Rosacea

How to Control Rosacea Naturally

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Many people know Rosacea with having red, flushed face sometimes with small pimples or spider like veins. For the person experiencing the symptoms the skin can feel dry, itchy, hot or burning, stinging sensation, sensitive in the sun and easily blushes. Like most skin flare ups there is usually a trigger to cause the symptoms. Rosacea flare ups occur when something causes the blood vessels in the face to expand, which causes redness. It usually comes down to how stressed or run down you are, if your diet is triggering any auto-immune responses, or irritation from too much sun. Rosacea is an inflammation problem that comes out as a rash. It is similar in nature to acne, psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis.

Anti-Inflammatory foods

Inflammation on the skin can be a sign that you are experiencing inflammation in the gut. It is important to know what foods may trigger flare ups and other congested skin problems. Avoid common allergens and focus on anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger, garlic, onions and cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and cabbage).

Omega 3 fatty acids and healthy fats: coconut oil, avocados, wild caught salmon, nuts and seeds. Omega 3 also helps to balance the hormones.

Make sure your gut does not have an overgrowth of yeast or bad bacteria by keeping your microbiome in good health. Use a good multi-strain probiotic as an every day supplement to support gut health which can be purchased in your local health shop.

For the skin

Don’t use toners that contain alcohol. If you use toners go for floral waters like rose water or witch hazel.

Vegetable oils: Calendula, rosehip, jojoba oil or coconut oil. Use the vegetable oils in combination or on their own. A lot of people use rosehip on its own.

Essential oils: neroli essential oil, roman chamomille or german chamomille (german is highly anti-inflammatory and calming), geranium or rose.

Only use essential oils in your blend of vegetable oil(s) if your skin is not too sensitive. The facial skin is thinner than anywhere else on the body so we only need a weak dilution blend of .5%. ie 1 drop in every 10mls of vegetable oil. See my article on How to Dilute Essential Oils for more.

Sun: Be mindful of wearing a sunscreen to prevent irritation from UV light. Use a natural physical broad spectrum sun cream which reflects sun rays unlike chemical sun creams which absorb the UV rays. Physical sun cream contains natural minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Managing Stress Levels

Many people feel mentally and emotionally challenged by this skin condition. Stress increases auto-immune responses and thus inflammation which triggers symptoms of Rosacea. While it is difficult to avoid stress, you are not helpless and can help to control the symptoms. You can empower yourself to find ways to beat stress. Educate yourself about the disorder and be open to trying new approaches and making certain changes in your lifestyle in order to help you feel more in control. Try stress reducing techniques like excercises, meditation whatever helps to soothe yourself.

Have you tried any other approaches that have helped reduce or manage your Rosacea? Let me know.

If you enjoyed this article and want to know more, check out our online courses or join our Aromatherapy Empowerment Facebook Group where we offer free advice & tips, recipes and more…

Top 5 Aromatherapy Carrier Oils for the Winter

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Cold winds, frost and rain all contribute to drying out the skin. As the weather gets colder, it is important to pay more attention to our skin through a natural, moisturising beauty regime, which will leave your skin looking radiant and feeling hydrated in the harsh winter months.

What are Carrier Oils?

A carrier oil or vegetable oil is derived from the fatty portion of the plant usually the kernel, seeds or nuts.

How Do They Work?

Carrier oils are particularly effective for protecting the skin from drying out and nourishing the skin in the cold winter months. Many carrier oils simulate sebum, which is the skin’s natural moisturiser. Essential Fatty Acids are necessary for dry skin and particularly for skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. It supports the natural PH level or acid mantle of the skin, protecting the skin and body from bad bacteria. The acid mantle is vital to our health as this is the first line of defence. A diet rich in omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acids and using carrier oils on the skin will significantly nourish and improve the skin’s appearance.

How Do You Use Them?

Carrier oils can be used up to twice a day in the winter. Only use small amounts. To prevent over production of sebum, avoid using harsh products on your skin, alkaline soaps and over cleansing. This will stimulate the sebum to produce more oil leaving you with oily skin and possibly further problems.

 

Carrier Oil

Top 5 Carrier Oils

Apricot Kernel Oil

A smooth light oil. Good for skincare especially for the face and mature and sensitive skin. Contains oleic acid. Rich in vitamins A & D.

Calendula oil

Excellent for eczema, damaged, itchy or dry skin, wound healing. Has anti-inflammatory properties and aids in wound healing. Good for dry, mature skin and eczema. Contains Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6 & Vitamin E.

Jojoba Oil

Is actually a wax. It’s texture is light and silky. It simulates the skins sebum and so is not likely to block pores. It is able to dissolve into skin oils and help soothe damaged and irritated skin. Good for fine lines and wrinkles. Acts as an anti-inflammatory. It does not contain triglycerides, unlike most other vegetable oils and as a result,  it does not oxidize easily and will not turn rancid like some other vegetable oils.

Rosehip Oil

Rich is alpha linolenic acid. It has a light texture. Contains vitamin C & E. A highly effective anti-oxidant. Excellent for wound and burn healing, premature ageing, regeneration of scar tissue and various skin disorders. Use for dry, irritated or weather damaged skin.

Olive Oil

It’s texture is heavy and oily. It has disinfecting properties and is very healing. Good for burns, sprains and bruises. It is high in oleic acid and vitamin E & A. It also contains the natural moisturiser squalane as well as chlorophyll, which can help the skin’s natural healing processes.