Rosacea is a common skin condition that can be found in men and women of all ages. It is most common amongst middle-aged women, and it is very treatable. Facial redness, the presence of visible veins, and small, pus-filled bumps on the face are common characteristics of rosacea. A dermatologist can help you to determine if rosacea is causing your symptoms, and there are some prescription-strength treatments available to treat this condition. However, for those who would prefer a more natural solution, there are also many home remedies for rosacea.
Green tea may be the most popular rosacea treatment. It is a natural antioxidant and even has anti-carcinogenic properties. Most importantly, though, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce redness and swelling. To reap the benefits of green tea, you should drink at least two fresh-brewed cups each day. In addition, compresses can be made from green tea bags by soaking them in water and applying them to the affected areas. It is important to use natural green tea instead of flavored, chemically-enhanced or powdered green teas since those will not have the same impact and can even be damaging.
Lavender is another extremely soothing home remedy for rosacea. First, lavender is a natural antiseptic. This makes it an excellent tool for reducing bacteria that may further inflame the skin. Rosacea can be itchy, and scratches can get infected if not properly cared for. In addition, lavender has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it very valuable in reducing redness and swelling. Essential oils are useful for this, but you should dilute them or use them with extreme caution to avoid a severe skin reaction. To use, apply two drops to a sterile cotton pad and lightly dab a thin layer over the affected area.
The gel that comes from aloe vera plants is both soothing and cooling, making it a perfect remedy for rosacea. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to calm irritated skin without any harsh side effects. If you have an aloe vera plant, you can simply break open a leaf and apply a thin layer of gel twice per day. Drugstores also sell bottles of aloe vera, but be careful to get one that does not have other chemicals, which can harm the face. If applying gel is too much work, drinking two tablespoons of aloe vera juice each day can be another effective remedy.
Many people overlook flaxseed as a home remedy. However, this is an excellent source of important nutrients, including Omega-3 fatty acids, which can nourish and heal inflamed skin. Flaxseed is also a natural anti-inflammatory agent, which is very beneficial for rosacea. You can purchase flaxseed oil at most drugstores. However, you should not apply flaxseed oil directly to your face. Instead, swallow a teaspoon a day to reduce redness long-term. Flaxseed oil will also provide many other important health benefits, so it would be wise to add this supplement to your routine.
The soothing qualities of oatmeal can reduce drying and itching, which can give your skin the chance to heal. Even if you know better, it is still tempting to scratch itchy patches of skin. Oatmeal reduces that temptation with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Many experts recommend oatmeal baths for people with eczema, chicken pox, and other itchy conditions for this very reason. To use, cook natural oats and allow to cool, then apply a thin mask to the face for 20 minutes before rinsing off with cool water. Do this twice daily. Over time, it will reduce redness and decrease inflammation.
Cucumber is a naturally cooling remedy. These vegetables have nutrients and are very water-rich, making them a good choice when you want to reduce redness and swelling. In addition to being cooling, cucumbers also have anti-inflammatory properties. The best way to use cucumbers is to cut them up into thin slices and apply to the affected area. Doing this for 20 minutes every day will help to moisturize and heal the area. If your entire face shows the symptoms of rosacea, you may want to consider a cucumber-based cream instead, since it may be hard to apply slices to a large area or skin.
Raw honey is a versatile home remedy, and rosacea is no exception to its many uses. Mix two tablespoons of raw honey with water to form a paste, then apply a thin layer to the face. Leave this mask on for 15 minutes before washing off with cool water. Honey has numerous anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrients, which will help to heal your face and reduce the visible signs of rosacea. However, raw honey is not the same as the honey that is found in most grocery stores. Do not use processed honey, which may exacerbate symptoms or cause additional rashes.
Like green tea, chamomile tea is very soothing. It is another anti-inflammatory drink and can help to improve your overall health. Drinking two cups of freshly brewed chamomile tea each day is a good way to decrease inflammation and facial redness. It is also known to be calming, and stress can trigger rosacea outbreaks. To use, apply chamomile directly to the face by soaking tea bags in cool water and applying directly to the problem areas twice daily. This will allow the anti-inflammatory properties to absorb directly into the skin, decreasing the recovery time. Tea is a better long-term solution for control, whereas tea bag compresses can help to manage outbreaks.
Apple cider vinegar can treat many conditions, including rosacea. This is because it is a known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, and it also has anti-bacterial properties. You can ingest apple cider vinegar or apply it directly. To create a healing drink, mix two tablespoons with water. For compresses, soak sterile bandages or cotton balls in vinegar and wring out the excess. Then, apply a thin layer to the rosacea. You should do this at least twice a day to reduce inflammation and swelling.
Sunscreen is perhaps the most important home remedy for rosacea. Alone, it will not treat this condition, but without it, most other home remedies are useless. Sun damage is one of the leading triggers of rosacea outbreaks, and continued exposure to the sun will only worsen your condition. Even if you do not expect to be outside for long periods of time, it is a good idea to apply sunscreen to your face. The skin is very thin and easily damaged, especially if you have a condition like rosacea. Those who apply sunscreen every morning and reapply throughout the day are most likely to see effective results from these remedies.
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