Although medication, laser therapy, and avoiding food triggers can reduce or eliminate symptoms of the condition, rosacea home remedies can also help. Common treatments of this sort include creams that treat redness, which occurs with rosacea subtype 1, and inflammation and pimples, which commonly occur in rosacea subtype 2. Natural creams and herbs, such as green tea or licorice, may also help reduce the redness and inflammation associated with these forms of rosacea. Some creams may also reduce the appearance of pus-filled pimples, called pustules, which commonly occur in people with rosacea type 2.
Dietary forms of common rosacea home remedies usually include apple cider vinegar, an extract containing acetic acid, amino acids, and essential vitamins. People who recommend it claim that it can stimulate the release of digestive enzymes, which normalizes the balance of bacteria in the intestinal tract. This can reportedly reduce redness, inflammation, and the development of pustules associated with both subtypes of rosacea. These claims are not clinically proven, however.
Some supplements have also been identified as potential rosacea home remedies. Alternative health practitioners claim vitamins C and B stimulate the immune system, preventing breakouts and inflammation. Such experts also recommend zinc and selenium supplements to reduce skin rashes and redness, and to stimulate the immune system.
Proponents typically recommend taking these supplements with other herbs, such as burdock, chamomile, rose hips, red clover, or licorice. With the exception of licorice, their claims are not scientifically backed by any major, or peer-reviewed, scientific study. One investigation, however, did show that taking licorice orally may reduce the appearance of mild to moderate redness of the skin within four to eight weeks of use.
Some extracts have been recommended as potential rosacea treatments. According to skin care specialists, avocado oil, St. John's wort, veronica, and English oak reportedly increase circulation and strengthen the connective tissues, preventing redness, inflammation, and the development of pustules. Pearl powder and rose hips have also been recommended. These claims are also not clinically backed by any study.
Certain natural creams and ointments are also popular rosacea home remedies, and some have been found, scientifically, to be effective treatments. Chrysanthellum Indicum cream has been clinically shown to decrease rosacea-related redness within 12 weeks of use, according to one study. Green tea cream has also been shown to reduce some symptoms associated with subtype 2 rosacea. One study showed that women with this subtype, who regularly used green tea cream, had significantly fewer facial pimples and red bumps.
Creams containing a form of vitamin B3 may also reduce inflammation associated with rosacea. One study showed that women who used a moisturizer containing it improved their skin barrier, better known as the epidermis. According to reports, the epidermis can help keep acne-creating substances away from the skin while retaining moisture. The vitamin may also be effective when administered orally.
