Summertime is in full swing throughout the country, and with more heat and sun comes more sweat.

From clammy hands to drenched t-shirts, sweat might be unsightly, but perspiration is the body’s natural way of cooling off and protecting against overheating, as sweat evaporating from the body draws away heat. 

The link between heat-related triggers and rosacea is still not fully understood, but a recent National Rosacea Society-funded study found that individuals with rosacea often produce greater nerve, blood flow and sweating responses than those without the disorder when exposed to increased heat or stress. In addition, an earlier NRS-funded study showed that the surface temperature of facial skin in rosacea patients tends to be warmer than normal skin.

Controlling body temperature can be difficult during summer activities, but some adjustments in your routine may help you fend off overactive sweating and heat- and sun-related flare-ups :

Avoid spicy foods & heated beverages

• Avoidance of these two triggers is recommended for rosacea sufferers in general, but they are also reported to enhance the action of neurotransmitters that influence the sweat glands. If you’ve ever noticed your cheeks or forehead perspiring after eating something hot, this may be the reason. Note: when it comes to coffee, it is the heat itself and not the caffeine that triggers rosacea flare-ups in some people.

Wear special workout gear

• Exercise-induced flare-ups are common among many rosacea patients, and if you find yourself sweating excessively during workouts, consider purchasing workout clothing designed to minimize heat and sweat. Many brands on the market offer lines of shirts and bottoms that can assist in regulating body temperatures and sweating.

Reduce stress

• Heavy exercise may be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of sweating, but a job interview or stressful situation can trigger the body’s overheating and sweat response. Combine this factor with internal hot temperatures and a flare-up can be brewing. Knowing which situations cause stress and learning stress reduction techniques may help keep you sweat-and rosacea-free.

Ice it up

• Cold water is one of the fastest ways to cool off, and a study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that drinking ice cold water can significantly delay the increase in core body temperature during an exercise session. Holding ice chips in the mouth is an even quicker way to help. Try this summertime cucumber mint drink recipe from our Facebook page for additional benefits.