Flawless glowing complexion is every girl’s dream come true. However, this dream often becomes elusive owing to several factors, which include lifestyle, and environmental factors. During adolescent years, it is a common occurrence for the skin to break out into pimples or acne. Nevertheless, during the reproduce years between thirty and sixty, some women develop a kind of reddish patch on the skin beginning from the forehead, to the cheeks, nose and chin. This, in fact, is an inflammatory skin condition known as Rosacea that frequently appear and disappear. So, what exactly is this Rosacea all about? Why does it occur and what are the ways of effectively managing this condition using essential oils…let us take a look at it here…
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. This affects mainly the forehead, nose, chin and cheeks and in rare cases the eyes too. It occurs in fair-skinned people during middle age between 40 to 60 years of age. Most common in women, especially during the menopausal age, this condition tends to be more severe in men. Characterised by facial redness, flushing, dilated blood vessels, tiny pus filled bumps and spots and thickened skin along with possibilities of inflammation on the surface of the eyes and eyelids.
What are the Causes of Rosacea?
The exact cause of rosacea is unknown. The involvement of bacterial infection on the skin or digestive tract, as some people believe, too has not been proved. However, researchers believe that a combination of environmental and hereditary factors could trigger symptoms leading to ruddy colour and dilated blood vessels on the face.
What are the Factors that Trigger Rosacea Flare-Ups?
Several factors pose a possible risk for rosacea flare-ups, which nonetheless may, differ with each individual. However, it is imperative to identify the triggers that aggravate the symptoms and avoid them in order to prevent further flare-ups.
Some of the common triggers are…
- Spicy foods such as paprika, red pepper and cayenne
- Steaming hot drinks like hot chocolate and soups
- Caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee
- Alcohol consumption, especially red wine
- Extreme climates and temperatures
- Overexposure to sun and wind
- Cosmetics containing alcohol, abrasives and irritants
- Hot shower and bath
- Sauna/spa bath
- Specific type of facials
- Compromised immune system
- Stressful situations
- Emotional anxiety
- Vigorous Exercise
- Prescription drugs for lowering cholesterol and hypertension
- Corticosteroid creams
What are the Symptoms of Rosacea?
The symptoms of rosacea differ in each person. It is generally characterised by tiny pus filled pimples, dilated blood vessels and bumps which renders a rough uneven texture to the skin. Sometimes, the symptoms become severe that they cause thickening and swelling of the nasal skin tissues. This occurs because of the enlargement of the oil producing glands, often leading to a bulbous nose, a condition known as rhinophyma that affects more men than women.
How is Rosacea Treated?
Although there is no particular cure for rosacea, with professional guidance, the symptoms may be treated or controlled topically, depending upon the severity of the condition. Some of the most common alternatives for alleviating the symptoms are…
- Topical application that includes metronidazole and azelaic acid that take eight weeks to take effect
- Oral antibiotics that fit into the tetracycline group, minocycline, doxycycline, oxytetracycline and lymecycline
- Laser therapy for dilated capillaries and redness
- Eye drops and medicines for problems with eye
- Electro surgery, dermabrasion or laser surgery for skin thickening and dilated blood vessels
- Essential oils for skin redness and inflammation
Which are the Essential Oils that Help Ease Rosacea Symptoms?
1) Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil extracted from the flowers through steam distillation proves beneficial for treating the symptoms of rosacea. The anti inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial and anti yeast properties help relieve inflammation by contracting the facial blood vessels. Besides, a particular substance called geraniol that exists in lavender has a tendency to cause skin allergy. Therefore, it is imperative to do a patch test before use.
2) Borage Essential Oil
Obtained from the seeds of Borago officinalis the oil is enriched with essential fatty acids known as GLA (Gamma-linolenic acid) rejuvenates skin cells by enhancing circulatory health. Certain anti-inflammatory compounds in the oil inhibit abnormal activity of inflammatory immune cells and alleviate skin disorders like rosacea. The natural emollient substances help moisturise skin, reducing skin redness.
3) Jojoba Essential Oil
Acquired from the seeds of the plant, jojoba oil possesses a similar molecular structure of the natural skin sebum. Therefore, it is easily absorbable, keeps the skin moisturised and prevents dry flaky skin. Packed with skin friendly nutrients, such as vitamin E, iodine, copper, chromium, B complex and zinc, the oil is one of the best natural remedies for treating rosacea and many other skin disorders. The fatty acids that exist in the oil combined with its anti-inflammatory substances help ease skin redness and inflammation. Further, the Non-comedogenic properties in of jojoba oil clears skin pores, thus augmenting healthy skin.
