Healing Rosacea Naturally

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that affects up to 10% of the population. It is characterized by a reddish rash on the face and chest, more commonly affecting women. While rosacea generally develops a little bit later in life—in someone’s 30s-40s—rosacea is becoming increasingly prevalent in younger generations, developing as early as the teenage years.[1]

What is Rosacea?

Red skin and broken blood vessels are the tell-tale signs of rosacea. Rosacea generally starts off as a small rash and grows over time. As the blood vessels in the face and neck dilate, they eventually break, causing permanent redness. Besides discoloration, there are several other symptoms associated with this condition, including dryness, itchiness, and sensitive or burning skin. There are four subtypes of rosacea, with varying symptoms:

Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea: Redness, flushing, visible blood vessels.
Papulopustular rosacea: Redness, swelling, and acne-like breakouts.
Phymatous rosacea: Thickened, bumpy skin.
Ocular rosacea: Red, irritated eyes. Swollen eyelids.

Triggers that exacerbate rosacea include caffeine, alcohol, stress, harsh wind and extreme temperatures. [2]

Common Causes

Rosacea has been linked to poor diet, leaky gut, food allergies, stress, inflammation, and hormonal issues.[3, 4] Conventional treatment for rosacea involves medication and antibiotics. This isn’t a great idea, considering rosacea’s connection to diet and gut health. Antibiotics kill off beneficial gut bacteria, creating more problems than they solve. When we have an issue with our skin, we tend to look for topical solutions. However, when addressing any skin condition, rosacea included, it’s important that we also consider our internal health. Since rosacea is linked to diet, inflammation, hormones, and our gut, we’re going to look at how to tackle this condition from the inside out.

Treating Rosacea Naturally

Let’s look back at the definition of rosacea: “Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition.” Inflammation is said to be the root of all modern disease. Luckily, we are all capable of reducing our inflammation by controlling what we put into our bodies. natural remedies for rosacea

An anti-inflammatory diet is key; in fact, this is a good takeaway for anyone—regardless of whether or not they have rosacea. For an in-depth look at diet, check out our best & worst foods article. To summarize:

Avoid sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods.
Eat lots of fresh organic vegetables, healthy fats, grass-fed meats and wild seafood.
Eat probiotic-rich fermented foods (sauerkraut, kombucha, kimchi, etc.), or take a high-quality probiotic. Probiotics populate your gut with healthy bacteria, which improves digestion, reduces inflammation, and helps to achieve glowing skin.

Alitura’s Revitalize is an adaptogenic herbal supplement that contains ingredients that are not only good for your skin, but also help in reducing inflammation and managing stress. Turmeric, ashwagandha, and medicinal mushrooms are just a few of the ingredients that make Revitalize a must-have for anyone who desires clear skin and a calm mind.

Rosacea Skincare Protocol

When choosing topical treatments, it’s crucial to pay attention to the ingredients a product contains! Some products are so chemical-laden that they do more harm than good. On the other hand, organic, natural skincare can calm the skin and reduce inflammation.

Microneedling is a relatively new revelation in the skincare realm, so while its effects on this particular condition are still being researched, anecdotal evidence for rosacea very promising! Dermarollers work by creating micro-wounds, which stimulates collagen production. Proven benefits include: reduced visibility of scarring, wrinkles, stretch marks, large pores, bags & dark undereye circles, and burst blood vessels.
The Alitura Clay Mask detoxifies the skin and reduces redness, making it a powerful treatment for rosacea and acne. You can amplify the benefits by mixing the mask with apple cider vinegar and certain essential oils (tea tree, lavender, geranium, geranium, chamomile…). These ingredients will increase the anti-inflammatory power of this natural facial treatment!
Facial serums can do more than just moisturize your skin if you choose correctly. Alitura’s Night Cream contains raw manuka honey, stem cells, chamomile, medicinal mushrooms, geranium essential oil, and many more ingredients that benefit your skin! This combination of ingredients reduces redness, discoloration, and inflammation—perfect for fighting rosacea!

Takeaway

Although rosacea has historically been considered a chronic condition, new science is showing that the symptoms can be significantly reduced (or even healed!) by taking charge of your health both inside and out. Changing your diet and choosing natural skincare will not only improve your rosacea—it will make you feel better physically, too!