This weekend is the Austin Food & Wine Festival, which we can all joyfully celebrate. The chance to wine and dine on the best offerings that culinary Austin has to offer is one to not miss! Hopefully some of you get a chance to get out there and enjoy the delicious dishes and have a great time!
That being said, it is important to remember how food and wine can cause reactions within our body and skin. This can be disconcerting, especially when you are not aware of what is causing the reaction to take place. Because we know that you will be indulging in phenomenal Texas wine, keep in mind that red wine is commonly linked with causing one’s rosacea to flare up.
It is known that a glass of good wine will cause you to feel more relaxed and calm, but as this happens your blood vessels are also widening. “It’s the dilated blood vessels that contribute to a reddy or flushed appearance in the skin,” notes Dr. Adam Mamelak, a board certified Dermatologist in Austin, TX. “It’s often what causes my patients to call the office concerned about a rosacea flare up.” Red wine is notorious for causing rosacea flares, so patients should keep track of the amount of wine they consume to make sure it’s not exacerbating their skin condition.
Along with red wine are a variety of foods that can cause rosacea to flare. According to the National Rosacea Society, these foods can include many dairy products like Yogurt, Sour cream, and Cheese. Vegetables like eggplant, avocados, spinach, and select beans. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, and spicy foods can also be triggers, as well.
This makes meal planning a bit challenging for those trying to manage their skin condition. However, focusing on fresh, whole foods and preparing meals that are both gentle on the skin and satisfying can make a big difference. Avoiding common triggers doesn’t have to mean giving up delicious meals altogether — thoughtful ingredient swaps and creative cooking methods can deliver both flavor and comfort.
Embracing Simple Indian Recipes can be a fantastic way to enjoy vibrant flavors without relying on heavily spiced or trigger-laden ingredients. Dishes like mild dal with turmeric and cumin, or a fragrant jeera rice with roasted vegetables, offer rich flavor profiles without excessive heat or acidic ingredients. Swapping tomatoes for roasted red bell peppers in curries can provide a similar depth without the risk of irritation. Similarly, creamy coconut milk can replace yogurt in sauces, adding richness without compromising taste.
By focusing on gentle herbs, subtle spices, and soothing textures, you can create meals that nourish both body and skin while still being easy to prepare. Balancing flavor with comfort is key, and these thoughtful adjustments ensure that your meals remain both enjoyable and rosacea-friendly.
Wine and food are not the only well-known causes for rosacea flare-ups. As with many other skin issues, sun exposure can be named as a top contributor. “wearing sunscreen everyday is one of the main recommendation I have for my rosacea patients,” says Dr. Miriam Hanson, dermatologist and skin care expert at Sanova Dermatology.
Other likely contributors to the flare can include emotional stress, warm weather, heavy exercise, and wind. These all sound too common to be able to avoid, but knowing what can can trigger your rosacea can set your mind at ease and help you develop a strategy for managing your skin condition. This can also lead you to further pursue options on how to treat your rosacea and avoid the stress altogether.
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