It's that time of year that rosacea sufferers dread, a time when the central heating kicks in and the weather becomes colder and windier, key triggers that can set off a perfect storm of redness, irritation and flare ups caused by going between hot and cold temperatures.

And that's not the only issue for rosacea suffers—our lifestyle can also play a part, with triggers seemingly everywhere. Treating yourself is a great step toward treating your rosacea. However, while spas, salons and cosmetics counters provide the pampering and products to improve your appearance and mood, they come with caveats.

So how can you get on top of things? The National Rosacea Society is on your side, with some useful tips and suggestions on how to avoid potential hazards found in certain beauty regimens and environments.

In the spa

Spas are supposed to be soothing and tranquil places. Yet, as a rosacea patient, the idea of entering a space offering hot and cold treatments, facials, steam baths and other potential triggers may stress you out. Call ahead to find out if there’s a licensed aesthetician on staff who knows how to handle rosacea-prone skin. Ask what products they use and research their ingredients. If they contain things that provoke flare-ups for you, ask about substitutes. Of course, some spa offerings like massages, cool drinks and meditation, are both relaxing and risk-free.

Your make-up bag

Cosmetics enhance your best features, making you feel more attractive and confident. On the other hand, if they contain irritating ingredients, they may induce flare-ups. Before purchasing a new blusher, eye shadow or lipstick, do a little experiment. Ask for a sample and try it out on your wrist, neck or forearm and note any negative reactions. Combination products, such as tinted moisturiser or cosmetics containing sunscreen, can reduce the number of products you use, simplifying your routine and reducing the potential for triggers. Stick to a skincare routine that works for you and try not to deviate from it.

Water rules

Staying hydrated and watching your interactions with water go a long way towards feeling good about your body. There’s simply no drawback to drinking more water—it keeps skin cells happy and healthy, fends off fine lines and wrinkles, and flushes out toxins. Looking from the outside in, take lukewarm or warm rather than hot, steamy showers and baths, as hot water can cause a flare-up for many people. Conversely, many rosacea patients report that a cool to cold shower provides a bracing and cleansing follow-up to a sweaty workout, without triggering an attack.

Rosacea requires caution when choosing beauty products and planning a little “me time” at the spa, but it doesn’t mean skipping them. Keep these suggestions in mind while booking your next appointment or updating your look.