Hot beverages are a commonly reported rosacea trigger. But the impact of drinking coffee — which is often served hot — on the condition has been unclear. Now a recent study out of West Virginia University suggests that caffeinated coffee consumption is inversely associated with rosacea.¹ The findings support the hypothesis that the blood vessel-constricting effect of the caffeine in coffee counteracts the blood vessel-dilating effect associated with heated beverages, thereby protecting against rosacea.

A recent study may have those at risk for rosacea racing to refill their coffee mugs: A team of Brown University researchers led by Dr. Wen-Qing Li found that the more caffeinated coffee women drank, the lower their risk was for developing rosacea.

Q. Are tanning beds better or worse than the sun for rosacea patients?

A. In a National Rosacea Society (NRS) patient survey, sun exposure ranked as one of the most common rosacea triggers. At the same time, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has conducted a public awareness campaign to warn against the dangers of indoor tanning.

Q. Does caffeine in coffee or tea cause rosacea flare-ups?