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Using home remedies for rosacea is one way of the safest and most effective ways to reduce the symptoms naturally.
Rosacea symptoms can be painful and embarrassing and can have a major impact on your self-confidence. Worse still, they seem to come up anytime, often at the most inconvenient times.
Rosacea flare-ups are most common just before you’re scheduled to give an important presentation. The last thing you want to see in the mirror is a red, flushed face. But it happens and there is a reason for this. Stress is one of the known causes of rosacea flare-ups.
Fortunately, there are home remedies for rosacea that help to calm the symptoms. But first, what is rosacea?
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a common chronic skin condition. It typically begins with redness and tenderness on the face and may progress to more severe symptoms, such as papules and pustules.
It is characterized by a flushed or red appearance on the face, especially on the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead. The symptoms may also appear on the neck and upper chest region.
The symptoms of rosacea are often mistaken for other skin problems such as acne or eczema, but they are in fact very different. There is no cure for rosacea, but there are treatments that can help manage the condition.
Rosacea Symptoms
The earliest signs that you have rosacea are often flushing or a blushing appearance on the skin.
Soon after that, the skin and blood vessels in the face may become hypersensitive, resulting in blood vessels becoming engorged or swollen at a slight touch. In some cases, the skin may begin to produce small pustules of pus on the surface.
If the condition worsens, it may also lead to the thickening of the skin on the face and nose. This is what is responsible for the bulbous nose which is a characteristic symptom of severe rosacea.
Using home remedies for rosacea early on can help control the symptoms and prevent them from becoming more severe. It’s important that you consult with your dermatologist before using any type of natural or over-the-counter remedy on your skin.
What causes rosacea?
The exact cause of rosacea is unknown. It is thought to be due to an overactive immune system that causes inflammation in the blood vessels in your skin, resulting in the distinctive facial redness and flushing.
Rosacea flare-ups can be caused by different factors including excessive sun exposure, hot weather, stress, strenuous exercise, alcohol, and diet. Genetics may also play a role.
Some mild episodes of rosacea may only need a good cover-up with cosmetics and require no treatment at all. If you do, use natural skin care products so as not to aggravate the condition even more.
For more severe symptoms, using home remedies for rosacea will keep the symptoms under control.
12 natural remedies for rosacea
1. Apply a Cucumber mask
Using a cucumber mask is one of the easiest and most effective home remedies for rosacea.
Cucumbers contain ascorbic acid and caffeic acid, both of which give cucumbers their famed astringent properties. Applying cucumber on the affected areas will help soothe the skin, reduce irritation and swelling, and boost the skin’s collagen production. All of these work together to make cucumber a powerful natural remedy for rosacea.
How to make and use a cucumber mask for rosacea
Simply crush fresh cucumber to a thick pulp in a blender.
Smooth the crushed cucumber over your face, paying special attention to the affected areas.
Leave the mask on for about 30 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.
Use this daily to keep the symptoms under control.
2. Apply Aloe Vera Gel
There are several factors that make Aloe Vera gel one of the best skin care products for rosacea.
The first is its cooling properties. When applied over the affected area, aloe vera gel cools the skin down and reduces the itching.
The second is its anti-inflammatory and healing properties that help calm the inflammation and help to nourish the skin.
Everything you need to know about Aloe Vera Gel for Face
How to use aloe vera for rosacea
Wash your face with a mild cleanser followed by a splash of cool water. Dab a little aloe vera gently over the affected area. Leave it on for about 30 to 40 minutes. Rinse off and moisturize your skin. Do this twice daily to minimize rosacea flare-ups.
3. Consume Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps balance the pH levels in the body, which reduces rosacea symptoms. Bragg is the most popular and best-known brand that makes high-quality apple cider vinegar.
How to use apple cider vinegar for rosacea
Add 1 teaspoon raw apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water and drink. Add a little raw honey to sweeten it if you want. Do this twice a day – first thing in the morning and last thing at night.
Alternately, have a glass once daily before lunch or dinner.
Apple cider vinegar gummies are a great alternative if you absolutely dislike the sour taste of ACV.
4. Use Anti-Inflammatory essential oils
Tea tree, Lavender, and Cypress are the best essential oils for rosacea.
These three essential oils are known for their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. They are often used in skincare products.
Read the full list of essential oils for rosacea and how to use them.
How to use essential oils for rosacea
Essential oils must always be mixed with a carrier oil before topical application. To reduce rosacea symptoms, mix 2 drops of essential oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil. Put a few drops onto a cotton ball and dab it onto the affected area. Be sure to purchase high-quality essential oil.
5. Use Skin-Nourishing Carrier Oils
Carrier oils are rich in nourishing fatty acids that penetrate the skin deeply and nourish from within. When applied over rosacea-affected skin, they get absorbed into the skin along with the skin’s natural oils. They get to the root of the problem to calm the irritation and redness.
The best carrier oils for rosacea are Rosehip, Evening Primrose, and DermiSoothe Blend. To use carrier oils for rosacea, gently apply a few drops over the affected area.
You can use any of these carrier oils by themselves or add a drop of tea tree, lavender, or cypress essential oil to get their combined rosacea-fighting properties.
Alternately, infuse your chosen carrier oil with dried calendula flowers. Calendula flowers offer several healing benefits for the skin.
