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Rosacea is a skin condition that causes redness in the face along with dry, rough itchy or scaling skin. What causes rosacea is not entirely understood, but certain risk factors are believed to contribute to the condition. While doctors may prescribe creams, lotions or pills for rosacea treatment, many are able to control their symptoms through a healthy diet and lifestyle. (1)

Rosacea Causes and Risk Factors

  • Problems with blood vessels in the skin
  • Sun damage/UV radiation
  • Inflammation
  • Demodex, a microscopic mite that is a normal inhabitant of human facial skin
  • Reactions and side effects to certain medications
  • Genetics
  • Having light, sensitive skin and eyes

Rosacea Symptoms

  • Redness in the face, especially toward the center in the cheeks and nose
  • Spider veins
  • Swelling and painful skin
  • Sensitive skin
  • Stinging and burning in the skin
  • Easily blushing when embarrassed
  • Acne-like breakouts and overly oily skin
  • Large, visible and inflamed pores
  • Raised patches of skin called plaques
  • Bumpy texture to the skin
  • Parts of the skin that thicken
  • Sensitivity of the skin around the eyes

rosacea treatment symptoms

Types of Rosacea

  1. Subtype 1 (erythematotelangiectatic rosacea): Characterized by facial redness, flushing and visible blood vessels
  2. Subtype 2 (papulopustular rosacea): Characterized by acne-like breakouts and sensitivity, persistent redness, bumpa and pimples
  3. Subtype 3 (phymatous rosacea): Characterized by swelling, fluid retention, thickening skin, redness and various symptoms from other subtypes
  4. Subtype 4 (ocular rosacea): Characterized by rosacea around the eyes (2)

Roacea Treatment

1. Identify Diet Triggers

Skin inflammation can be a sign of a food allergy or sensitivity. Natural treatments for rosacea includes an anti-inflammatory diet free of potential allergens.

Foods that act as home remedies for rosacea include:

  • Organic fruits and vegetables: Organic produce contains antioxidants, vitamin and minerals that help protect the skin. Leafy greens along with orange and yellow fruits and vegetables are especially helpful for fighting skin damage.
  • Healthy fats: Olive oil, coconut oil, nuts, seeds and avocado can help fight inflammation and manage stress levels.
  • Anti-inflammatory foods and herbs: Herbs and foods for rosacea treatment include turmeric, ginger, garlic, onions, tomatoes, cruciferous vegetables and green tea. (3)

The worst foods for rosacea include:

  • Potential allergens: Common allergens include dairy, gluten, shellfish, seafood, nuts and eggs.
  • Caffeine and alcohol: Alcohol and caffeine can increase facial redness and flushing.
  • Sugar and processed foods: Sugar causes inflammation and can easily aggravate skin disorders. Avoid processed and packaged foods along with artificial sweeteners and ingredients.
  • Fried foods: Refined vegetable oils including corn, soybean, sunflower, safflower and canola oils are high in omega-6 fats. Avoid fried foods, trans fats and hydrogenated oils to help reduce inflammation.

rosacea treatment foods avoid

2. Wear Sunscreen

Rosacea treatment includes using a natural sunscreen when spending time outdoors. UV light can worsen rosacea symptoms and cause inflammation, especially in those with sensitive skin. Keep your face protected in the sun by wearing a non-toxic sunscreen along with a hat and sunglasses. (4)

3. Use Natural Moisturizers and Cosmetic Products

Home remedies for rosacea include a non-chemical, natural antibiotic skin moisturizer like coconut oil. Plants that are rich in natural oils, such as aloe vera can be used as a natural treatment for rosacea. Toxic chemicals in non-natural moisturizers and cosmetic products can irritate rosacea and worsen symptoms. (5)

rosacea treatment aloe

4. Manage Stress Levels

Home remedies for rosacea include managing stress levels. While the skin condition causes physical symptoms, it can also cause stress and anxiety. Stress can worsen acne breakouts and trigger rosacea symptoms. Controlling stress levels can help reduce inflammation. To help reduce anxiety, implement a stress-reliving rosacea treatment plan. (6)

5. Try Essential Oils and Supplements

Natural treatments for rosacea include certain supplements and essential oils. Many spices, herbs and natural plant extracts are able to reduce redness and inflammation while promoting skin health. Supplements for rosacea treatment include turmeric, ginger, aloe vera gel and raw honey. Essential oils for rosacea treatment include tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus, geranium, chamomile, rose, rosemary and thyme. Mix 3 drops of an essential oil with 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil and rub the mixture onto the affected area no more than twice a day. (7)