.png?width=180&height=80&name=imgpsh_fullsize_anim%20(1).png)
Although there is no cure for rosacea, there are some home remedies that can manage the symptoms. A specially designed gentle skincare routine can make your skin feel more comfortable, boost your skin health, calm redness, and reduce the chance of future flare-ups. Be sure to take note of triggers that cause your skin reaction and avoid them.
Below are habits that will help transform your skin.
1. Rosacea-friendly skincare
- Use a gentle non-foaming face cleanser
- Rinse your face with lukewarm water instead of hot water
- Do not over-exfoliate your skin
- Do not wash your face more than twice a day
- Moisturize after you wash your face every time
- Avoid skincare and cosmetic products with potential irritants
- Use LED light therapy to strengthen overall skin health
For a comprehensive guide to rosacea skincare routine, ingredients to watch out for, and product recommendations, you can read our blog on Skincare for Rosacea.
2. Sun protection
- Protect your skin from the sun with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, all year round, rain or shine.
- Select a fragrance-free sunscreen to avoid potential irritation. If your skin is extremely sensitive, a physical sunscreen may cause less irritation than a chemical sunscreen. Test out different sunscreen brands and pick one that you'll enjoy wearing daily.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for outdoor activities. Top up / reapply sunscreen every 3 to 4 hours.
3. Manage Stress
Stress can knock your body and mind off balance, and trigger or worsen rosacea symptoms, so finding ways to manage stress such as through meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises or taking a walk in nature, pausing and enjoying a cup of green tea are some ways to de-stress. Mark a specific time in your diary to give yourself that break you deserve.
For more guidance, you can download any of the following free apps and see which works best for you. They are all available for iOS and Android.
Free app on managing stress and anxiety:-
- Headspace: Mindful Meditation - 10M + downloads
- Insight Timer: Meditation App - 5M+ downloads
- Happify: 500k downloads
- SuperBetter - 100k download
- MoodFit: Mental Health Fitness - 50K downloads
4. Cool compresses
Applying a cool, damp cloth to your face may help reduce redness and inflammation. You may infuse essential oil therapy for added cooling and soothing effect. Coconut, Chamomile, Frankincense, and Eucalyptus oil all have anti-inflammatory benefits.
Be gentle and do not rub or press too hard. Moisture your face afterward to restore the skin barrier.
5. Natural inflammatories
Go for probiotic and prebiotic food that has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Green tea, aloe vera, and chamomile have anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe irritated skin. Almonds, walnuts, seeds, whole grains, vegetables, olives, avocado, flaxseed, and oily fish are great for building healthy skin. Have you eaten any of these today?
6. Avoid triggers
Certain heating and congesting food such as spicy food, coffee, alcohol, and heavily processed food should be avoided. Environmental factors such as heat, dry air, and strong wind may trigger or worsen rosacea symptoms in some people. Hairspray is also a common trigger of rosacea. Keeping a journal to track your triggers can help you understand your skin better so you will know what to avoid.
It's important to note that these remedies may not work for everyone, and some people may need to combine medical treatment to manage their symptoms. If your symptoms are severe or impacting your quality of life, don’t just cope with it. It's best to consult a dermatologist or doctor quickly as rosacea left untreated can worsen over time.
You can find a list of over-the-counter medications and a list of healthcare professionals for help on rosacea here.