Rosacea is an inflammatory condition with no known cause and no known cure. It is a multi-faceted manifestation of imbalance in one or more systems of the body making it difficult to treat. 

The general imbalances involved in the manifestation of Rosacea are in these areas:

• Digestive Function
• Nutritional Status
• Hormonal Balance
• Immune Response
• Toxicity
• Stress Response
• Genetics

 
However, many sufferers have successfully reached a new state of control over their Rosacea by following an appropriate treatment plan developed for them personally.
 
In my experience, there are commonly more than one of the above imbalances present in individual cases of Rosacea, but the combination of imbalances differs between sufferers.
 
Since the human body is a composite of all bodily systems, and no one system works in isolation, the holistic approach to the person when addressing Rosacea is essential.
 
Rosacea does appear to run in families as one quite often observes the bulbous nosed father with his rosy-cheeked son and his younger, blushing daughter. One must also bear in mind the other similarities and characteristics they share such as the foods they eat, their sleeping patterns, the environment they live in, and their emotional responses to stress. It is not unusual to hear the words “I am like my Father, I have a short-fuse when I am stressed out."

What Causes Rosacea?

We don't know the exact reason that some people develop rosacea. It's believed to be a complex combination of changes in the nerves in the skin, blood vessels in the skin, immune system, and even possibly the microbes that live on our skin. These changes ultimately lead to over-sensitive blood vessels in the skin, which dilate (open up) in response to different triggers. Once these blood vessels dilate, you start to see the redness on the skin. Over time, the blood vessels can become permanently dilated. In some people, these changes also lead to very sensitive skin and sometimes inflamed skin, in the form of red bumps or pustules. Based on the research that's been done into the causes of rosacea, there are some suggestions on foods that might act as triggers. (The research has also suggested some foods that may help.)

Many people with rosacea find that by eliminating these foods, they have fewer or less severe flare-ups.

Spicy Foods

The most common foods that seem to trigger flare-ups are spicy foods In a survey of 516 people with rosacea by the National Rosacea Society, participants reported limiting or avoiding spicy Mexican, Indian, Thai and Italian foods and said they found rosacea symptom relief.

Alcoholic Drinks

Alcohol is a vasodilator, which means it opens the blood vessels. When the blood vessels in your face dilate, they become more visible. The biggest culprit with rosacea is red wine. According to wine experts, this could be due to the tyramines and histamines found in the wine. Other types of alcohol more likely to trigger a rosacea flare-up include Champagne, beer, vodka, gin, and bourbon. Unfortunately, it’s become a stereotype that someone with a very red face drinks heavily, but even people who never touch a drop of alcohol can have rosacea.

Hot Drinks

Any type of hot drink, from coffee to hot chocolate, can be a no-no if you are developing an individual rosacea diet. Hot drinks cause the blood vessels to dilate, giving skin a red appearance. This can be tough for people who rely on their morning cup of coffee or tea to get started with the day. If you really must have these drinks, allow them to cool off a bit before drinking them, or try switching to the iced versions.

Dairy Products

It hasn’t been proven in studies, but there are many anecdotes of people seeing fewer rosacea flare-ups when they eliminated dairy from their diets. If you decide to go dairy-free, it’s important to ensure that you consume the nutrients usually found in dairy from other foods. For example, you can get your daily calcium requirements by eating sardines and canned salmon, beans and lentils, almonds, and dark, leafy greens like kale and spinach.
 
Chocolate

Chocolate is high in histamine, a compound that plays a role in immune responses. High levels of histamine can trigger a rosacea flare-up. Histamine may not be a trigger for you, but if you suspect it is, you can try eliminating chocolate and other foods that have high levels of histamine, such as fermented foods like yogurt and sauerkraut, avocados, eggplant, and shellfish.
 
Histamine-Triggering Foods

Some foods aren’t necessarily high in histamine, but they can trigger your body to release histamine. If you’re sensitive to histamine, this could cause a rosacea flare-up. Some foods in this category include bananas, citrus fruits, tomatoes, nuts, and beans. Not all foods have the same effect, however, so you may be able to eat some foods in this category, but not others. Any rosacea diet will take some trial and error before you find which foods work for you and which don’t.

Refined Sugar and Flour

Products made from refined sugars and flour can trigger rosacea flare-ups in some people. Foods in this category you may want to avoid if you are following a rosacea diet include products made with white sugar or white flour, sugary foods, and sugary juices or sodas. Refined sugars and flour can contribute to other health issues as well, so eliminating them from your diet may help your overall health, along with reducing rosacea symptoms. 

Processed Foods

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s not unusual to reach for a prepared meal or prepared ingredients to save time. However, if you have rosacea, you may want to stay away from processed foods to reduce the risk of a flare-up. Some examples of processed foods include processed meats, like cold cuts and hot dogs, and processed vegetable oils, such as canola oil and soybean oil.

Artificial Sweeteners

Consuming products made with artificial sweeteners may seem like a good idea if you are trying to cut back on sugar, but some people with rosacea find that artificial sweeteners make their faces flush more. Artificial sweeteners can be found in many products, such as sodas, baked goods, and candy. They may even be in products you might not expect like chewing gum, so it’s important to read labels when possible.

