A Dermatologist Warns Winter “Self-Care” Habits Could Be Undermining Treating Rosacea

A dermatologist is warning that many popular winter “self-care” habits, from hot showers to cosy scarves and comforting food, may actually be fuelling a chronic facial skin condition affecting millions.

Rosacea, which causes persistent facial redness, flushing and burning, affects up to one in ten adults, yet experts say it is still widely misunderstood and frequently mistreated.

According to Dr Conal Perrett, consultant dermatologist at The Devonshire Clinic, winter routines designed to warm the body and protect the skin can unintentionally trap heat, dilate blood vessels and worsen inflammation in people prone to rosacea.

“People often assume rosacea flares are unavoidable in winter,” he says. “In reality, many flare-ups are driven by well-meaning habits that quietly push the skin beyond its tolerance.”

Dr Perrett explains that rosacea-prone skin struggles to regulate heat. Once facial temperature rises, redness can persist for hours or even days.

Cold outdoor air followed by overheated indoor spaces creates repeated vascular stress, while heavier clothing and skincare can prevent heat from escaping the skin.

“Rosacea isn’t just about sensitivity, it’s a vascular condition,” Dr Perrett says. “When blood vessels overreact, the skin stays red, hot and inflamed.”

He adds that many patients unknowingly make things worse by treating rosacea like acne or dryness.

“Using exfoliants, retinoids or strong cleansers can damage an already fragile skin barrier, locking patients into a cycle of irritation and flare-ups.”

According to Dr Perrett, the most common winter-related triggers include:

• Hot drinks and alcohol
• Spicy or rich ‘comfort’ foods
• Long, steamy baths and showers
• Heavy, fragranced skincare products
• Tight scarves, high collars and wool fabrics
• Sudden shifts from cold air to overheated rooms

“These triggers don’t look dramatic,” he says. “But they repeatedly overheat the face, and that’s when rosacea spirals.” Dr Perrett stresses that rosacea should not be dismissed as a cosmetic concern. “For many patients it affects confidence, work and social life. The burning and stinging can be genuinely painful.”

While there is no cure, he says rosacea can be well controlled with the right approach. “Once people stop chasing ‘quick fixes’ and start understanding their triggers, flare-ups become far less frequent and far less severe.”

He recommends:

• Avoiding unnecessary heat exposure
• Using fragrance-free, non-irritating skincare
• Cooling the skin gently at the first sign of flushing
• Seeking professional advice rather than self-diagnosing

“Rosacea is manageable but only when people realise it’s not something to simply ‘push through’.”

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