Why Does My Rosacea Get Worse During the Summer? How to Manage Seasonal Flare-ups & Your Treatment Options

As the fourth heatwave of the year hits the UK this week, rosacea sufferers are very familiar with how the summertime heat seems to dial up their symptoms to the max.

Research shows more than half of rosacea patients have their worst flare-ups during Summer, with sun exposure, high temperatures, and outdoor activities acting as major triggers. So why does this happen – and what can you do about it?

Why does Summer make my rosacea worse?

Sun exposure and UV radiation

One of the most universally recognised rosacea triggers is sunlight. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun stimulates immune responses in the skin that can make rosacea worse. Clinical studies reveal UV exposure drives blood vessel growth, and visible redness, also known as telangiectasia, by promoting the production of molecules like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In rosacea patients, this results in more frequent and intense flare-ups.

Heat and humidity

Summer’s high temperatures dilate blood vessels in your face, leading to increased flushing and redness. Sweat, humidity, and any undue physical exertion are additional culprits because they can further stress already sensitive skin, compounding symptoms.

Other triggers

Beyond the weather, summer barbecues and social events often mean exposure to foods and drinks that can provoke rosacea, including spicy foods, tomatoes, citrus fruits, and alcohol. Stress – usually higher during travel and holidays – can also contribute.

Managing Summer flare-ups

Rosacea triggers can be different for each person. However, there are several practical steps you can take to help manage your symptoms during the warmer months.

• Wear daily sunscreen: choose a broad-spectrum high-factor sunscreen, ideally mineral-based and fragrance-free. Some studies recommend formulations with anti-inflammatory and barrier-repair ingredients to further reduce irritation and redness. I tend to recommend either Tebiskin UV Soothe or Heliocare A-R Emulsion both of which are SPF 50. Tinted sunscreens can help camouflage redness while offering protection.

• Protective clothing: wear wide-brimmed hats and seek shade outdoors, as a physical barrier can make a noticeable difference.

• Stay cool: carry a water bottle, spritz your face with cool water, and chew ice chips if you feel overheated. Schedule exercise during cooler times of day (early morning or evening) and take regular breaks.

• Avoid your triggers: by tracking your triggers, you can minimise their impact.

• Hydrate: drink plenty of water, as dehydration worsens skin sensitivity.

Your rosacea treatment options

If lifestyle changes and sun protection alone don’t keep your rosacea in check, there are several proven medical treatments. Although there is no cure for rosacea, it can be effectively managed.

Topical medications

Over the years, I have developed a tried and tested routine which combines both topical and oral medications that has proven effective in over 90% of my rosacea patients.

Using the Synchorose or Rosagate range of products from SkinMed alongside Finacea gel and Soolantra cream, I consistently see a visible improvement in redness within eight weeks and patients report a palpable reduction in inflammation in their skin, manifesting as ‘less heat’. The brand Meder also has a good rosacea range of products.

Once the inflammation has settled, I slowly introduce a mild retinoid which improves the skin quality and texture over time and diminishes spots. Brimonidine (Mirvaso®) gel can be used to transiently relieve redness (very useful for special events, although some patients report rebound redness with it). I find topical metronidazole to be less effective and often irritant and hardly use it.

Oral medications

Anti-inflammatory antibiotics such as doxycycline are a game changer in rosacea, alleviating both the inflammation and the spots. For those concerned regarding the effect on their gut health there is the modified release Efracea® which is licensed specifically for rosacea. Lymecyline or Erythromycin can be used as alternatives. I never prescribe antibiotics for this indication for more than eight weeks at a time.

Light-based therapies

Intense pulsed light (IPL) and laser treatments can improve visible blood vessels and persistent redness, especially when summer’s triggers can’t be avoided.

My patients have a wide range of options of light -based treatments to help any residual redness left after the topical treatments. There is the Nordlys IPL system which is very good at reducing diffuse redness. However, because it emits a broad band of light (532- 750nm), it is not as powerful at targeting individual telangiectatic vessels.

For this reason, I am really excited to add the Excel V+ laser to my rosacea treatment arsenal because it is a dedicated vascular laser which can deliver a pure high energy output at 532nm, making it a vessel-blitzing machine!

The Coolview handpiece works on diffuse redness as well as small facial thread veins and there is also a dermastat handpiece which allows the practitioner to erase a vessel as though using a pen –highly addictive and satisfying!

If the power of the Coolview handpiece seems scary (it can lead to redness and swelling for a few days), the Excel V+ has a third mode – a ‘not so secret’ weapon known as Laser Genesis. This is a jack of all trades, improving redness but in a slower more gradual fashion, reducing pigmentation, wrinkles and pores as well as stimulating collagen, all in a 30 minute lunchtime treatment with no downtime and suitable for all skin types.

It works well both as rosacea treatment and maintence once improved –what’s not to love?

My takeaway

Rosacea tends to get worse during the summer due to sun, heat, and outdoor lifestyle factors that combine to inflame and stress your sensitive skin. By proactively managing triggers – especially sun and heat – and consistently using tailored medical treatments and gentle skincare, you can reduce both the frequency and severity of seasonal flare-ups.

If symptoms persist despite your best efforts, I will help you explore further options for happier, healthier skin – even during a heatwave. Why wait any longer? You don’t have to put up with facial redness! Have a look at my gallery of patients who have had great results.

Call 01462 512 166 to arrange a consultation with me today. I can’t wait to see you and help you in your journey to skin confidence!