Rosacea Skin Tips: How to Protect Your Skin While on Vacation

Your skin is already more vulnerable to sensitivity when you travel because of the difference in climate, lack of sleep, change in diet and even the water you wash your face with (which may be treated with softeners or other chemicals your skin isn't used to).

Here are- 

4 of the BEST tips for keeping your Rosacea-prone skin free from flares 

so you can look and feel your best and enjoy your vacation!

4 Tips for protecting your Rosacea prone skin on vacation

1. Bring your own washcloths and drying towels for your face

Did you know that using the washcloths and towels supplied by your hotel, Airbnb or even family or friends, have the potential to cause irritation to your skin? 

Your face, in particular, may be triggered by the textures, laundry detergents, bleaching agents or even fabric softeners used when laundering the washcloths and towels, that can lead to redness and irritation to your skin. 

Protect your Rosacea prone skin by controlling the unknowns. 

Bring your own soft Fairface Washcloths, which are super gentle to Rosacea and sensitive skin, so you can wash your face and not have to worry about anything. It can also be helpful to bring some extra small towels or drying cloths as well. 

2. Bring your own skin and hair care products

Free hotel shampoos, lotions and soaps may be tempting because they're FREE but they can also cause irritation to your skin. 

Swap out the free hotel toiletries for your own. 

Stick to your regular Rosacea skin care routine by bringing your own skin care products, as well as travel size shampoo, conditioner, and body wash that your skin is already accustomed to. 

And don't even think about using those awful waxy hotel bar soaps. 

TIP: Use your body wash or facial cleanser to wash your hands.

3. Bring your own tissue

I think we can all agree that the tissue and toilet paper in most hotels is far from soft. With sensitive skin, and Rosacea in particular, using abrasive tissue on your nose can lead to unwanted redness and irritation.

While bringing tissue might seem like an unnecessary addition to your vacation toiletry bag, having soft tissues on hand can help protect your skin, alleviate redness, and make a big difference to your Rosacea prone skin.

4. Bring your own pillow and/or pillow cases

Not only can hotel pillows or pillows from other accommodations cause allergies to flare, the pillow cases that cover them can also cause irritation to sensitive skin.

Laundry detergent, fabric softeners and pillow case textures can cause redness and irritation to Rosacea and sensitive skin. 

By bringing your own pillow and/or extra, soft pillow cases, you can sleep on a clean pillow case as often as possible, and protect your skin by controlling what your face is pressed against for 8 hours.

It may take a little extra work and a bit more luggage room, but following these 4 travel tips can really help protect your Rosacea prone, sensitive skin while you are on vacation!

Rosacea & Sensitive Skin Tips

If you enjoy learning about gentle skincare for rosacea and sensitive skin, you might like Fairface Insider — a quiet monthly note with sensitive skin tips, early access to new launches, and occasional private offers.

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insider.fairfacewashcloths.com

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Can Humidifiers help Rosacea flares?

It started last night.

The incessant itching on my cheek.

Followed by the fiery hot spot under my skin.

I hadn't had a rosacea flare in a very long time, yet I knew instantly what it was before I even had to look in the mirror. 

A bright red welt-like area began lighting up my left cheek and the itch was just too much.

I soon came to realize that sitting in front of a space heater the last few days had finally done it's damage. 

All the face flushing caused by hot, dry air pumping out of the vent, created the perfect storm for a rosacea flare.

Are Heaters Making Your Rosacea Flare?

We know that there's nothing better than feeling that first burst of heat after you've been shivering cold, but have you ever considered what those same beloved heaters are doing to your skin?

Simply said, heat dries out moisture.

Think of hanging wet socks next to a heater. That's how they get dry.

So imagine yourself sitting next to a space heater for an hour.

It dries moisture up like it does those wet socks, except it's coming out of your skin, lips, eyes, nose and even your hair.

While your moisturizing cream may prevent some moisture from escaping your skin, eventually it's a losing battle. 

 

Can a Humidifier help Rosacea?

Putting moisture back into the air is supposed to help combat dry skin.

