A healthy rosacea diet may involve avoiding foods that cause flushing and opting for those that may reduce inflammation. You can better control the skin condition and prevent red face flare-ups by identifying the foods that are your individual rosacea triggers. To find out which foods affect your rosacea, think about keeping a diet journal.
According to Jill Waibel, MD, a dermatologist in private practice in Miami and volunteer faculty at the University of Miami School of Dermatology, “certain foods can cause increased facial flushing by dilating facial blood vessels.” Food triggers for rosacea differ from person to person, according to Dr. Waibel, but alcohol—especially red wine—is a well-known trigger that can exacerbate facial flushing.
According to data gathered by the National Rosacea Society, red wine was found as the most common alcohol trigger, while other alcoholic beverages (such as beer, bourbon, gin, vodka, and champagne) have also been identified as rosacea triggers.
Food and beverage triggers for rosacea
In addition to alcohol, a vast number of foods can also make rosacea symptoms worse. The main offenders are:
spicy cuisine. Hot sauces, vinegar, spicy foods, and marinades for meat are a few examples.
hot beverages. The suspects include hot chocolate, coffee, hot cider, and hot tea. According to Waibel, the warmth of the coffee or tea—not the caffeine—is what makes patients flush. Warmer temperatures force the blood vessels to expand and emit heat, which causes the face to turn red, the speaker adds.
milk products. If you frequently experience rosacea flare-ups, yogurt, sour cream, and cheese (except from cottage cheese) may need to be eliminated from your diet or reduced.
foods that are rich in the histamine molecule. Vinegar-pickled foods, citrus fruits (including tomatoes), chocolate, cocoa, almonds, beans, and legumes are among them.
High calorie carbohydrate foods like sugar, pasta, and bread can also be rosacea triggers, according to the International Rosacea Foundation.
According to Waibel, physicians advise people to avoid obvious allergens in their rosacea diet, although complete deprivation is not necessary. We offer highly excellent rosacea treatments, so patients can regularly have a glass of wine or some cheese. She says that in addition to topical and oral medications, particularly effective treatments for rosacea include laser and light therapy.
Dietary Supplements for Rosacea
According to Waibel, “Any foods that reduce inflammation [redness, swelling, and heat] may improve rosacea.” She mentions the anti-inflammatory properties of foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such enhanced eggs, flaxseed oil, and supplements of cod liver oil.