The Effects of Stimulants on Rosacea
The successful treatment of rosacea requires an understanding of vascular dilation and the causes of vascular dilation. Put simply, vascular dilation is an increased blood flow through the skin. Any event that causes an increased blood flow to the skin can result in rosacea flushing and facial redness. In the treatment of rosacea, the key is vascular constriction rather than dilation.
Stimulants such as coffee, tea, cigarettes, and excessive sugar from sweets and soda are vascular dilators and should be avoided. Sodas (soft drinks, pop) containing aspartame and or NutraSweet cause excessive redness in approximately 30% of rosacea sufferers and should be avoided. Aspartame and NutraSweet can also cause increased sun-sensitivity.
Anything that affects the entire body, brain, and nervous system to awaken it in the morning or stimulate it during the day can easily stimulate the sebaceous glands to secrete more oil that has to leave the body via the pores. Also, stimulants create stress.
Pregnant women must be extremely cautious about any use of medication.