Treating Rosacea + 3 skincare soothers

More and more women are experiencing Rosacea, a type of inflammation which causes the skin on your cheeks and nose to appear flushed and red. The apparent causes are debatable; bacteria, mites, fungus, genetics, allergies or drug reactions. The condition is often aggravated by stress. (that's no surprise, right?)

Personally, I think that this is all a part of the slight shift in "how sensitive we are becoming", but that's another chat. In the meantime, there are some steps we can take to bring self back to balance + some supplements that can help too.

I need to clarify here that these ideas are just that ~~ I am not a medical doctor, as you know. I have had some success helping clients with rosacea so I want to share what we have done to make a difference. It is really a 'whole body' issue and it's helpful to realize that as 'all is connected', it's much more than a 'facial issue'.

Many times, folks with Rosacea are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures  --internally (digestive issues, spices) and externally (wind, cold or too much sun).

Inflammation is a huge concern these days, proven to be linked to disease; in general on every level. I know that the most common suggestions made to the new 'patient with Rosasea' are almost as irritating as the malady itself.

These classic suggestions are:

1. Reduce consumption of hot beverages
2. Reduce or eliminate alcohol
3. Avoid spicy foods.
4. Limit meat and poultry consumption to 1x weekly.

All of the above ideas can decrease inflammation in the body and can be very beneficial.

Women who follow these guidelines often report steady improvements symptom-wise but can also benefit from some additional supplementation, diet changes and skin soothing sprays. There are anti-inflammatory food choices to be made, and in fact, there are entire books written about choosing foods that fight inflammation. My longtime friend Julie Daniluk has written several books on this topic.
Here's my favourite:
Meals That Heal Inflammation: Embrace Healthy Living and Eliminate Pain, One Meal at at Time

This delightful info-packed easy to read book is a favourite in my library and its benefits are far-reaching. Inflammation is a big issue ~ for many far and wide and not limited to helping rosacea, of course!

Here are some other ideas for consideration:

Take 1 capsule (600 mg) of Hydrochloric acid) with meals.

Since many people with rosacea do not produce enough HCL (Hydrochloric acid), take a 600 mg capsule with each meal. When there is a lack of this all important stomach acid, a chain reaction can result in a redness or a flushing. Most people will begin to create their own HCL after 3-4 months so the dose can be adjusted if improvement noted.
This easy-to-find health food store supplement has helped many clients in a short time. If there are tummy grumbles, cut the dose to ½. Should skin clear within a 4 month period, also reduce dose to ½.
Here's an online option:
NatureBell Berberine Plus, 600mg,120 Veg Capsules, Made in USA, Support Blood Sugar, Digestive System & Cardiac Health
 

Add cold water fish to your diet. Your heart will love you too!

Try fresh herring when possible, but otherwise, all forms of herring, sardines and mackerel are very high in levels of Omega-3 fatty acids.

Wild-caught Pacific salmon ( Sockey, Chum, Pink). A friend told me recently that we can buy wild-caught fresh salmon from April-November. I heard David Suzuki mention years ago that all canned Salmon is wild. YAY!
**I tend to purchase ONLY wild fish (90% of the time) and try to choose small species like trout, perch, pickerel + sardines for the most part. Occasional wild salmon, herring and mackerel (smoked) round out the menu.

Vegetarians can take 1 tablespoon of Flax Seed Oil *  (or add to salads or other meals daily.)

*BUY from Health food store fridge

Take Pancreatic Enzyme supplements if no improvement noted after 2-3 months. Folks with Rosacea sometimes have a deficiency in a pancreatic enzyme that helps to digest Omega-3 and other fats. Begin by taking 350 mg of pancreatic enzyme product 3 x daily just before meals. If no improvement after a few days, you can increase by one pill daily to a maximum of 1000 mg. until your skin starts to clear.
Here's one from Douglas Labs:
Douglas Laboratories® - Lipanase - High Strength Pancreatic Enzyme Formula Providing Lipase, Protease, and Amylase Enzyme Activity - 90 Tablets

What to do externally?
For sure, one would want to choose gentle cleansers made with non-chemical ingredients. Use your hands to apply and NOT a washcloth which can be abrasive.
Key: GENTLE cleansers, moisturizers, make-up.

To soothe the heat and sometimes cool 'the burn', I have made 'facial sprays' in the past for clients, and some have enjoyed success with combinations of infused lavender and green tea, brewed and cooled. Funneled into a small spray bottle and use "after"~~  AFTER the gym, or AFTER coming in from the cold, or AFTER whatever the 'trigger'. Perhaps the most simple of all. Brew a tea. Allow to cool. Spray or dab on the affected area.

Here are 3 of my personal favourites from years of experimentation and happy results:

1. I have shared this one with my clients for years. Easy to make at home + can be so helpful:
¼ cup pure water
2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (raw)
3 drops Lavender essential oil
Combine and place in a spray bottle. Alternatively ~ dab on face with a cotton ball or similar. (don't rub)

2. Here's a version of the HYDROSOL recipe that I used to make and sell in my herb shop years ago:
This is a combination of hydrosols and essential oils.
Essential oils
2 drops Lavender
2 drops German Chamomile
2 drops Helichrysum or Frankincense (optional)
1 drop Rose

Hydrosols
Rose, Chamomile or Lavender

Add the essential oils you are using to a 4 oz glass bottle with spray attachment.
Add the hydosol and shake the bottle. I like to store in a cool place or in the fridge.
Use daily ~ 3-4 times or as needed.

3. Witch Hazel Rosacea Soother
I have made this one so many ways. It works well with the most simple combination of witch hazel and lavender essential oil. Some peeps are not lavender fans and prefer a combination of healers.
This is a template, more than an exact recipe. Use whichever spray bottle you can find. I tend to use the 2oz or 4 oz glass ones (which I still have.. from my store!!) When I made this for my shop, it was in a 4 oz cobalt blue glass with white top) and I make a traveling 'version' in a smaller plastic bottle. Adjust the amounts accordingly:
Witch Hazel (non alcohol derived)
Lavender essential oil
German Chamomile essential oil
Frankincense essential oil
For example -- if you prefer a recipe:
Take a 2 oz bottle. Add 3 drops Lavender essential oil. Add the witch hazel. Cap and shake.
Take a 2 oz bottle. Add 1-2 drops Lavender. 1 drop German chamomile essential oil. Add witch hazel. etc.

FINALLY:
From an herbal medicine perspective, we focus on improving digestion and circulation, identification and removal of trigger foods and habits, as well as focus on nutritive, strengthening protocols to support the whole person - body, mind, soul.

 Herbal medicine has much to offer here.

Working from the Inside --> Out seems to be the 'ticket' here. Keep a food diary if possible.

Focus on fresh fruits, veggies, high quality fish, limited dairy, whole grains, plus aromatic spices instead of picante.(read chili, cayenne, large amounts ginger). Turmeric can be very helpful for many reasons. Turmeric is a super star inflammation fighter. Read more here.

There is so much information to share. So  many women have an issue with Rosacea or other skin imbalances. Bit by bit there are pros and cons re "how to live" re choices that we make which move us forward..or not ~ which cause our bodies to create the reactions which do NOT indicate balance....which create out-of-balance situations. Dr Josh Axe has written a very indepth helpful article with lots of reference material. You can access it here.

 

Love to hear your ideas ! What has worked for you? I am always learning and ALWAYS delighted to hear from you re what has helped you or your own clients!

 

                     Green Blessings,  Carol xo