According to the National Rosacea Society, as many as 16 million Americans suffer from rosacea. Rosacea is a long-term skin disease that can cause redness and pimples and usually only affects the face. It is most common in women and people with fair skin and usually starts between the ages of 30 and 60. As the disease progresses, it can cause thickened skin. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, the cause of rosacea is not known and there is no cure at the time of this publication. It can, however, be treated and controlled, including the use of vitamins and minerals.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin made naturally by your body when your skin is exposed to the ultra-violet B rays from the sun. Vitamin D can also be acquired through your diet in fortified milk and oily fish like salmon. Vitamin D is essential for the balance of calcium in your body and plays a role in bone health. A 2011 study published in "Dermato-Endocrinology" looked at the connection between vitamin D3 and rosacea. Cathelicidins are antimicrobial peptides found on the skin which are altered in patients with rosacea. Vitamin D3 is a regulator of cathelicidins and therapy with vitamin D3 may be an effective treatment for rosacea.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a vitamin known as ascorbic acid. It can be found in citrus fruits and other fruits and vegetables. According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin C is most used today for the prevention and treatment of the common cold. A 2002 study published in "The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice" looked at rosacea and possible treatment options. They discovered the administration of topical vitamin C proved to be an effective treatment of rosacea.
Zinc
Zinc is considered a mineral and trace element. According to the National Institutes of Health, a small amount of zinc is necessary for optimal human health. It is used to boost the immune system and to treat various skin conditions. A 2006 study published in the "International Journal of Dermatology" looked at the use of oral zinc sulfate in patients with rosacea. The study looked at 25 patients with rosacea and treated them with either 100 mg of zinc sulfate three times a day or a placebo. Patients receiving zinc saw a decrease in symptoms within the first month of treatment. The study concluded that zinc sulfate was a good treatment option for rosacea.
Considerations
Before adding any vitamin supplementation to your regular diet routine, consult with your physician. Zinc taken in high doses can cause serious health concerns, including prostate cancer. If you are taking antibiotics, zinc can decrease the absorption level in your body. Vitamin C is a natural blood thinner, so if you are taking medication like Coumadin to thin your blood, supplementation with vitamin C can increase your risks of bruising and bleeding. Consult with your physician to evaluate your current medications and determine the best course of supplementation for you.
References
- National Rosacea Society; Rosacea Now Estimated to Affect at Least 16 Million Americans; Winter 2010
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases; Rosacea; April 2009
- "Dermato-Endocrinology"; Impact of Vitamin D3 on Cutaneous Immunity and Antimicrobial Peptide Expression; AS Antal et al.; January 2011
- MedlinePlus; Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid); March 2011
- "The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice"; Diagnosis and Treatment of Rosacea; AF Cohen and JD Tiemstra; May-June 2002
- "International Journal of Dermatology"; Oral Zinc Sulfate in the Treatment of Rosacea: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study; KE Sharquie et al.; July 2006
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