How to Reduce Symptoms of Rosacea Naturally

Rosacea is an inflammatory condition in which facial skin tends to overreact to bacteria, leading to redness and small bumps that look like acne. Often doctors and dermatologists will prescribe antibiotic creams, but often, natural remedies can work just as well.

Things You'll Need

• Tea tree oil
• Cotton balls
• Cotton swabs
• Quality green tea
• Airtight glass jar

Instructions

1. 

   If you can, try to avoid certain conditions that may inflame skin. These include overuse of hot tubs and steam rooms, and consuming alcohol or spicy foods. Eat those jalapeno poppers at your own risk!

2. Tea tree oil is a natural antibiotic, and can be found at most natural foods stores. Buy a small amount at first, or get a sample, to see how your skin reacts. Moisten a cotton ball, pour a drop of oil on it, and carefully wipe onto the inflamed area. Try this once a day, to start. If you can tolerate that, and it's not too drying, apply morning and night.

3. 

   Add omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. Omega-3s boost your body's natural ability to produce anti-inflammatory compounds - reducing inflammation in your body and on your skin. Enrich your body with two servings a week of omega-rich fish like salmon, herring and sardines. If you can't stomach the idea of all that fish, try a good fish oil supplement.

4. Sip some green tea for its natural anti-inflammatory compounds. And save those tea bags! Whether you pluck them straight from your brewed tea or chill them in the refrigerator overnight in an airtight glass jar, if you gently rub them over clean skin you'll get a natural dose of soothing comfort. (Chilled tea bags are a special treat on those sticky summer days.) You can also brew a strong cup of tea (use two or three tea bags, or a small amount of water and one bag), and keep chilled in an airtight glass jar to use as a facial toner. If you have very dry skin, save this treatment for summer months, when you tend to be oilier.

5. Some people have reported that homeopathic sulfur-based creams work just as well as prescription antibiotic ointments. While they might cost almost as much as a prescription, they will not upset the balance of your skin, like antibiotic ointments can. Ask about these at your local natural foods store.

6. Those prone to rosacea are also prone to styes. This is a back-up of bacteria in your eyelash follicles, which can lead to a large lump and pain. Prevent them by keeping your lash-line clean (scrub daily with a cotton swab after a hot shower or application of a hot compress.) If, despite your best measures, you get a stye, apply a hot compress several times a day. It should go away on its own. If it doesn't, or grows larger, consult your doctor or ophthalmologist.

Tips & Warnings

• Even a small bottle of tea tree oil can be expensive. If your skin is very sensitive, see if someone you know who uses it will let you try a drop or two before you buy your own.

• If you're a vegan, allergic to fish or can't tolerate fish or fish oil, you can get some omega-3 fatty acids from plant sources like flax seed or walnuts.

• Be careful with that just-used green tea bag! It will be HOT!

• If you brew green tea to keep in the 'fridge, replace every 2-3 days, as it doesn't keep well. The last thing you need is more bacteria on your skin!

Resources

• More about tea tree oil
• More about styes