Managing rosacea can seem like a daunting task sometimes. Between finding a skin care routine that works, using prescriptions and avoiding triggers it can feel like a lot. Luckily, there are tools available to make building a rosacea management routine easier. One is James Clear’s bestselling book, Atomic Habits, which breaks down the science behind building good habits and breaking bad ones.

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.

Researchers have now identified the molecular pathway for flushing caused by niacin -- also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid, and found in many foods -- according to a study recently completed by Dr. Robert Walters and colleagues at Duke University and funded by the National Rosacea Society. The new findings may lead to future improvements in the treatment or prevention of rosacea, which is commonly associated with flushing.