Our top products to soothe rosacea
1. The Healer: Tallow, Tamanu oil, Baobab oil
The Healer is a favorite for soothing irritated skin. As you'll see further on this page, one of the top methods for protecting your skin against rosacea is to avoid letting your skin burn in the sun. You could easily add a little bit of zinc to The Healer and make your own sunscreen. It doesn't have any essential oils, and is pregnancy safe.
2. Mend Blend: Tallow, Jojoba, Chamomile and Calendula
Mend Blend is another favorite for soothing rosacea. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, soothing, and skin regenerating benefits which is perfect for rosacea. You'll see further on this page that our top tips will be internal and emotional, but topical can help soothe the skin.
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"Was a bit skeptical at first but my skin feels so good! I have rosacea and this Mend Blend has helped relax my redness! Will be purchasing again!"
Elizabeth G.
3. The Soother: Tallow and Frankincense Resin
The Soother frankincense has rejuvenating properties that naturally heal the skin while soothing irritation and providing moisture. Read more below to get our best tips for managing rosacea with internal/emotional lifestyle changes.
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is an inflammatory auto-immune condition that causes redness, visible blood vessels, and small bumps that are similar to acne.
Rosacea according to Traditional Chinese medicine
From this perspective, TCM practitioners address both the acute symptoms and the internal imbalances contributing to the condition through the use of herbs, acupuncture, and dietary recommendations.
One of TCM’s major focuses is on energy, specifically termed Qi. “Qi (pronounced “chee”) is like your body’s internal battery.
A fundamental precept of TCM, the word translates roughly to “life force” or “vital energy.” Qi circulates throughout your body along pathways known as meridians, which connect all the organ systems.
"Acupuncture and acupressure help restore Qi by treating specific meridian points throughout the body.”
– Dr. Josh Axe, The Textbook of Functional Nutrition
TCM believes that illness comes from a blockage of Qi. In relation to rosacea, this type of condition is tied to a heat imbalance meaning that heat is trapped in the lungs, stomach, or spleen system, which are all connected to the skin.
Acupuncture has been shown to help effectively clear this heat imbalance which can help with the symptoms of rosacea.
The herb comfrey is typically recommended for patients because it provides nutrients and has been shown to help heal rosacea.
Lastly, diet is a huge part of TCM’s treatments and is formulated to be specific to each person. Overall though, the underlying theme is to eat fresh whole foods that aren’t greasy or spicy.
Rosacea according to modern western medicine
Treatment from this perspective of care includes topical drugs as a second line of treatment like brimonidine, metronidazole, and azelaic acid. On Epocrates, the program most doctors use to get evidence based guidelines, it is not actually encouraged to use oral medications: "the use of oral medications to control flushing is off-label and there is no randomized controlled trial evidence to further guide practice" (Epocrates). Unfortunately, some doctors do not stay updated on guidelines, and may still offer up oral medications.
Doctors also can prescribe oral antibiotics or an oral acne drug like isotretinoin.
Unfortunately, some doctors do not make it a priority to address the root cause of the problem. They typically prescribe medication as a temporary solution. The most up to date doctors will help patients make lifestyle changes like:
- keep a diary recording elements that trigger skin
- avoid common triggers like: too much sun exposure, hot/cold/windy weather, humidity, hot baths, hot beverages, heavy exercise, alcohol, spicy foods, emotional stress, skincare products that include methol, camphor, sodium lauryl sulfate, some fruits and veggies and dairy
- if the hot flashes are caused by menopause or hyperthyroidism, identify and treat those issues
It is very clear that dietary and lifestyle recommendations greatly contribute to the improvement of rosacea and the associated symptoms.
Not to mention that antibiotics wreak havoc on the gut and can make rosacea harder to manage/cure. For more information on the importance of gut health in relation to rosacea.
Check out the “Managing Rosacea Internally” section.
Our top tips for soothing rosacea
Topically, internally and emotionally
Topically
Focus on tallow based skincare, the most soothing ingredient of irritated skin.
Avoid harsh soaps.
Avoid letting your skin get so much sun that it burns (mid-day sun is the brightest).
You can use green-tinted concealers, which helps cover up the redness if you need to.
Internally
Focus on foods that are easier to digest: animal foods like bone broth, marrow, liver, oysters, eggs and fats like butter/tallow. Some prefer avoiding lactose if it seems to irrirate their gut. If your gut is more sensitive, avoid high lectin foods like beans, nuts, whole grains which can be harder to digest, as well as spicy foods and alcohol. Drink filtered water, ideally with electrolytes (salt and lemon is an easy drink).
Check on your thyroid too, as that can be a cause of rosacea being exacerbated.
Emotionally
Speak kindly to yourself. Breathe through your stressful moments, and trust that your skin is healing.