Rosacea is a long-lasting inflammatory skin condition that can cause redness, flushing, broken blood vessels, oily, thick skin, and acne-like lesions on your face. Some people develop severe rosacea around nose skin, which gives it an enlarged, bulbous appearance known as rhinophyma. Several rosacea treatments and natural remedies can help control redness, soothe your skin, and improve skin tone and texture, including laser and LED light therapy.
Rosacea Causes
It’s not exactly clear what causes rosacea, but experts believe it likely develops from a mix of several factors. Genetics, immune system activation, Demodex infection, and vascular components of the skin are known contributors.
Genetics and Vascular Components
Some studies suggest you’re more likely to develop rosacea if someone in your family also has it. A specific gene hasn’t been identified, but researchers found that people with a genetic predisposition for rosacea have differences in a receptor for blood vessel regulation.
Exposure to triggers causes a release of neuropeptides that act on blood vessels and recruit inflammatory cells to the area, leading to redness and flushing. Triggers include:
- Extreme temperatures
- Alcohol
- Spices
- Hot drinks
- Exercise
Immune System Activation
An overactive immune system may also cause rosacea. Certain microbes activate immune cells and proteins, leading to inflammation and increased mast cell activity in the skin. Mast cells are immune cells that respond to infections and control inflammation in the body.
Increased activity promotes blood vessel growth and inflammation in the skin. The result is a rosacea skin rash with redness, dilated or broken blood vessels, oily skin, and acne-like lesions.
Demodex Infection
Demodex is a type of mite that lives inside hair follicles on your skin. Almost everyone has them, but people with rosacea may have more. Mites usually don’t cause problems but may grow rapidly and lead to an infection. These microbes then trigger the immune system, which responds by causing inflammation, redness, and blemishes on the skin.
Other Triggers
Many other things can trigger rosacea flare-ups or worsening symptoms, though they don’t directly cause the conditions. Triggers are different for everyone but can include:
- Sun exposure
- Wind
- Heavy cosmetics and skincare products that clog pores
- Certain medications
- Some foods
Natural Remedies for Rosacea
Several natural remedies, from diet to skincare ingredients, may help lower inflammation and control oil, redness, and flushing. Mild rosacea may respond well to over-the-counter products. However, advanced conditions may require prescription medication or a combination of rosacea treatment options.
Rosacea Diet
Certain foods and drinks are known rosacea triggers. Following a rosacea diet may help ease some of your symptoms. You may find some relief from avoiding or limiting:
- Dairy products
- Spicy foods
- Fatty foods
- Hot drinks
- Alcohol
- Histamine-rich foods such as aged cheese, wine, and processed meats
- Cinnamaldehyde-rich foods such as tomatoes, chocolate, and citrus fruits
Eating a rosacea diet doesn’t necessarily mean avoiding all your favorite foods. Instead, find a milder option that works. For example, try iced coffee or mild wings and salsa instead of spicy options.
Most importantly, eat a healthy, balanced diet. An anti-inflammatory diet like the Mediterranean diet may help promote a healthy gut and lower inflammation. It includes:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Fish
- Legumes
- Healthy fats
Omega-3 and probiotic supplements may also improve symptoms and inflammation, but more research on the effects of these products is needed.
Skincare products
Your skincare routine affects how your skin and rosacea look and feel. Use gentle cleansers free of fragrance or sodium lauryl sulfate, which may aggravate your skin.
Topical products may also control oil, and calm redness, including:
- Azelaic acid
- Tranexamic acid
- Products with licorice, green tea, or bitter wood extract
- Vitamin B3
How to Treat Rosacea: Laser and LED Treatment
Lasers and LED light therapy may also help rosacea, especially alongside other treatments. Lasers target the vascular layer of the skin, reducing the appearance of broken or dilated blood vessels and soothing redness and flushing. Laser treatment may also reduce skin thickening.
Laser By Monica uses the AdvaLight laser, which combines yellow and infrared light in a scanner called ADVATx. The laser passes through the skin to remove damaged cells, shrink enlarged pores, and target blood vessels for a brighter complexion.
Our Celluma LED treatment may also revitalize the skin. LED light therapy reduces inflammation, improves tone and texture, and stimulates tissue repair for clear and vibrant skin.
Rosacea Relief With Laser By Monica
Laser By Monica provides expert, personalized skin care in New York City. We’ve performed over 70,000 aesthetic treatments, which means we know how to get rid of rosacea and soothe inflamed skin. Book a consultation at any of our locations and learn about the best treatments for your unique skin.