Rosacea is a chronic skin disease with characteristic facial blushing and redness and swollen, overly sensitive, and dilated blood vessels at the surface of the skin. Some people may experience red and pus-filled bumps, also. Cosmetics and skin products often use active ingredients from nutrients and herbs to promote various changes in the skin. In the treatment of rosacea, beneficial herbs appear to decrease inflammation and stabilize blood vessels. Treatment, according to the Mayo Clinic Online Library, is most effective in the earliest stages of the disease.
Licorice
The herb licorice is the familiar flavoring agent in many childhood candies and an ingredient in many natural remedies. The healing benefits of licorice when taken internally include immune system regulation, stress response relief, hormone balancing, infection treatment and ulcer treatment.
A 2006 article published in The Journal of Drugs in Dermatology reviewed the use of licorice as a topical agent. Active ingredients in licorice such as glabridin and glycyrrhizinic acid have improved inflammation and significantly decreased redness, edema and itching in the treatment of dermatitis and skin damage due to UV-light exposure. Another ingredient derived from licorice, licochalcone A provided relief to rosacea patients in an 8 week study published in an issue of the 2006 Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. There were significant reductions of redness and visible blood vessel swelling and dilation on the face.
Feverfew
The use of feverfew as a topical agent in products for rosacea patients has been recently investigated. A 2006 Journal of Drugs in Dermatology article found that feverfew may be able to decrease inflammation and reduce excessive blood vessel dilation, the development of redness and possibly, telangiectasias in rosacea patients. In this study, a 1% extract of feverfew was used for 45 days; however, it is important to note that the treatment required the use of a parthenolide-free extract (PFE) of feverfew. Parthenolides sensitize the skin to effects of the sun and in a rosacea patient this can exacerbate their symptoms.
Green tea
It appears that many triggers can induce a flare up or worsening of rosacea. The National Rosacea Society notes that such episodes can be brought on by weather, sun and UV-ray exposure in particular. Green tea has many antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory actions. A 2006 Journal of Drugs in Dermatology article notes that among these properties, green tea lessens the reactivity to UV-light and decreases the frequency of rosacea episodes. Also, the article notes that green tea diminishes the appearance and incidence of telangiectasias.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal relieves itching, is anti-inflammatory and hydrates dry skin.The beneficial qualities of oatmeal in the treatment of rosacea relies on these properties. Rosacea patients also have dysfunctional skin barriers according to a 2006 Journal of Drugs and Dermatology article. The dysfunction increases their susceptibility to the formation of telangiectasias. Rhonda L. Dorren, B.Sc.Pharm, author of the 2005 article "Dry Skin Care and Colloidal Oatmeal," states that in addition to its other healing qualities, oatmeal protects the barriers of the skin.
References
- Mayo Clinic Online Library: Rosacea -- Symptoms
- Journal of Drugs in Dermatology: "Treatment of rosacea with herbal ingredients"
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology: "Skin tolerance, efficacy, and quality of life of patients with red facial skin using a skin care regimen containing Licochalcone A"
- The National Rosacea Society: "Factors that may trigger Rosacea Flare-ups"
- National Continuing Education Program: "Dry Skin Care and Colloidal Oatmeal"
