Managing Rosacea in Fall: Why Flare-Ups Happen and How to Calm Your Skin

Crisp air, cooler days, golden leaves—fall is a great time of year. But if you have rosacea, autumn can bring something less enjoyable—rosacea flare-ups.

Let’s understand why there are rosacea flare-ups in fall and explore some simple calming tips for your irritated skin. 

What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a long-term inflammatory skin condition that causes redness, flushing, visible blood vessels, and sometimes acne like bumps. It usually affects the face, especially cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin.

It’s a common skin condition that affects millions of people—most often women with fair skin.

We don’t know what exactly causes rosacea, but it’s believed that genetics, immune system responses, and environmental factors contribute to it.

Learn more about rosacea.

Why Do Rosacea Flare-Ups Happen in Fall?

Everyone can have different triggers for flare-ups. However, fall season comes with many changes that can worsen the symptoms. These include:

Temperature Fluctuations:

Fall weather often swings between warm afternoons and chilly mornings. These sudden temperature changes cause blood vessels to expand and contract rapidly, which can cause flushing and irritation in rosacea-prone skin.

Dry Air:

As humidity drops in fall, your skin’s moisture levels also decrease. The drier air can weaken your skin barrier and make it prone to redness, tightness, and irritation. 

Indoor Heating:

Cozying up your homes with a heating system feels nice but central heating can quickly suck moisture from the air (and your skin). This dry indoor air can also make rosacea-flare ups frequent or severe.

Wind and Cold:

Crisp fall air feels pleasant but it can cause windburn and sensitivity for people with rosacea.

Cold wind strips the protective oil from your skin which can cause inflammation and redness.

Hot Beverages and Spicy Foods:

Cooler days often mean hot coffee, tea, and soups—but studies show that heat from hot beverages can flare-up rosacea.

Spicy foods can also trigger rosacea. They contain capsaicin that can dilate blood vessels and cause flushing.

8 Simple Tips to Calm Your Skin

1. Protect from the Sun

UV exposure is a common trigger for rosacea. It can increase inflammation, dilate blood vessels, and worsens redness. 

UV rays don’t take a break, so it’s very important to protect your skin from the sun—all year round. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher everyday.

Choose fragrance-free, mineral-based formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that is gentler on sensitive skin. 

Try BelleCôte’s Mineral Double Sun Protection Cream—a lightweight mineral sunscreen enriched with marine peptides, collagen, and marine sun filters with chlorella and spirulina that hydrates and protects your skin while leaving a shine-free matte finish. It provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and helps prevent photoaging, dark spots, and fine lines.

Pro tip: For cooler weather use our Ultra Lifting Day Cream under sunscreen to nourish, lift, and protect.

2. Manage Stress

Stress can also trigger rosacea flare-ups. So if stress causes your flare-ups, try to reduce your stress.

You can do it by using simple stress management techniques like:

• Gentle yoga or a simply taking a walk in nature
• Deep breathing and mindful meditation
• Doing activities you enjoy which help you relax, such as reading a book, painting, or baking

Little moments of peace and relaxation can help your skin (and mind) get calm.

3. Avoid Overheating

To avoid a flare-up due to overheating, here are a few things you can do:

• Opt for warm—not hot baths or showers
• Dress in layers, so you can easily adjust when you’re feeling too warm
• If you’re feeling overheated, cool down by placing a cold, damp cloth on your neck, sipping on chilled drink, or using a fan or air conditioner
• Keep your distance from fireplaces, heaters, or other fire sources

4. Protect Your Face from Wind and Cold

Cold air and harsh winds can easily trigger rosacea flare-ups, especially during fall and winter. To help prevent irritation, cover your face with a soft scarf—silk or acrylic is best. Avoid wool or rough fabrics that can cause skin irritation.

It’s best to limit your time outdoors when it is very cold or windy.

5. Watch What You Eat and Drink

Spicy foods can trigger rosacea flare-ups, so go easy on spices and stick to milder seasonings.

If you feel like hot beverages are causing your symptoms to get worse, opt for warm or iced versions of your favourite drinks, like iced coffee and tea.

In addition to spicy foods and hot drinks, alcohol—especially red wine can trigger flare-ups so it’s better to avoid it.

6. Don’t Use Harsh Skincare Products

Many skincare products can be too strong for rosacea prone skin. Ingredients like alcohol, added fragrance, and exfoliants like glycolic acid can weaken the skin barrier and cause irritation and stringing.

Choose gentle, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic skin care products to keep your skin calm and protected. 

It’s better to skip foaming cleansers and astringents that can dry your skin. For moisturizers, go for the ones designed for sensitive skin.

BelleCôte’s Day Light Moisturizer is an excellent choice for sensitive, rosacea-prone skin.

This lightweight but nourishing formula is enriched with Phyto Stem Cells Complex, Marine Collagen, Bilberry Extract, and Hyaluronic Acid. It provides long-lasting hydration , soothes redness, and prevents premature aging.

For rosacea acne use BelleCôte’s Azelaic Toner (only for breaking out area) and Drying Lotion-Spot Treatment.

Learn here about Benefits of Azelaic Acid for Acne and Rosacea.

7. Try Holistic Approaches

Along with medical care and gentle skincare, many people find that holistic habits can naturally support calmer and healthier skin. 

They won’t just magically treat your rosacea but they might help prevent flare-ups and support your care plan.

Try these:

• Anti-inflammatory diet with leafy greens, berries, and omega-3 fatty acids
• Probiotics either through foods like yogurt and kefir or supplements, to support gut and skin balance
• Regular sleep and hydration that’ll help your body keep inflammation in check

8. Consult a Dermatologist

If you’re struggling to manage flare-ups or your rosacea seems to worsen in colder months, it’s best to check in with a dermatologist. 

They can assess your condition and provide a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

The Bottom Line

Fall may be a beautiful time of year but for people with rosacea, it can bring extra challenges. 

The shift in weather, dry and cold air, and temperature changes can easily trigger flare-ups. However, with the right care you can keep your skin calm, healthy, and balanced.

If flare-ups persist, don’t hesitate to consult a dermatologist for personalized guidance.

With a little care and consistency, you can fully enjoy fall—without redness and irritation.