Home Remedies and Herbs for Rosacea

Rosacea is a skin condition characterized by unusual reddening of the face, ears, chest, and back. Rosacea patients blush more than other people and may experience a constant redness to their skin. Rosacea can also result in visible blood vessels, swelling, thick skin, acne-like skin sores, and red, irritated eyes.^1,2 Rosacea typically only affects the face. Rosacea is not considered dangerous, but it can impact eyesight and self-esteem.^3,4

What Causes Rosacea?

The reddening and swelling associated with rosacea are caused by the swelling of blood vessels under the skin. It’s not clear what causes rosacea, but fair-skinned women ages 30 to 50 are at higher risk.² Rosacea causes may also include genetic factors.³

Rosacea Symptoms

There are four sub-types of rosacea, each with their own set of symptoms. These rosacea symptoms include:

Type 1: Facial flushing and visible blood vessels:

• Swollen skin
• Sensitive skin
• Dry or rough skin
• Redness on the face
• Visible blood vessels
• Tendency to blush more than other people

Type 2: Skin sores

• Acne-like breakouts
• Sensitive skin
• Oily skin
• Raised patches of skin
• Visible blood vessels

Type 3: Thick, bumpy skin (rare)

• Thick skin, usually in the nose
• Bumpy texture to the skin
• Large pores
• Oily skin
• Visible blood vessels

Type 4: Rosacea in the eyes

• Bloodshot eyes
• Watery eyes
• Eye discomfort, including itching, stinging, and dryness
• Eyelid cysts
• Sensitivity to light
• Visible blood vessels on eyelid
• Blurred vision

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Rosacea

There is no cure for rosacea, but there are a number of treatment options.² One of the most effective ways to treat rosacea is to learn what triggers your flare-ups and avoid these triggers.⁵ Triggers may include extreme temperatures, sun or wind exposure, spicy foods, alcohol, and cosmetics.⁶ If flare-ups do occur, rosacea herbal remedies may be able to help. Talk to your doctor about taking these rosacea home remedies:

• Tea Tree Oil - Tea tree oil can be used to treat a number of skin conditions, from acne to rosacea. Test a small amount on your skin first, preferably diluted, to see how you react.
• Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar acts as a rosacea natural remedy thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Apply daily with a cotton swab to reduce rosacea symptoms.
• Coconut Oil and Lavender Oil - Mixing coconut oil and lavender oil is an effective rosacea home remedy. Apply the mixture to your face, leave for a few minutes, and then rinse off.

References

1. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/rosacea
2. http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/rosacea
3. https://medlineplus.gov/rosacea.html
4. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/rosacea#symptoms
5. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/rosacea/how-to-treat-the-redness
6. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rosacea/symptoms-causes/dxc-20235172