Rosacea is a common skin condition that’s set off by stress, heat, certain foods, and sunlight. It causes facial redness and sometimes acne-like pimples during flare-ups. You might see noticeable blood vessels on your face, but these symptoms usually clear up in a week or two. Rosacea can often be mistaken for other skin conditions like acne, but it has its own unique signs and symptoms.
So, why does sunlight trigger rosacea?
Those bright and lively beams from the sun are known triggers for rosacea. Rosacea is more common in extreme sun weather and usually appears in areas of uncovered skin. It’s also more prominent in fair-skinned people who are more susceptible to UV rays.
The reason is pretty straightforward. UV radiation causes heat and boosts circulation in the skin, making blood vessels more noticeable. This can lead to significant redness and acne-like outbreaks on the face.
High-energy UV beams are mostly to blame for sunburns, DNA damage, and reduced skin elasticity. They also cause photoaging, wrinkles, age spots, and photosensitivity, among other issues. Continued sun exposure leads to major skin changes, mostly harmful ones.
In rosacea, at least two of these changes can cause a flare-up:
- UVB rays increase skin heat and expand blood vessels, leading to red lines in the skin (telangiectasia) and facial flushing.
- Sunlight exposure induces certain substances in the skin, some beneficial, but others like the LL-37 peptide trigger rosacea.
Am I Likely to Be Affected by Sunlight Exposure?
About 80% of rosacea patients are affected by sunlight exposure, but it really depends on your type of rosacea and skin susceptibility. A study in Korea with over 170 rosacea patients found that sunlight caused more blood vessels, redness, and flushing, especially in the erythematotelangiectatic subtype. However, it didn’t impact those with subtypes 2, 3, and 4.
As temperatures rise, rosacea worsens. Heat, UV rays, or a combination of both can exacerbate your rosacea. Therefore, sun protection is essential. If you have rosacea, apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. This advice isn’t just for those with rosacea; it’s good for anyone looking to slow down skin aging.
References:
Bae, Y. I., Yun, S. J., Lee, J. B., Kim, S. J., Won, Y. H., & Lee, S. C. (2009). Clinical evaluation of 168 Korean patients with rosacea: the sun exposure correlates with the erythematotelangiectatic subtype. Annals of dermatology, 21(3), 243-249.
Jaworek, A. K., Wojas-Pelc, A., & Pastuszczak, M. (2008). Aggravating factors of rosacea. Przeglad lekarski, 65(4), 180.