There is evidence that certain natural treatments may help manage the symptoms of rosacea.
Rosacea is an inflammatory condition that is diagnosed by the presence of a reddened or discolored rash, usually occurring on the cheeks and nose but sometimes on the forehead, chin, and eyes.
There is no cure for rosacea. However, there are many treatments available. Some treatments are found in nature and can be applied at home.
This article explains some of the natural treatments available for rosacea.
People should speak with a healthcare professional before beginning any natural or alternative treatments for rosacea. They should be sure to discuss any medications they are taking to make sure there are no adverse reactions with any natural or herbal treatments.
It is also important to perform a patch test with any new products, as some people may experience adverse reactions.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera gel, found on the inside of the plant’s long, pointy leaves, is both an emollient and moisturizer that may be effective at helping manage rosacea. This is due in part to the belief that aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps hydrate the skin and may help reduce redness.
The gel from the leaves can be applied directly to the skin. It is also found in many skin products.
Learn more about the benefits of aloe vera.
Burdock
Burdock is a root that has long been used in traditional therapeutic treatments in Europe, North America, and Asia. It is known to promote better blood circulation to the skin, which improves the brightness and evenness of skin tone.
It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties as well as antioxidant action. These properties may be beneficial in helping manage the symptoms of skin conditions like rosacea.
Burdock can be found in different forms, including:
- fresh root
- burdock tea
- burdock root dried powder
- burdock oil or extract
Learn more about burdock root.
Chamomile
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties. For this reason, it is often found in products for rosacea.
It can be used in a diluted form as an essential oil, or the cooled tea can be applied directly to the skin with saturated compresses.
Learn more about the benefits of chamomile tea.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is an effective moisturizer. There are no recent studies that show the efficacy of coconut oil for rosacea, specifically. However,
Coconut oil is most effective when applied directly to wet or moist skin — for example, immediately after showering. It can also be used as a carrier oil to help dilute essential oils in for topical use.
Read more about the benefits of coconut oil.
Comfrey
Comfrey is a plant that produces allantoin. This is a compound that may help alleviate skin reactions.
A 2017 study on a product that contains allantoin found that it helped improve symptoms with little to no side effects. It also seemed to help reduce the appearance of redness on the skin.
This is available commercially in products that list either comfrey or allantoin in the ingredients list.
Feverfew
Feverfew, another plant remedy in the chamomile plant family, is often used to help manage symptoms of rosacea. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is also an antioxidant.
Feverfew also helps protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and other environmental elements that can cause skin damage, such as heat, inflammation, and smoke.
This is available commercially in many products advertised to treat various ailments. It is recommended to use a product that is parthenolide-free, as parthenolide may increase skin sensitivity.
Green tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help reduce inflammation in the body, but more specifically in the skin. Research from 2021 shows that green tea may be an effective treatment for helping manage many skin conditions. This may include rosacea.
Green tea is available as both an herbal tea and an oral supplement. A person can drink the tea for systemic benefits. They can also apply cooled green tea to their skin using a saturated cloth.
Read more about the benefits of green tea.
Lavender essential oil
Many essential oils may have benefits for skin conditions like rosacea. Lavender is one of the
A few drops of lavender oil can be diluted in another oil, like coconut oil, or simply mixed into any moisturizer. Essential oils should never be ingested and should always be diluted before applying them to the skin.
Although research suggests that essential oils may have some health benefits, it is important to remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor or regulate the purity or quality of these.
A person should talk with a healthcare professional before using essential oils, and they should be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. A person should always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.
Read more about the benefits of lavender.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a B vitamin found in foods. It
Niacinamide is found in creams and lotions specifically formulated for inflammatory skin conditions. In this form, it may prevent and relieve skin flushing, which is common with rosacea.
Learn more about the benefits of niacinamide.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a well-known and reliable remedy for skin itching by strengthening the skin to hold onto more moisture.
Oatmeal can be found in many products for irritated or inflamed skin. It can also be easily mixed with a little water and applied directly to the skin or added to a bath to soak in.
Raw honey
Raw honey may be effective at relieving the reddened and inflamed appearance of rosacea. Honey helps skin hold more moisture, which can benefit rosacea. In this 2015 study, kanuka honey was shown to be effective in helping manage rosacea.
High quality raw kanuka or manuka honey can be applied directly to the skin.
Lifestyle changes can also help manage rosacea symptoms, especially by avoiding previously identified triggers. These changes may include:
- managing stress
- wearing sunblock and sun-protective clothing to help minimize exposure to UV rays
- using gentle skin care products for sensitive skin
- following a Mediterranean diet
A person should discuss any potential treatments for rosacea with a healthcare professional. Medications available by prescription include:
- topical brimonidine
- azelaic acid
- oral doxycycline (or another oral tetracycline)
- topical metronidazole
- topical oxymetazoline
- ivermectin
- sulfacetamide-sulfur
- oral isotretinoin (for severe cases that did not respond to other treatments)
- laser and intense pulsed light therapies
There are many natural remedies available for the management of rosacea symptoms. These include aloe vera, coconut oil, and lavender.
Lifestyle changes like managing stress and using sun protection can also help decrease the risk of rosacea flare-ups.
It is important for a person to discuss any treatments, natural or medical, with a healthcare professional before using them.