Suffering from Rosacea myself, I can say this is a personal journey and I look forward to helping people along the way. At the end of this blog I will give you some simple steps to start your skin healing journey in the management of Rosacea.
Treating rosacea is like nurturing a diverse garden. Some plants respond quickly, showing immediate growth—these are the small wins to celebrate. However, others need more care, their progress slower but still present, similar to the gradual improvements in managing rosacea. Just as each plant requires unique attention, individuals with rosacea have different journeys. Embracing these small victories, whether subtle changes or fewer flare-ups, signifies progress towards healthier skin.
So, what is rosacea?
Rosacea is a complex skin condition that goes beyond what meets the eye. It presents as a persistent facial redness caused by enlarged capillaries and can often be accompanied by pimples and non-tender lumps under the skin. While it typically appears between the ages of 30 and 50, its exact cause remains unclear. However, triggers such as certain foods, stress, temperature changes, and overexposure to sunlight can exacerbate symptoms.
Recent research also hints at a potential connection between rosacea and autoimmunity, where the immune system mistakenly targets the body's tissues. This immune irregularity triggers inflammation, leading to enlarged blood vessels and the telltale redness seen in rosacea. Understanding these autoimmune implications stresses the need to address not just the visible symptoms but also the underlying immune dysfunction.
Dietary and lifestyle suggestions in the management of Rosacea
Managing rosacea involves various steps, starting with pinpointing trigger foods through a food diary or intolerance testing. Besides true food intolerances, common food items that have been linked to rosacea flare ups are spicy foods, alcohol, coffee, tea, yeast, and high-histamine foods. Research suggests that cutting out gluten and dairy could aid rosacea, as gluten sensitivity and certain dairy components can fuel inflammation, worsening symptoms. Therefore an anti-inflammatory diet is recommended—packed with fruits, veggies, fatty fish, nuts, and seeds— and may alleviate overall inflammation. Lifestyle tweaks, like sun protection and stress management, play a significant role. Additionally, a customised skincare routine with gentle products and specific treatments can manage rosacea-related skin issues.
Individual responses vary, so patience is key as changes take time. Rosacea management is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Embracing a holistic approach that combines dietary adjustments, lifestyle modifications, and a tailored skincare regimen can significantly alleviate symptoms and improve the overall well-being of individuals affected by rosacea.
Consulting a naturopathic practitioner for functional testing, tailored advice, supplements, and/or herbal support can enhance results based on your unique needs and health history.
Some simple steps to start your skin healing journey:
Identify any food triggers that worsen your symptoms. Whether that be via a food diary, or food intolerance testing
Trial going gluten free and dairy free to see if there are any improvements in rosacea flare-ups and digestive health
Follow and anti-inflammatory (Mediterranean) diet rich of nutrient dense foods- Eat foods in their whole form, avoid processed foods, excess sugar, alcohol, and caffeine (especially if they are triggers)
Look closely at your digestive function: Do your bowel movements change from hard to loose? Do your suffer from bloating, belching, reflux, bad breath? Do you ever have bad cramping or pain? All these questions will identify whether your digestive health is triggering your rosacea flareups
Incorporate Bitters into your daily routine: We are seeing more and more often a correlation between low stomach acid and rosacea. Using bitters we can increase our stomach acid and improve digestive function. Bitter foods include, rocket lettuce, radicchio, dandelion root, and olives, or you could drink lemon in water, or fermented apple cider vinegar in water before meals. Supplements that contain bitters are also very helpful. One that is easily found is iberogast drops by flordis
Ensure you are using gentle Skincare: Use gentle, non-irritating skincare products suitable for sensitive skin. Avoid products containing alcohol, harsh chemicals, or fragrances that may aggravate rosacea. Consider ingredients such as Azelaic Acid especially in acne rosacea to help reduce the bacteria that causes acne, and redness.
Reduce stress: Firstly, identify what is causing you high amounts of stress. Can you do anything to reduce your stress load or make changes that will be helpful? Breathwork and meditation have been found to decrease cortisol production and reduce stress. Incorporating this into your daily routine could make all the difference. Journalling has also been proven to reduce stress and increase proactivity.
Connect with nature: Ensure you are getting out in nature as much as possible, head to the beach, go for a walk, go barefoot, whatever you can fit in. Get regular safe sun exposure ( Ensure you are wearing a hat and sunscreen to protect your face as this could contribute to a rosacea flare up)
If you suffer from Rosacea and would like to work with me, please contact me on hello@aimeewoods.com.au
Comments