How to Treat Rosacea At-Home

Estheticians like myself, are bound to come across at least one client who has rosacea, as 1 in every 10 American have rosacea. I have had many clients with this skin condition and have had success with helping them to manage it, using ways that might seem unconventional. I'm here to help explain what rosacea is and how you can manage it with more than just skincare.

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects women of northern or eastern European descent, but can still affect men and any ethnicity. Rosacea is characterized by redness or flushing of the skin, particularly the cheeks as well as visible or dilated blood vessels. There are four subtypes of rosacea…

• Subtype 1 is erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR) which is redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels.

• Subtype 2 is known as papulopustular (acne) rosacea the same but accompanied by small acne-like bumps on the skin.

• Subtype 3 is rhynophyma rosacea which is localized on the nose and causes the skin to thicken on the nose.

• Subtype 4 is ocular rosacea that affects the eyes and causes redness, broken blood vessels and sensitivity of the eye area.

It is not uncommon for someone to have multiple subtypes of rosacea. The cause of rosacea is unknown but believed to be related to genetics and environmental factors. It has been said that excess amounts of Demodex mites on the skin cause rosacea, but it seems as though this may be a side effect rather than a cause. Rosacea can be treated and managed but never fully cured. If you feel as though you have this condition, the dermatologist should be your first stop to get a proper diagnosis. People who have rosacea experience several of the same triggers, including diet, stress, weather, and more.

Nutrition & Rosacea

When it comes to nutrition and rosacea, flare-ups are often caused by…

• Spicy foods

• Caffeine

• Sugar

• Alcohol

• Hot beverages

• Dairy

• Foods containing cinnamaldehyde: cinnamon, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and chocolate,

Since dietary triggers can always vary from person to person, it is helpful to keep a journal of your diet to identify what causes a flare-up for you.

Gut health is extremely important to treat rosacea. Any time I have a rosacea-prone client, I recommend they take a high-quality daily probiotic supplement. High quality refers to a probiotic of at least 40 parts per billion, so it is strong enough and at least 8 different bacterial strains, ensuring it is diverse enough. Also, make sure it is dairy and soy-free. It is best to take a probiotic on an empty stomach 30 minutes before eating. Some vitamin deficiencies can also trigger rosacea so it is not a bad idea to get your levels tested next time you are at the doctor’s office.

Weather & Rosacea

Extreme temperatures trigger rosacea flare-ups. Heat and sun exposure cause inflammation and make rosacea worse, wind and cold aggravate the skin and cause flare-ups as well. This means it is very important to avoid the elements as much as possible by wearing a mineral SPF, hats in the sun, and protecting your face from the wind and cold during the winter. You must also think of other times that temperature can affect your skin. Working out raises your body temperature and causes the blood vessels to dilate this is something to be mindful of when choosing the type of exercise and where you do it. Unfortunately, hot yoga should be avoided for obvious reasons.

Stress & Rosacea

Stress has a huge impact on our wellness overall as well as our skin health and appearance. Stress increases inflammation in our body and since rosacea is an inflammatory condition, stress can trigger a flare-up. It can be difficult to manage stress within our busy lives but is important that we practice self-care whenever possible. This means taking time for ourselves to sleep, relax, unwind, and have fun. It is not uncommon for rosacea sufferers to experience a flare-up during a traumatic event or high-stress period of their lives. Working with a dermatologist or a licensed esthetician can provide valuable support and information for those struggling with rosacea.