To clarify, by adding moisture to your skin, I don't mean facial steaming. See: why facial steaming is NOT a good idea for Rosacea 

Using a humidifier for your skin is not the same as steaming your face.

The only experience I've personally had with a humidifier, was 30+ years ago when my mom ran one in a sick baby's room, and I remember it feeling stuffy and humid in there.

So my question is, how much moisture will be enough to help ease the discomfort of my dehydrated  rosacea skin without turning my bedroom into a steamy greenhouse or start to warp our wooden bedside tables? 

Using a Humidifier to help Rosacea

According to the National Rosacea Society, and several dermatologists, using a humidifier is recommended to help reintroduce moisture to the air in your home, which can help combat Rosacea dryness and irritation. It's also recommended not to sit too close to your heat source (guilty as charged)!

I also ran across a post by Talonted Lex, a blogger who also has Rosacea, who shared her experience using a humidifier by her bed at night. 

After using it a few months, she noticed that her skin didn't feel as tight and was more comfortable in the morning. She also mentioned that when she didn't use it, her throat and eyes seemed much more dry. 

That reminds me, using a humidifier may also help with my *ocular rosacea! Bonus! 

Knowing that my flaring skin probably won't last a long winter like this, I've decided I will order myself a humidifier and I'll update you about how it goes.  

I already follow the 6 Winter Skin Care Tips for Rosacea & Sensitive Skin, so adding a humidifier just makes sense. 

Have you tried a humidifier to help your Rosacea?

I'd love to know - just leave a comment below!

Thanks for reading!

xo Shannon

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RELATED POSTS:

You might also enjoy listening to our Fairface podcast episode #16, 8 ways to calm Rosacea redness this winter, where I share my experience during a winter power outage. Show notes are also available to read.

As well as episode 21: 6 soothing tips for ocular rosacea

SHOP our soft face cloths for sensitive skin and rosacea-

Fairface Washcloths Etsy Shop

Fairface Washcloths Website

6 Winter Skin Care Tips for Rosacea & Sensitive Skin

How to keep Rosacea prone skin healthy during winter

Did you know winter can be just as hard on Rosacea prone skin as it is in the summer?

As I write this, (2/11/2019) we are currently under a rare winter storm advisory in Seattle. We have almost a foot of snow outside, with more coming down, and the school closures just keep coming.

Even spending 20 minutes outside can make or break my face if I'm not taking precautions. Don't let winter unleash havoc on your Rosacea.
*Please note, we have included helpful links to recommended products and if linked as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

6 Winter Skin Care Tips to protect your rosacea-prone sensitive skin from flushing, burning, and stinging:

1. Cover Up

Windburn is a real thing, have you had it? I used to get it after a day of skiing. After 8 hours or more, of cold wind hitting my cheeks, I was left with redness, burning and dryness.

Whether it's windy or not, just being outside in cold temperatures can chap your skin. Shield exposed areas with a light-weight scarf or other cover-up to protect your skin from windburn and chapping.

2. Wear Sunscreen

No matter what your skin type, "Sunscreen 365" should be your motto. Sun still shines its rays through clouds and loves to bounce off of snow and water. Whether it's cold and cloudy or hot and balmy, sunscreen will protect your skin from the elements and keep it healthier. I love the lightweight Eucerin Daily Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen and wear it every day of the year.

3. Dress in layers

I run hot by nature, so the minute I'm in a hot room, I get nervous that my face will start to flush and result in a Rosacea flare.

The best solution for keeping your temperature at bay in the winter, is to dress in layers. If you're in a cool room, you'll stay comfortable, if you're in a cozy room with the fireplace blazing, you can shed a few layers before you start to over heat. Try to keep your body temperature as even as possible so you don't get flushed. Your face will thank you.

PS Wearing these soft merino wool socks that I love from Costco on my feet, help to keep my temperature more even too! You can buy them through the link or pick some up at Costco.

