Natural remedies for rosacea will address both the inflammation and the mite that play roles in the condition.
As a sensitive skin ailment, preventative measures include avoiding irritants including synthetic fragrance and using simple, multi-use products in the beauty regime. There are pre-made natural products for rosacea and many DIY techniques as well (see below). Soap can also aggravate rosacea and non-soap cleansers will be more soothing.
All of the ingredients can be found here.
Symptoms
Burning, stinging, itching and irritation can all be associated with rosacea. Often accompanied by inflammation and chronic rash on the face, rosacea can resemble acne but is not related. Blushing, flushing, and vascular dilation are often present. It may be aggravated by certain creams, oils, the sun and spicy foods.
Suspected Causes
People with rosacea are more likely to have large populations of Demodex mites on their skin. It is thought that with changes to the skin like aging and triggers from emotional stress and excess sun, the mites are able to get a foothold and rapidly reproduce on the skin. This invokes an inflammatory defense response; the chemical cathelicidin plays a role in the condition and is the skin’s defense against microbes. Other theories are that the mites create a physical blockage of the pores and/or carry other bacteria within them that contribute to inflammatory response.
It is considered a hot disease energetically so a main part of the herbal strategy is to cool. In coming up with a natural program for rosacea, the inflammation, heat and the mite are all addressed.
In Chinese medicine, three patterns are associated with rosacea, depending upon the severity.
- First Pattern and most common: Accumulation of Heat in the Lungs and Stomach
- Second progressed pattern: Heat in the Blood
- Finally, the third pattern: Blood Stasis, similar to cystic acne
Goals & Strategies of Natural Remedies for Rosacea
Goals and strategies for minimizing the symptoms of rosacea include the following:
- Reducing redness and inflammation
- Preventing papules and pustules
- Antibacterial and insecticidal action to prevent future symptoms
- Exfoliation to remove excess dead skin cells and build up from Demodex mites.
Gently Cleansing and Exfoliating
Honey and oats are both natural remedies for rosacea. They will help to keep the skin clean while causing no irritation- very important in rosacea.
Cleanse with honey and oats twice a day. Honey is a topical antiseptic, slightly exfoliating and softening to the skin. It is suitable for the most sensitive skin types. Oats are physically exfoliating, very soothing, calming and moisturizing.
Cooling Toner Calms the Redness and Rash
Keep a cooling, anti-inflammatory spritzer on hand when out in the heat. This can be helpful to reduce redness and flair ups associated with heat triggers.
This recipe has oregano essential oil which has a potent antibiotic and anti-parasitic effect. This recipe doubles as an astringent to use after cleansing as well. Apple cider vinegar toner restores the skin’s natural acid mantle. The acid mantle helps keep the skin’s flora in balance. Aloe vera gel has toning and cooling effects, with wound healing and antibacterial properties.
Ingredients:
Aloe vera gel 1 ounce
Apple Cider Vinegar ½ ounce
Oregano essential oil 8 drops
Tea tree oil 5 drops
Lavender essential oil 5 drops
Directions:
Mix the aloe gel and apple cider vinegar. Add in the essential oils, cap and shake. Always shake before use and be sure to avoid the eyes and the eye area. This can be put in a spray bottle and sprayed directly to the face.
Here is where I like to buy these ingredients to create natural remedies for rosacea.
Moisturizing the Skin
Moisturize with neem oil, coconut oil and/or pomegranate oil.
You can mix all three of these together for synergistic effect and add essential oils to increase the strength. Essential oils like oregano, tea tree, geranium, chamomile and rosemary will be particularly helpful.
Other Natural Remedies for Rosacea
The following all have anti-inflammatory substances and so can help to calm the skin and reduce the redness.
- Comfrey leaf and root can be made into an oil or salve.
- Green tea: use a tea bag to wipe over the face periodically throughout the day.
- Jojoba oil can be used as a light moisturizer.
- Cool compresses can help to bring down inflammation in a situation where you’d like results right away.
Many of these ingredients and more can be found at Mountain Rose Herbs.
References:
The Potential Role of Demodex folliculorum mites and bacteria in the induction of rosacea. Jarmuda, et al. Journal of Medical Microbiology, 2012. Accessed on October 15, 2012.
Zi Zai Dermatology Blog. How to treat rosacea with Chinese Herbs and Acupuncture.