GMO foods

Especially soy, corn, rapeseed, and wheat, and their derivatives like canola oil, corn syrup, and non-organic soy. Replace With: Natural non-GMO foods

Hydrogenated Oils

Especially vegetable and seed oils in clear plastic bottles! Replace With: Coconut Oil, Butter, or Ghee for cooking, Olive Oil for dressings.

Gluten

Wheat, rye, barley, and most oats unless the label states gluten-free. Replace With: Almond Flour, Coconut Flour, and rice flour products. Bread made from flax, pea, quinoa, buckwheat, and rice are good alternatives if you insist on eating bread.

Eat Plenty of Antioxidants

Antioxidants and “superfoods” are safer for supporting the immune system of rosacea sufferers without triggering inflammation and flares.

One of the best ways to keep your immune system healthy without the adverse effects mentioned above for rosacea skin is, to shop your supermarket’s produce aisle. Experts say a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help strengthen your immune system and reduce inflammation; this is because superfoods contain antioxidants and a nutrient-rich, diet can deliver what you and your body need versus overstimulating an immune response.

Antioxidants are vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that protect and repair cells from damage caused by free radicals.

3 Major Antioxidant Vitamins

You’ll find antioxidants in colorful fruits and vegetables – especially those with purple, blue, red, orange, and yellow hues. To get the strongest benefits out of antioxidants, eat these foods raw or lightly steamed; don’t overcook or boil as it decreases their nutritional value.

Beta-carotene

Foods high in beta-carotene: apricots, asparagus, beets, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, corn, green peppers, kale, mango, turnips, collard greens, nectarines, peaches, grapefruit, pumpkin, squash, spinach, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, squash, spinach, sweet potatoes, mandarins, tomatoes, and watermelon.

Vitamin C

Foods high in vitamin C: berries, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cantaloupe, cauliflower, grapefruit, honeydew, kale, kiwi, pomegranate, mango, nectarine, orange, papaya, pepper, sweet potato, strawberries, and tomatoes.

Vitamin E

Foods high in vitamin E: extra virgin olive oil, nuts, broccoli, carrots, silver beets, spinach and leafy green, mango, papaya, pumpkin, red peppers, sunflower seeds, and crayfish.

Skin Care Products

Having sensitive skin or rosacea means being extra careful about the skin care products you choose. This is likely due to the fact that there is a disruption in skin-barrier function associated with rosacea. Symptoms of rosacea include facial redness, flushing, patchy dryness, and acne-like bumps.

Nourish Cream Cleanser - Hydration starts at the wash, which is why this non-pore clogging cream cleanser is vitally important to maintain a healthy skin barrier. Harsh detergents in many other cleansers strip the skin’s acid mantle causing a tight squeaky-clean feeling. This allows products with active ingredients to penetrate too quickly, which can result in irritated skin. The texture of this cream cleanser is luxurious, yet non-greasy.

Hydrating Cica Essence - Quench dehydration and calm irritation with this soothing toner formulated to alleviate sensitivity and inflammation. Fortified with skin defending actives, this daily use tonic is ideally suited to those who desire moisture without harsh chemicals, fragrances, and added color.

Quench Hydrating Serum - An exquisite serum that helps to restore hydration and plump the skin with ingredients such as Beta-Glucan, hydrating fruit extracts, and Glycerin to prevent transepidermal water loss. This oil-free formula will not clog pores and works exceptionally well when layered underneath the Peptide Moisturizer.

Triple Threat Serum - Experience the wondrous effects of mandelic and lactic acids, derived from almonds and milk. Mandelic acid gently sloughs dead skin and strengthens collagen levels, while lactic acid brightens, smooths, and evens skin tone. Thanks to its exfoliating and nutrient-rich properties, the Triple Threat Serum effectively treats several skin irritations and irregularities, including acne, pigmentation and fine lines and wrinkles. Safe for rosacea skin.

Restore Peptide Moisturizer - A supercharged anti-inflammatory product in a cream base that helps to reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process for acne-prone skin, rosacea, and sensitized skin. Copper Tripeptide-1 is fantastic for age management and helps to improve the skin’s texture, density, elasticity, firmness, and increases glycosaminoglycans GAGs.

Rescue-Plus Moisturizer - Rescue dry, irritated or rosacea skin with this luxurious, buttery cream formulated to combat inflammation on every level. This soothing moisturizer contains several ingredients that target chronic itchy, red or problematic skin. Aloe and Pink Rock Rose calms reactions, while specialized peptides reduce redness and discomfort. Tiger Grass and Arnica combine to strengthen broken capillaries and enhance barrier protection.

For more help treating rosacea, please book a virtual consultation.

About the Author

Rachael Weesjes is a certified Esthetician who specializes in tricky skin conditions while taking a skin healthy approach. Say goodbye to harsh ingredients, injections, or lasers! Instead, I believe in nurturing your skin with care and consistency. Every treatment and regimen is tailored to your unique needs. Through a personalized approach to skincare we'll reveal skin you feel confident in.

Rachael has been certified since 2007, self employed since 2014 and has spent the majority of that time hunting down advanced education within the industry. Rachael has additional diplomas and certificates in Cosmetic Techniques, Advanced Holistic Skin Therapy, Microneedling, Acne Specialist Training, and Pastiche International Education. When she herself is not studying, she is offering education and support to clients, through Advanced Consultations.