4. Temperature Matters

It's normal to climb out of a warm bed and want to jump into a hot shower to combat the shock of a cold house. Hot temperatures, however, especially hot water running over your face, can result in flushing and can cause sensitive skin to react. Keep the shower water temperature comfortable, but don't go overly hot.

Also watch out for hot tubs, saunas and hot drinks. Anything that causes your body temperature to rise and your face to flush can be problematic for sensitive skin and rosacea. Be aware that for some, alcoholic drinks like red wine, and foods like hot salsas can also have the same affect on your face.

5. Wash gently

Another one of those mottos you should adopt, especially if you have Rosacea or sensitive skin, is "Wash gently 365". Especially during the winter months when your skin is prone to irritation, always treat it gently. If you do slip-up and get windburn, (or even sunburn during a day out in the snow), it's important to pamper your damaged skin to get it healthy again. 

Always wash with a gentle cleanser for sensitive skin and always opt for a soft face cloth to protect your skin from harsh textures that can damage your skin barrier. I LOVE Vanicream Gentle Cleanser  and will forever only use Fairface soft flannel face cloths on my face! Protect that sweet skin barrier of yours!

6. Don't get too dry

We all know that indoor heaters and outdoor cold temperatures can cause extra dryness (and even micro-cracking) to our skin during the winter. According to the National Rosacea Society, using a moisturizer every day is key for building a strong moisture barrier and preventing burning, stinging, itching and irritation.  I, personally, opt for a bit heavier moisturizer during the cold months. I LOVE Cerave Moisturizing Cream, tho truth be told, I love it so much I use it all year round!

And always remember to stay hydrated! This is something I need to work on. Drink more water even when you don't feel like it to keep your body and skin hydrated. You will feel it in your skin if you don't.

*This post contains product links, added for your convenience. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases through Amazon.com.

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Do you have any skin care advice to keep Rosacea skin calm during the cold winter months? We'd love to know!

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Shannon Sorensen is the Founder and CEO of Fairface Washcloths. All expressed opinions are personal and are not meant to substitute a physicians care. Please seek the help of a dermatologist to get the help you need.

1 Easy Way to Prevent Break-outs: Clear Skin Tip from Fairface Washcloths™

If clear skin is a priority, you'll want to be sure to read this 1 QUICK TIP to keeping your skin free and clear!

Anyone suffering from acne, Rosacea, or other sensitive skin issues, knows the vital role make-up can play in covering unwanted facial redness. Nothing to see here people!

Once you have chosen a foundation that doesn't irritate your skin, and has just the right tint to hide the red, it's important to make sure the way you are applying it doesn't sabotage your clear skin efforts.

*Disclosure: This post contains Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

THE KEY TO CLEARER SKIN

If you're applying foundation with your fingers, just STOP already. Believe it or not, there are oils on your hands and fingers (not to mention bacteria under your fingernails - eeew) that you could be rubbing into your face. Nice.

Whether applying your foundation with a make-up brush (a communal cringe for those of us with sensitive skin), or a squishy make-up sponge, just make sure it's CLEAN. Psssst - that was the key word - CLEAN.

Have you ever been witness to a cakey sponge (not to be confused with a sponge cake, which is actually quite good)? There are those who like to re-use and re-use and re-use their make-up sponge, until they've successfully morphed it into a bronze triangular cesspool of bacteria, dirt and oil.
Paints a nice picture, doesn't it?

It's like putting a clean just-out-of-the-bathtub-baby into a dirty, stinky pair of pj's. A travesty!

Using a clean make-up sponge on your freshly washed and moisturized face just makes sense. 

You will see a huge improvement in your skin by using a fresh, clean make-up sponge every time you apply your foundation. No more cakey sponges, but sponge cake is still okay. Yes, let's definitely keep the sponge cake.

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1 Easy Way to Prevent Break-outs: A Clear Skin Tip
from Fairface Washcloths™, the softest washcloths for sensitive skin including Rosacea, Eczema, Dermatitis, Psoriasis and other sensitive skin conditions.

Made with soothing, gentle, imported 100% cotton flannel for a smooth wash, without harsh textures that can cause irritation to Rosacea and sensitive skin.

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