Menopause can bring on many new changes, not only to your body, but to your skin. Many women going through menopause experience hot flashes – a sudden feeling of warmth that can cause your face to redden and increase sweat production (which in the end can leave you feeling chilled).
Hot flashes are not only uncomfortable for menopausal women; they can also aggravate or even sometimes trigger the onset of rosacea. Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by facial redness and small red bumps (often mistaken for acne or eczema) on cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. It can also result in permanent enlarged blood vessels on the face.
If you’re going through menopause, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of a rosacea flare up according to the National Rosacea Society:
- Exercise in cool temperatures – On hot humid days, it’s best to get your workout on in an air conditioned room.
- Avoid anything “hot” (spicy foods, hot beverages) – Spicy foods can cause flare ups for some rosacea suffers, so it may be best to avoid them if you can. When it comes to hot beverages (e.g., coffee, tea, etc.), you should wait until they’ve reached room temperature before consuming.
- Use sensitive skin products – Avoid skincare products that contain harsh irritants such as alcohol and witch hazel. You should be using gentle, fragrance free products.
- Always wear sunscreen – Before heading outdoors, you should apply a moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or higher.
- Skip hot baths and showers – If you can handle it, you should always aim for lukewarm temperatures during baths and showers.
- Keep stress to a minimum – Easier said than done, but if you’re prone to a lot of stress, try some stress management techniques like deep breathing and visualization exercises.
If you’re already suffering with symptoms of rosacea, you should see your dermatologist. Oftentimes, rosacea can be treated through daily topical medications, oral antibiotics or isotretinoin. If you’re experiencing enlarged blood vessels, IPL therapy for rosacea is also an option.
Learn more about IPL therapy for rosacea.
