Rosacea Relief This Winter: How to Calm Sensitive Skin with Multimodal Treatments

The winter season can be rough for those with rosacea. 

The cold winds, dry indoor heating, and abrupt temperature changes often leads to flare-ups and increased skin sensitivity. Fortunately, an intentional, multimodal approach can help keep rosacea at bay and leave your skin feeling calm, hydrated, and refreshed all winter long. At Bonita, we’ve got the perfect holistic support guide to help you with rosacea relief for this unforgiving season. 

Why Winter Worsens Rosacea:

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by facial redness, visible blood vessels, and, in some cases, small, acne-like bumps. The challenging part is that extreme temperature fluctuations, stress, alcohol, and certain skincare products can exacerbate & increase flare-up frequency - Great for this time of year, right?! (Note the major sarcasm!) 

Here’s how we can help:

A combo of soothing treatments can be highly effective in managing rosacea during the colder months. 

Let’s take a closer look at your top options….

Gentle Laser Treatments

Laser therapy can be an excellent solution for rosacea, especially when used in moderation during winter. Vascular lasers or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments target visible blood vessels and reduce redness by using controlled light energy to constrict blood vessels under the skin.

Benefits: These treatments reduce the appearance of broken capillaries and redness, providing a more even skin tone. They also have minimal downtime, making them convenient for winter care. For best results, get a series of treatments spaced a few weeks apart. We can help you with a personalized treatment plan that respects your skin’s sensitivity.

Medical-Grade Skincare 

Not all over-the-counter products are great for rosacea-prone skin. A lot contain irritants that can trigger rosacea. Instead, opt for medical-grade skincare that is specially formulated to soothe, hydrate, and protect delicate skin barriers.

Key Ingredients to Look For: Look for products containing niacinamide, azelaic acid, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. Niacinamide calms redness and inflammation, while azelaic acid reduces bacterial buildup and irritation. Ceramides and hyaluronic acid are deeply hydrating and help repair the skin barrier, reducing winter dryness. Check out our line of Rosacea-Relieving products here. 

Pro Tip: Avoid products with alcohol, fragrance, and harsh exfoliants, as they can worsen sensitivity. Stick to a gentle cleanser, hydrating serum, and soothing moisturizer.

Lifestyle Tips for Flare-Ups

A few lifestyle adjustments can go a long way in managing rosacea. Here are some helpful strategies to minimize flare-ups:

Moisturize Regularly: Cold weather can strip moisture from the skin, making it vulnerable to irritation. Apply a rich, hydrating moisturizer right after cleansing to lock in hydration and protect the skin barrier.

Protect Your Skin Outdoors: When braving the cold, protect your face with a scarf, or wear a hat with a brim to shield your cheeks and nose. (Super trendy, we know lol!). This barrier reduces the risk of windburn and cold-induced redness. And, keep applying your SPF!

Control Indoor Heating: Indoor heating can be particularly drying. Adding a humidifier to your home or bedroom can restore moisture to the air, helping prevent your skin from drying out.

Limit Hot Beverages & Alcohol: Boo, we know it’s not the advice you may want to hear, but both hot drinks and alcohol can dilate blood vessels, increasing redness. Try consuming these in moderation or choose lukewarm drinks instead. To mitigate any holiday overindulgence, drink extra water and add some electrolytes to stay hydrated. 

Intentional Winter Rosacea Management

Taking care of rosacea during winter requires a gentle and consistent approach. Combining treatments like laser therapy with medical-grade skincare and small lifestyle changes can help you maintain a calm, clear complexion all season long. Remember, Bonita is here to help tailor a personalized treatment plan suited to your unique skin needs. Book your consultation here. We are here to help you navigate your rosacea journey in a comprehensive and multimodal way, so you can stay Bonita over those colder months. 

Remember to book your winter treatments pre & post holiday season to stay consistent!