Rosacea is a common skin condition affecting between 0.50% to 10% of the population. Most people develop this condition when they’re teenagers, but it can worsen in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. However, you can reduce rosacea naturally by changing your lifestyle.
Chapter Overview
Easy Ways to Reduce Rosacea and Flare-Ups
Rosacea is a type of skin irritation that’s usually triggered by an underlying medical condition, diet, or genetics. Here are a few ways you can take control of your rosacea right away.
1. Using Azelaic Acid Products
Azelaic acid is a compound that naturally occurs in grains like rye, wheat, and barley. This ingredient can be used as an effective treatment for skin conditions like acne and rosacea, but azelaic acid’s skin benefits don’t stop there. You can also use azelaic acid to lighten your skin.
If you’re going to use skincare products for your rosacea, make sure you use a moisturizer filled with natural ingredients that provide enough moisture. Find non-chemical, antibacterial products like coconut oil, jojoba oil, and aloe vera to prevent breakouts and further irritation.
2. Identify Trigger Foods
A lot of rosacea sufferers consider rosacea as a skin problem, but it should actually be thought of as a whole-body issue. Many studies have found that rosacea is an autoimmune disorder affecting the gut, so eating anti-inflammatory foods will positively impact your skin.
Organic foods and vegetables, legumes, healthy fats (nuts, avocados), and certain herbs can reduce rosacea symptoms. However, you should stay away from foods you’re allergic to, dairy, sugar, processed foods, alcohol, caffeine, fried foods, trans fat, and hydrogenated oils.
3. Wear Sunscreen Daily
UV light seems to aggravate rosacea symptoms and can cause inflammation. If you plan to go outside, even in the winter, you should wear sunscreen meant for sensitive skin. A daily skincare regimen can offer significant advantages for rosacea sufferers and reduce flare-ups.
While it’s true the sun is essential for vitamin D production; you can receive the same benefits with a supplement. In fact, a 2019 meta-analysis found that supplements were as effective in the long term and more effective in the short term than sun exposure for vitamin D absorption.
4. Manage Stress Levels
Stress impacts most conditions negatively. Depending on the severity of your rosacea symptoms, your complexion may even add more stress to your life. Unfortunately, stressing over the condition doesn’t make it better and often triggers more flare-ups and breakouts.
Rosacea isn’t easy to ignore; we understand that, but we also don’t want you to feel guilt because of your flare-ups. Stress-reducing techniques like journaling, yoga, meditation, and exercise can help you feel better about your condition and improve your confidence.
5. Try Supplements and Oils
Besides taking a regular vitamin supplement, you should also consider natural remedies. For example, witch hazel and turmeric are accessible topicals and spices that quickly do away with inflammation. Ginger, tea tree, and rose water are also used to treat blushing or dry skin.
Even something as simple as a coconut or soy milk bath can soothe your skin. You can find several soaps and bath bombs that promote healthy, hydrating skin at most drug stores. Keep in mind that natural remedies shouldn’t replace medication suggested by your doctor.
6. Talk to Your Doctor
If you have severe rosacea or the other remedies in this article haven’t improved your condition, speak to a doctor. Many people turn to rosacea treatments that include prescription lotions, creams, and gels, so you won’t have to take oral medication if you don’t want to.
Your doctor will likely refer you to a dermatologist, but they may help you with your diet or check for other conditions that may affect your rosacea. For example, some doctors will prescribe a cathelicidin blocker or metronidazole antibiotics to prevent or reduce inflammation.