Rosacea is a fairly common skin issue that can affect up to 10 percent of the worldwide population. Most of the time, it develops during the teen years or early twenties, and persists and develops even further in your thirties of forties. Rosacea is quite hard to treat, however, there are some natural remedies that might keep the flare ups under control and keep them from reappearing. If you want to know more about this, keep on reading.
Identify the Triggers
Rosacea can make your skin more sensitive, so identifying the triggers that cause it can help a lot with the condition. You need to look at rosacea as more than skin deep and make some life changes. There have been several studies conducted that have shown that the skin disorders such as rosacea and gastrointestinal tract disorders are connected. The inflammation can make rosacea flare up more often and make it worse, so treating the underlying problem may just solve the skin issue.
The first thing you should think of is to change your diet and include some anti-inflammatory foods in your daily life. Try to incorporate some of these in your diet and see how your body reacts to them.
Organic fruit and vegetables contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties and are probably the best thing you can eat. Cutting down on the meat and processed food will bring on many benefits to your overall health, and help tone down the rosacea flare-ups. Leafy greens and yellow and orange veggies will provide the much-needed carotenoids that can fight the sun damage to your skin. Also, if they are organic, you are avoiding the potential harm from chemicals that can trigger your inflammation.
Healthy fats, such as coconut oil and avocados, olive oil, seeds such as flaxseeds and chia seeds, and, of course, nuts can tame the inflammation within the gut and help with your skin condition. They will also help keep you full for longer and stop the cravings for unhealthy, processed food.
Clean protein such as salmon, free-range eggs, legumes, and grass-fed animal products are good choices when it comes to protein. Steer clear from processed and packaged meats, eggs that come from caged chickens, and fish that is not wild-caught.
Herbs and anti-inflammatory foods such as ginger, garlic, turmeric, organic onions, cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, collard greens, and broccoli, carrots, organic tomatoes, and green tea will bring on so many benefits to your overall health and soothe the skin inflammation and gut problems at once.
What Foods to Avoid?
Anything you are allergic to. A no-brainer, but still has to be mentioned. You are probably aware of your most common allergens, however, there are a lot of people who simply do not realize they are allergic to an ingredient they use daily. Check for allergies to gluten, shellfish and seafood, nuts, dairy, eggs, eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, stone fruits, citrus, and others can cause inflammation within your gut which will result in the furthering of your skin condition.
Caffeine and alcohol. Caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks, as well as alcohol can worsen the symptoms of rosacea. Try to cut down on these as much as you can, and opt for decaf coffee and tea and virgin cocktails.
Sugar. High processed foods and sugar are known triggers for various types of inflammation as they can irritate the lining of the gut. Also, avoid artificial sweeteners and preservatives, steer clear from texture stabilizers and refined ingredients.
Dairy. Studies have shown that the elimination of mass produces dairy products immensely helps with the decrease of skin issues. Do not buy your cheese, milk, yogurt, or ice cream in the supermarket, but opt for going directly to the farmer if possible, or choose organic products you can find.
Refined vegetable oils such as sunflower oil, canola oil, corn, soybean, and safflower oils are high in omega-6s and can cause inflammation. Avoid fried foods and opt for baking instead.
Remedies that you can try
Sunscreen
If you have rosacea, you have to be extra careful when it comes to harmful sun rays. Always use sunscreen, even in autumn and winter, especially on your face. Make sure to get a high-quality sunscreen, as some of the commercially produced creams can actually cause more harm than good to your skin. Read labels carefully and avoid the products that contain the following: octyl salicylate, para amino benzoic acid, oxybenzone, cinoxate, dioxybenzone, phenyl benzimidazoles, homosalate, menthyl anthranilate, octocrylene, methoxycinnamate, and parabens.
Use Natural Cosmetics
Using a natural moisturizer and cleanser can help with your rosacea and will not irritate your skin even further. The simplest moisturizer such as coconut oil, if used in moderation can soothe the irritation and provide the essential acids that your skin needs. Aloe gel is also a good option for this condition.
Chamomile Compress
Using a chamomile compress can help reduce the redness caused by rosacea. Since chamomile is a natural antihistamine and has anti-inflammatory properties, you can safely use it on your skin, provided you are not allergic to it. If you have time, you can make a compress using the dried herb, however, if you cannot be bothered with this you can use an essential oil as well.
Simply infuse the dried herbs in hot water and bring the mixture to a boil. Let this simmer for about fifteen minutes and let it cool before you use it. If you are using an essential oil, add six to ten drops of oil into the bowl and add water and mix. Then, soak your cloth into the mixture and apply to your face. Let the compress sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
Cucumber Mask
You can blend a fresh cucumber to make a face mask for your rosacea flare-ups. Take a medium sized cucumber and blend it in a blender until you form a paste. Smooth the mask on your face and let it sit for about 30 minutes. After that, rinse with cool water and, optionally, apply aloe vera gel. You should see results in about a month if you use this mask daily.
Apple Mask
For this mask, you will need a half of an apple, one tablespoon of warm milk, one egg yolk, and one tablespoon of oatmeal. Combine all the ingredients in a blender to form a paste. Spread the mask on your face and leave it on for about 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and pat your face dry with a soft towel. You can repeat this daily for best results.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is one of the best things you can use for rosacea as it has anti-inflammatory properties and also acts as a moisturizer and a cleanser. Simply cook the oatmeal and let it cool down before you apply it to your face. Combine the oatmeal mask with a natural astringent such as green tea or apple cider vinegar and honey. You can also combine with yogurt and coconut oil. Let the mask sit for about 20 minutes and rinse off with cool water.
Green Tea
You can rub green tea over your face to soothe the flare-ups and reduce the redness. Green tea if famous for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic properties, and reduces the effects of rosacea quite successfully. You can use it the same way you would chamomile, or you can just boil some tea bags and apply them to your face.
Internal Treatment
Since all the skin conditions stem from within, the same can be applied to rosacea. Taking care of your body from the inside will result in a glowing complexion and rosacea free skin.
Flaxseed oil is packed with essential fatty acids which are great for the reduction of the inflammation. You should take one teaspoon of flaxseed oil thrice a day for best results. Cat’s Claw is also an amazing choice, however, be wary of it if you are pregnant, nursing, or if you are taking blood thinners or if you are an organ donor. Take 500mg of cat’s claw three times a day.
Zinc should be taken twice a day with meals (25 milligrams each time), and Gotu kola (a plant that belongs in the parsley family) can also be ingested three times a day, 100 mg each time. Grapeseed extract, red clover, and licorice are all amazing for rosacea, and you should consider including them in your diet.
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