Get the instructions for How To Make Calendula-Infused Oils + Benefits & Uses
6. Use an Oatmeal Pack
Oatmeal has long been known for its ability to soothe and nourish the skin. It is rich in certain phenolic compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. These properties make it so effective for relieving rosacea-related inflammation and irritation.
How to use oatmeal as a home remedy for rosacea
Grind a cup of oats just a little bit. You want the oat to be coarse, not too fine. Soak freshly ground oats in enough water to get a thick, pasty consistency. Apply your oatmeal pack lightly over the affected areas. Leave it on for at least 15 – 20 minutes. Then gently rinse the paste off with cool water without scraping or disturbing the skin.
7. Apply a Chamomile Compress
Camomile is one of the best herbs for rosacea and it’s easy to use in the form of a chamomile tea compress. Chamomile contains volatile oils with anti-inflammatory properties.
How to make and use a chamomile mask for rosacea
Add 1 teaspoon of chamomile tea to boiling water. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Take it off the heat, cover the saucepan, and let the tea steep while it cools.
Keep in the refrigerator until you’re ready to apply it as a facial mask.
Dip a dry, clean face towel in the cool chamomile tea and put it over the affected area. Leave it there for a few minutes. Then remove, wash the area gently, and moisturize. Do this at least twice a day to calm rosacea symptoms.
8. Apply a Green Tea compress
The polyphenols in Green tea have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that calm rosacea symptoms including inflammation, redness, and itchiness.
How to use green tea for rosacea
To use green tea for rosacea, add green tea leaves to boiling water and simmer for a minute or two. Let the green tea steep while it cools.
Dip a dry clean face towel or a large cotton ball in the cool green tea. Place the tea soaked towel or cotton ball over the affected area. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing off and moisturizing. Do this at least twice a day.
9. Smooth Raw honey over the skin
Raw honey has proven anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It also contains ingredients that nourish the skin. All of these make raw honey an excellent natural remedy for rosacea.
How to use raw honey for rosacea
Spoon out a little bit of raw honey, about ½ teaspoon. Apply gently to clean, dry skin. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing off.
Do this at least twice a day to nourish your skin and calm the rosacea inflammation.
10. Use Turmeric
Turmeric is rich in curcumin, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. It soothes inflammation whether it is consumed or applied topically. Turmeric is also known for its skin-nourishing properties.
How to use turmeric for rosacea
There are two ways you can use turmeric for rosacea.
Drink a glass of turmeric milk once a day. This is easy to make by mixing a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of milk.
Turmeric also helps boost the immune system so you get double the benefits.
Another way to use turmeric for rosacea is by applying a turmeric-yogurt paste over the affected area. Mix ½ teaspoon turmeric powder in 1 tablespoon yogurt. Smooth the paste over your skin and leave it on for at least 30 minutes. Rinse off and moisturize.
11. Consume Probiotics
Gut health is the key to good skin. Eating probiotic foods or taking probiotic supplements regularly does wonders to improve skin health and reduce rosacea symptoms.
Poor gut health often weakens the gut lining, which becomes prone to leaking. The toxins leak out through the weak gut lining and spread throughout your body. This leads to inflammation and various skin conditions including rosacea.
Improving your digestive health with probiotics improves skin health, boosts energy levels and makes you feel good all over.
12. Make These Dietary Changes
Diet plays an important role in treating and even preventing the symptoms.
Following an anti-inflammatory diet is one of the best things you can do to treat rosacea naturally. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can also help manage inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory foods to eat: Load up on these anti-inflammatory foods to reduce rosacea flare-ups – Berries, Turmeric, Grapes, Nuts, Celery, Melon, Probiotic foods, leafy green vegetables, and Zucchini.
These foods are rich in omega-3 fatty acids: Walnuts, fatty fat such as salmon and mackerel, flax seeds, chia seeds and ghee.
Foods to avoid: What you shouldn’t eat is just as important as what you should. Avoid dairy, refined foods, chocolate, sugary foods, soy sauce, hot beverages, spicy foods, and alcohol.
Additional Tips To Reduce Flare-ups
Avoid touching the affected area unnecessarily.
Avoid using soap to clean your face. Use a gentle skin cleanser instead.
Avoid using skincare products that contain alcohol or other harsh chemicals that irritate the skin.
Use only non-comedogenic skincare products and cosmetics.
Keep your skin cool as much as possible.
Wear sunscreen with SPF30 or higher when spending time in the sun.
Wear a scarf to shield your face from heading out in extreme winter.
Rosacea Frequently Asked Questions
Can rosacea be cured permanently?
Unfortunately, no, rosacea cannot be cured permanently. It is a chronic condition. However, early treatment can do a lot to help manage and reduce the symptoms.
How can I reduce the redness on my face fast?
Using the home remedies for rosacea mentioned above is the best way to treat rosacea quickly. Make sure to focus on your diet.
You can reduce the redness on your face by following any of the remedies discussed in the article and sticking to the prevention and diet tips.
When should I visit a dermatologist for rosacea?
Ideally, you should visit a dermatologist when your symptoms first appear and even before you start using home remedies. The home remedies mentioned above are safe to use and should not have any side effects. You can use them along with your dermatologist’s guidelines.
Related Reads:
Best Essential Oils for Psoriasis & How To Use Them+ All Natural Skin Cream Options
12 Daily Habits That Help Keep Your Skin Clear & Healthy
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before using any natural medication or if you experience any unusual symptoms. See Full Disclaimer here.