays, UVA and UVB).

Choose your sunscreen carefully

Unfortunately, a lot of people with rosacea have sensitive skin, which can be a problem if the sunscreen you're using contains an irritant. Look for sunscreens labelled "fragrance-free," or those made for sensitive skin. Beware of sunscreens with an "unscented" label — these may include fragrances used to neutralize the smells of chemicals that are part of the formulation. If possible, use physical sunscreens such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which reflect the sun's rays instead of absorbing them (and heating your body) as chemical sunscreens do.

Stay in the shade...

Avoid the sun during peak hours (between noon and 3pm).

...or go undercover

Hiding indoors isn't always practical. If you do have to venture outside in the middle of the day, you can cover up with long sleeves and full-length pants or skirts (and a hat). A recent innovation is the introduction of SPF clothing. Many clothing manufacturers now sell clothing with SPF ratings of 30 and above — a handy alternative to sometimes messy sunscreens. For a list of manufacturers, click here

Keep your cool

Hot weather is one of the top three rosacea triggers. During the hottest time of day (usually between noon and three) it's best to stay in a cool, air-conditioned setting. Malls and libraries are good places to spend time on especially hot days.

Exercising outdoors? Exercise your judgement

Getting outside for a run, walk, bike trip or hike is one of summer's great pleasures! To avoid overexertion (another rosacea trigger), consider exercising in the early morning or late evening, when temperatures are lower.

Put yourself on ice

It's nearly impossible not to overheat sometimes, so be prepared to cool yourself down with a cold drink or chewing on ice chips to help reduce the flushing caused by physical activity.