Q My facial flushing is severe. What foods and lifestyle factors should I avoid? Are coffee and chocolate also off-limits?
A The main dietary triggers for rosacea are alcohol, hot beverages, spicy foods, chocolate, and spices. Coffee itself causes vasodilation more from the hot temperature than from caffeine, so drinking it cold has a relatively lesser impact. Non-dietary triggers that worsen flushing include UV rays, hot environments, intense exercise, and saunas.
Detailed Answer
Rosacea triggers differ from person to person, so keeping a dietary diary for 2–4 weeks is important to identify your own main triggers. Common things to avoid: ①alcohol (especially red wine) ②hot drinks and soup ③spicy foods ④UV rays (SPF30+ sunscreen essential) ⑤sudden temperature changes (sauna, jjimjilbang). Iced beverages or cooling facial spray can provide immediate relief.
Korean Medicine Perspective
In Korean medicine, alcohol, spicy salty stimulating foods, and rich fatty foods are cautioned as accumulating Heat in the Spleen-Stomach and Liver, amplifying facial heat sensations. At Dongjedang, we advise eating light (少食·淡食) as a principle, and during the treatment period also recommend reducing instant and delivery foods.
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