Similarly, anything spicy containing capsaicin (a compound found in chili peppers and hot sauces) can not only make you desperately reach for a glass of water or milk, but may also trigger an inflammatory response in the skin that can cause redness and contribute to rosacea flare-ups (we’ll get into that shortly).8
What to do if you have it?: No, you don’t have to completely change your diet. Any blushing resulting from a glass of wine, say, or Vindaloo chicken curry is pretty short-term, but if it’s something that concerns you, maybe don’t overload on spicy noodles or hot wings every day (or on a, um, hot date), Dr. Hoss suggests.
Rosacea
If your face seems to be in a permanent blush, you may have a chronic inflammatory disorder called rosacea. While experts still don’t know the exact cause, research has shown that genetics, along with environmental triggers (like certain foods, weather, exercise, and sun exposure), can make some people’s skin bright red with an accompanying burning, stinging, or itching sensation.9 In Rosacea Type 2 (a subtype of the condition), inflamed pimples, pustules, and/or papules that don’t respond to typical acne treatments are also part of the problem.10
Dr. Bodemer says that the main difference between rosacea, and just rosy-cheeked cheeks, is whether it is a symptom. Do you experience any itching, for example? Burning? Stinging? Tenderness? “People with rosacea tend to also have really sensitive skin, so they’re also much more prone to developing irritation or allergic reactions to common skin care products,” she explains. If you think this is you, make an appointment to see a dermatologist who has been board-certified. They can diagnose you and offer tailored solutions.
What to do: Rosacea is chronic and there aren’t any known cures that will keep the flush away for good. That said, there are some ways to reduce the frequency of flare-ups and relieve the condition’s uncomfortable symptoms.
For example, you might want to “avoid common triggers like excessive sunlight, spicy foods, or red wine,” all of which can temporarily worsen redness and burning, Shari Lipner, MD, PhD, board-certified dermatologist and associate professor at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City, tells SELF.10 Dr. Lipner suggests that you pay attention to specific foods, beverages, and environmental changes which may affect your skin.