4) German Chamomile Essential Oil
Extracted from the flowers of the plant via steam distillation chamomile essential oil helps relieve symptoms of rosacea. The flavonoids and terpenoids offer anti-inflammatory effects and therefore are beneficial for treating the symptoms of rosacea. Besides, it helps regeneration of skin cells, by pacifying the damaged parts of the skin.
5) Primrose Essential Oil
Acquired from the seeds, evening primrose oil is a natural astringent that helps pacify the skin. Possessing huge amounts of skin friendly nutrients such as gamma-Linoleic acid (GLA) and Linoleic acid primrose oil offers healing qualities. Moreover, the oil is crucial for the cell structure of the skin as it prevents excessive production of sebum, inhibiting nutrient usage of the cells, blocked pores, lesions and stimulating prostaglandin production and helps contraction of blood vessels.
6) Rosehip Essential Oil
Similar to primrose and borage essential oils, rosehip too contains huge concentrations of essential fatty acids such as gamma linolenic acid (GLA). These fatty acids are crucial to maintain the skin matrix and help the cells absorb nutrients. Besides the astringent substances in the oil and the anti-inflammatory effects owing to the existence of Vitamins E and A, decreases redness, alleviates dry skin and repairs the damaged skin structure.
7) Helichrysum Essential Oil
This oil works gently on rosacea by soothing skin inflammation, relieving dryness and eliminating skin redness. Further, possessing huge amounts of diketones, the oil is effective for healing skin lesions and promotes skin regeneration and repair.
8) Sea Buckthorn Oil
Used primarily for topical application, sea buckthorn gets deeply absorbed into the skin and strengthens the capillaries and cells. This aids in clearing scars, decrease swelling and augment inflammation. Further, the antimicrobial substances prevent further occurrences by eliminating bacteria.
What Are The Best Essential Oil Recipes For Rosacea?
Gentle Rosacea Recipe
Helichrysum – one drop
German Chamomile- one drop
Carrier oil (preferably castor oil) – one teaspoon
Aloe Vera- quarter teaspoon
Combine the above ingredients and gently dab on the rosacea affected areas thrice a day for the first week, twice the second week and once on the third and final week. This helps heal and alleviate symptoms of inflammation, irritation and gradually assists in fading the redness. Transfer the remaining content to a glass jar to retain effectiveness.
Stronger Rosacea Recipe
Lavender oil – one drop
Helichrysum- two drops
German Chamomile- three drops
Carrier oil- one teaspoon
Blend the ingredients thoroughly and follow the same procedure as above. Highly sensitive skin may reap benefits by using the gentle formula, as this particular recipe might result in adverse reactions, aggravating the flare up.
What Are The Ways To Prevent Rosacea Flare-Ups?
Here is a simple guideline to prevent and cope with symptoms of Rosacea…
Identify the Triggers
Several factors ranging from weather, food and lifestyle habits can trigger Rosacea. However, each individual differs and therefore the reaction to common everyday substances too could differ. Hence, it is extremely crucial to identify the triggers and avoid the same in order to prevent rosacea symptoms.
Sunlight
Sunlight is one of the main causes for Rosacea skin. Therefore, before going out in the sun, it is important to use a hat or an umbrella and slathering broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF30 to protect the skin from the harsh ultraviolet rays of the sun. Further, since the sun’s rays are at their worst during summer, it is wise to stay indoors from morning until evening.
Food
Some of the most widespread cause of rosacea triggers is spicy foods and alcohol. Therefore eliminating them from the diet proves beneficial. Besides there are so many other dietary choices that cause the triggers, hence it is best to identify and avoid them.
Weather
The cold weather and wind are some of the other culprits responsible for rosacea flare-ups. Therefore covering the face with a scarf protects the skin from inflammatory risks.
Skin
Cleaning the skin with a mild non-abrasive, non-alkaline soap free cleanser with a neutral pH twice a day proves useful
Staying away from heavily fragrant soaps and other cleansers that are alcohol based sure helps prevent rosacea
It is imperative to choose gentle non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic non-scented products especially for sensitive skin too helps manage symptoms
Using a moisturiser assists alleviating stinging and burning sensations thus keeping the skin cool
It is important to apply makeup or any medication, on dried skin after washing the face with tepid water
Choosing skin and hair care products sans alcohol, lanolin, sodium lauryl, witch hazel, peppermint, menthol, camphor and eucalyptus oil might prevent skin irritation.
Using water based makeup over oil-based products helps hide the red patches and prevent aggravating the condition.
Stress
Stress factors are one of the predominant factors for instances of rosacea. Since intense exercise aggravates the condition, following a regular not so strenuous exercise pattern such as walking and swimming helps. Besides, to manage stress, practising breathing exercises, yoga and meditation calms the mind and keeps the body relaxed.
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