Managing the Exercise Trigger

 

People with rosacea do everything they can to stay clear of anything that triggers that dreaded flush. But if working up a sweat and staying fit is a trigger, what’s a patient to do?

 

For people looking for an excuse not to exercise, sorry to say that you’re not going to find it here. Everyone, rosacea patients included, benefits from getting physical exercise. With proper management, you can work out while minimising flare-ups.

 

Why is exercise a trigger?

Understanding how exercise sets of rosacea is key to mitigating its symptoms. We’ve listed some general guidelines, but you may think of others that are more specific to your preferred exercise. If you know the principle behind these rules, then you may be able to think of more ways to prevent flare-ups in your situation.

 

Physical activity triggers rosacea because the body’s temperature increases as we exercise. The repeated contractions of our muscles require energy, and the biological process behind it produces heat as a by-product. There is an increased flow of blood to the organs that need it the most, which in this case, are muscles. The blood picks up the heat, and in an effort to cool our bodies down, remove that heat by bringing it to the surface of the body where it can dissipate. Blood vessels on the surface of the skin open wider and more blood moves to the skin. The end result? You guessed it, a flush!

 

Suggestions to minimise rosacea flare-ups during exercise

Use sun protection

People suffering from rosacea should always practice strict sun-protection, but more so if your preferred form of exercise is jogging, hiking, swimming, or anything outdoors. The UV rays, heat from the sun, and heat from the body is a triple combo that is sure to increase redness of the face. Ensure your sunscreen has an SPF of at least 30 are best.

 

On top of sunscreen, protect your skin using clothing. A broad-brimmed hat not only protects you from skin-cancer causing UV rays but can also be helpful in rosacea.

Time your exercise right

If you’re exercising outdoors, it is best to do so either early in the morning or early in the evening. These are the times of the day when the temperature is cooler, which helps keep your body temperature cool even as you work up a sweat. It definitely beats exercising in the noontime heat of a summer’s day!

 

But remember that any physical activity is bound to get you a little pinker than usual. If you have an important event to attend, it may be better to avoid exercising within 3-4 hours of the event so your skin remains calm.

Stay cool

Rosacea flushes get worse when your body overheats. So keep your body cool by keeping a bottle of iced water to drink and a spray bottle of the same to spritz your face with. Another way is to pat your face with a damp towel or drape it around your neck as you exercise.

 

If you’re indoors, make sure the room is well-ventilated. A stuffy, humid atmosphere will only make flare-ups worse.

Listen to your body

While getting fit involves pushing your body past its limits, you should also know when it’s too much. If you want to intensify your exercise, do it gradually and in short bursts. Overexerting yourself by doing things way beyond your level or keeping it at much longer than usual leads to overheating. This not only makes rosacea worse, it may also be dangerous to your overall health. Listen to your body and follow its cues.

Practice post-exercise skincare

A good workout is sure to leave you tired, but you have to find the energy to care for your skin after. Leaving your body sweaty and sticky is not a good idea given your skin’s sensitivity. Wash your face and body using your usual gentle, non-irritating products such as SkinKitz Rosea GentlyClear Cleansing Cream. And make sure to reapply sunscreen right after!

 

Conclusion

Rosacea should not stop you from keeping healthy and staying fit. By minimising overheating and keeping your skin protected from the sun, you can enjoy a good workout while keeping your flare-ups under control.

 

The information presented in this article is for general information and example purposes only, does not contain health advice specific for users and must not be relied on for that purpose.  SkinKitz does not provide any mental health advice or treatment.  If you are experiencing any mental health concerns, please see your GP or mental health professional.