If you are struggling emotionally and physically with Rosacea, please know that you're not alone. Not a day goes by without an inquiry on how to deal with Rosacea. I thought I'd send a little relief with an excerpt from my book addressing Rosacea along with a gentle Rosacea specific glō protocol.
So often, when we experience any type of rash or skin blemish, we panic, search doctor Google and begin buying everything recommended for the issue. I get it, but this behavior can lead to over doing it, and with Rosacea simplicity is best. Chemicals and even natural ingredients can aggravate Rosacea, so try to avoid layer upon layer of harsh treatments like Alpha Hydroxy Acid serums, Retinols, even some essential oils and exfoliating enzymes can be too rough on this fragile skin condition. Please read below for more information on what and how this skin condition presents itself…or skip to the glō nutrition and topical protocol.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder where groups of capillaries close to the surface of the skin become dilated. This dilation results in blotchy red areas with small bumps and occasionally pimples. The redness may come and go but can eventually become permanent if blood vessels remain dilated. The most common areas that rosacea appears is the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. The inflammation of rosacea can look similar to acne but without the blackheads; rosacea is also more chronic than acne and cannot be alleviated with traditional acne treatment. A fairly common skin disorder, Rosacea affects approximately 10 percent of the population, and is most common in fair-skinned females.
Rosacea usually begins as flushing easily around the nose and cheeks, causing a red mask when the blood vessels swell under the skin. If inflammation persists, then the condition can spread across the face and pimples or swelling of the nose or chin can take place. This process can take years. Like with acne, it can be difficult to determine the underlying cause of Rosacea.
The condition often flairs after consuming alcohol, spicy foods or use of cosmetics or lotions that contain alcohol or irritants. Stress, vitamin deficiencies and infections can be contributing factors, and there is a lot of diversity in individuals as to what exacerbates their symptoms.
What causes Rosacea?
One commonly overlooked contributor to rosacea is hypochlorhydria, which is a condition where the production of stomach acid is low or absent. Stomach acid is essential in maintaining a healthy gut and avoiding food allergies. People naturally lose the ability to produce stomach acid after the age of 50 years. Also, consuming foods to which we have intolerances decreases stomach acid production. Given that hypochlorhydria inhibits the destruction of unfriendly bacteria in the gut, and exacerbates food allergies, discomfort and inflammation, it is not hard to believe that it contributes to rosacea.
Common symptoms of hypochlorhydria are bloating or a feeling of excessive and prolonged fullness after meals. Other symptoms include burping or heartburn and often times, people with hypochlorhydria experience chronic bouts of fungal infections and eczema along with Rosacea.
Other potential contributors to Rosacea that are derived from the gut and should be tested for by your naturopathic physician or functional medicine doctor/nutritionist.
SIBO:
Short for Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth, SIBO can certainly be a trigger that’s often overlooked.
H. Pylori:
The Bacteria H. pylori, which can live in your digestive tract and cause ulcers, is commonly found in people with rosacea.
It appears that H. pylori might increase risk, or play some role in triggering the skin condition, but it’s not a guarantee. Either way, it’s important to look at supporting your oral microbiome since since this type of infection can actually start in your mouth.
Candida Albicans:
Candida Albicans is another gut trigger that may be contributing to rosacea. You’d want to confirm this with proper testing and be cautious of trying a Candida Cleanse if you suspect you have Candida because they can often make skin issues worse and should be guided by a clinician/doctor.
What can I do to calm my Rosacea?
If you struggle with Rosacea, it is imperative that you address potential gut issues and reduce your inflammation both inside and out. Consuming an anti inflammatory diet (see more in my Skinside Out Book) and determining which foods trigger the redness will help reduce symptoms and potentially eliminate rosacea all together. Below is a gentle, anti inflammatory protocol to soothe redness and rosacea.
The K.I.S.S (Keep It Super Simple) Protocol:
The ingredients in the below products have been formulated and recommended for soothing and healing inflamed skin cells and capillaries beneath the skin.
STEP 1: Cleanse with luke warm water (avoid hot water as the heat is irritating to those fragile capillaries) and the Facial Cleansing Oil. Avoid rubbing your skin or massaging too deeply. Gently wipe cleansing oil off with a warm wash cloth.
STEP 2: Mist face with Regenerative Hydrosol.
STEP 3: Apply Regenerative Oil by dropping 1/2 a dropper into the palm of your hand, rub your hands together and gently pat your skin with your hands to apply the oil. Avoid rubbing so as not to aggravate the capillaries.
STEP 4: Mist face with Regenerative Hydrosol throughout the day if in need of a cooling, soothing boost to your skin.
All information and protocols aside, I wish for you peace of mind and inner strength to love the skin you're in. Go forth and look for a good practitioner who is able to address your underlying gut issues and watch your Rosacea heal along with potential other hidden health issues.
Remember this:
"Your compassionate heart and self love are a beacon for true beauty"