Managing Rosacea Naturally
If you have redness growing across your face, especially during times of stress or after being out in the sun, you might be suffering from rosacea.
Often referred to as “adult acne”, rosacea is a chronic skin condition caused by inflammation, but can be triggered by many lifestyle and environmental factors.
You might have redness on your face from broken blood vessels that can look like a light blush to extreme flushing. Many people also get acne and breakouts, along with burning or irritation of the skin.
Rosacea has no cure, but that doesn't mean there's nothing you can do about it. There are many treatment options that can stop rosacea flare-ups and reverse its symptoms. Along with modern medicine, you can use a range of safe and natural remedies to treat your rosacea symptoms without the risk of prescription drugs.
1. Who Gets Rosacea?
Unfortunately, no one really knows what causes rosacea yet, but we do not there are many risk factors for this condition. There are probably many causes of rosacea, depending on the person, that may include heredity, smoking, sun exposure, diet, and hormones.
Rosacea is a common skin condition that affects around 10% of adults. For most people, rosacea begins in the 30s to 50s with men and women both affected. Only 17% of people develop rosacea under the age of 30, according to the National Rosacea Society. Women are diagnosed with rosacea more often, but men usually experience more serious symptoms.
History of Rosacea
In the past, rosacea was called the "curse of the Celts" as its most common in people of Scottish, Irish, and northern European heritage with fair skin. If you have English, Irish, Scottish, or Scandinavian ancestry, it may be one reason why you have developed rosacea. The condition is also most common among people with fair skin, although anyone can get it.
Despite the popular but outdated misconception, rosacea is not caused by alcohol, although excessive drinking can worsen symptoms.
2. What Does It Look Like?
For most people, rosacea starts with a tendency to flush or blush easily. Over time, this facial redness spreads past the cheeks and nose to the chin and forehead. While this is the classic presentation of rosacea, it's important to understand that this condition can vary a great deal by person. Some people only experience a few mild symptoms while others have all signs of rosacea that may be very severe.
Common Signs of Rosacea Include:
Flushing. The first sign of rosacea is usually easy flushing or blushing. This redness of the face will come and go and may be triggered by certain foods, drinks, or hormones.
Persistent redness of the face. Most people with rosacea have almost constant redness that looks like a blush or sunburn.
Pimples or bumps on the face. Acne type rosacea causes small solid bumps or pimples. These bumps look like acne but there are no blackheads and the skin may sting or burn.
Visible blood vessels on the face. You may notice visible blood vessels on your face, especially around the nose and cheeks.
Irritated eyes. Many rosacea patients also experience symptoms of the eyes, such as a bloodshot appearance or watery eyes.
Dry skin. For some people, the center of the face becomes rough and looks dry.
Burning or itching sensation. Some people report a stinging, burning, tight, or itchy feeling on the face.
Redness and rash away from the face. Some people experience rosacea symptoms away from their face, such as redness of the skin or a rash on the chest, neck, or ears.
If it isn't treated, rosacea can become more serious. Over time, some people experienced plaques, or raised red areas of skin. Another rare symptom is thickening and enlargement of the nose. This symptom usually occurs in men.
The symptoms you experience can depend on your gender, age, genetics, and the subtype of rosacea you have. There are four subtypes of rosacea:
Subtype 1, which causes constant redness and flushing.
Subtype 2, or acne type rosacea, which causes pimples and bumps.
Subtype 3, which causes thickening of the skin.
Subtype 4, which affects the eyes and may cause vision loss if it isn't treated.
3. What Are the Triggers?
Most people with rosacea notice over time that certain activities or foods can trigger a flare-up. Managing your rosacea naturally means learning to recognize and avoid these triggers. Some triggers are more obvious than others; you may need to experiment with your diet to find out what's worsening your skin.
For many rosacea sufferers, food and drinks can trigger a flare-up. Common triggers include hot foods, hot drinks, spicy food, and alcohol, but you may also find that dairy products or certain fruits are a problem.
Many also find that some weather conditions act as a trigger. For many, hot or humid weather triggers rosacea symptoms. Less often, cold weather can be a trigger. Sunlight is one of the most common triggers, affecting more than 80% of people.
Other Common Triggers May Include:
Stress and anxiety
Embarrassment, strong laughter, and other strong emotions
Menopause
Caffeine withdrawal
Certain skin care products
Topical steroids
Physical activity. While exercise can worsen rosacea, you will still need to stay active. You may find some relief by switching up your workout routine or turning to low-intensity workouts.
Keep a food and activity journal with notes about your symptoms to help you isolate your triggers.
4. How Can You Lessen it?
While prescription medications may help control symptoms, there are also many safe and natural remedies to improve rosacea and soothe inflammation. Here are some of the most effective all-natural ways to stop and treat rosacea flare-ups.
Stress Management Techniques
Many people with rosacea, especially those who get flushing, achieve relief from their symptoms through stress management and relaxation strategies. Yoga, meditation, and regular exercise can help prevent rosacea flare-ups.
Avoid Foods that Cause a Flush
"High color" type rosacea is the most common form of the condition and it causes redness of the face with visible blood vessels. If you get flushing and find yourself sensitive to heat, avoiding foods that make you flush can significantly improve your symptoms. Common examples of things to avoid include spicy food, alcohol, very hot meals, and hot beverages like tea.
Sulfur Creams
Today, antibiotics are commonly used to treat the acne type of rosacea that causes pimples and inflammation. Of course, there are serious concerns with using antibiotics and they aren't a long-term solution. Before antibiotics were available, people with rosacea were prescribed creams containing sulfur, a smelly but very effective solution.
Sulfur can treat a number of common skin problems like rosacea because it's a keratolytic, which exfoliates the skin and helps unclog pores. Sulfur is also a natural antibacterial and anti-parasitic. This common ingredient can kill acne-causing bacteria and Demodex mites, which have been suspected as a cause of acne rosacea.
Choose a hypoallergenic sulfur cream free of fragrances and use daily, allowing the cream to sit on your face for about five minutes before washing it off.
Colloidal Oatmeal Mask
Colloidal oatmeal, or ground oats, is an excellent remedy for a variety of skin problems as it helps soothe inflamed skin. When combined, honey and oatmeal both soothe and moisturize your skin. It's important to keep your skin hydrated and maintain your natural moisture barrier to avoid a flare-up of symptoms. According to one study, the lipids found in colloidal oatmeal helps keep the lipids in your skin from oxidizing.
You can make a colloidal oatmeal mask for your face by mixing one tablespoon colloidal oatmeal with equal parts Greek yogurt and honey. Apply the mask to your skin and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
Green Tea Cream or Soak
Green tea has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe your skin by reducing inflammation and redness. According to one study, 70% of women who used a cream made with a green tea extract experienced improvement in their inflammation.
There are a few ways to use green tea to treat your rosacea naturally. One option is using an all-natural cream made from green tea extract. You can also make a cup of green tea and allow it to chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Soak a soft cloth in the tea and apply to your face. Green tea masks may also help. Mix prepared green tea with a bit of honey and apply to your face. Allow to dry before washing away with lukewarm water.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a natural remedy that many rosacea sufferers swear by. You can drink a bit of ACV every day or use it directly on your skin. Apple cider vinegar is a natural and gentle treatment that helps your skin maintain its normal pH. It also helps kill yeast and bacteria on the skin that may contribute to acne type rosacea.
There are a few ways to use ACV to manage your rosacea:
Soak a cotton ball in ACV and apply to your face.
Mix 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water or juice and drink daily.
Combine ACV with aloe vera gel and/or essential oil like tea tree for a natural toner. Apply to affected areas, allow to sit on your face for about 5 minutes, then wash off with warm water and a wash cloth.
Use in a facial mask. Mix about 3 teaspoons each of colloidal oatmeal and Greek yogurt plus 1 teaspoon honey and 2 teaspoons ACV. Apply the mask to your face and allow it to sit for 15 minutes before washing off.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is a gel-like substance from an aloe plant that has been used for generations to treat burns, inflammation, frostbite, and more. It's also a natural antibacterial that can kill the bacteria responsible for pimples while easing redness. Aloe vera can be taken orally, but it works best for rosacea when applied directly to the skin.
After gently washing your face in the morning, apply aloe vera gel directly to the affected areas and allow it to dry on your skin. When you apply aloe vera, you will probably notice a soothing sensation right away that can treat itchiness and stinging.
Gentle Skin Care Routine
When you have rosacea, it's important to stick with a gentle skin care regimen that won't damage or irritate your skin. Clean your face every morning with a mild, non-exfoliant cleaner then rinse with lukewarm, not hot, water. Blot your face dry with a towel without scrubbing. Use a facial sunscreen every day because sun exposure is a common trigger.
Rosacea may sometimes interfere with your life, but it is possible to manage rosacea and control most of your symptoms. Learn your triggers and try several natural remedies that can soothe your skin to reduce flare-ups and increase your confidence.
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