Skin redness or flushing is a symptom of
rosacea, a disorder that inflames and dilates hundreds of tiny blood vessels near your skin’s surface. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, nearly 16 million people in the United States have it.
Besides redness, which can get worse over time, symptoms sometimes include acne-like bumps, visible blood vessels, facial swelling, a warm sensation in the skin, and dry or red eyes.
While rosacea might be a vascular disorder related to increased blood flow, the exact causes are unclear. Those with rosacea may find that common triggers include sun exposure, extreme heat or cold, emotional stress, strenuous exercise, spicy foods, and alcohol.
Many people find relief with medical
treatments like oral antibiotics, prescription creams, or laser therapy. However, natural remedies for rosacea can also be effective at easing symptoms.
1. Try Herbal Anti-Inflammatories
Several plant extracts and products are among the best natural remedies for rosacea.
“Herbal ingredients found in a variety of beauty products can reduce inflammation and soothe the skin,” says Joel Schlessinger, MD, a dermatologist in Omaha, Nebraska. None of these are likely to resolve rosacea symptoms completely, but they may help a person reduce the redness, inflammation, and irritation that accompanies rosacea flare-ups.
Here are six herbal plants that researchers and dermatologists recommend.
Lavender
“If you only had one naturally soothing ingredient in your cleansing and beauty products, lavender is the best bet,” says Carl Thornfeldt, MD, a board-certified clinical dermatologist in Fruitland, Idaho.
Research suggests that
lavender eases inflammation and that people have used it to manage other inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis.
Oil from lavender leaves is available as a therapeutic-grade essential oil, which people with rosacea can apply directly to the skin.
However, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes that too few high-quality studies have taken place to allow any definite conclusions on the safety and efficacy of lavender essential oil. They also warn that some people are allergic to lavender oil, and applying it to the skin can trigger an allergic reaction.
Tea Tree Oil
Microscopic skin mites may have links to the inflammation that drives rosacea symptoms. A 2022 study found that six different concentrations of tea tree oil killed these Demodex mites at similar speeds to permethrin, a medical treatment.
It’s worth noting that while a 2023 review linked Demodex mites and rosacea, the authors couldn’t specify whether the mites caused rosacea or resulted from it.
Green Tea
Drinking green tea might help reduce a person’s exposure to a common rosacea trigger: ultraviolet (UV) sun rays. This tea is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. According to a 2022 review, reducing the skin’s reaction to ultraviolet light was the only use of green tea in skin health that the available clinical evidence supported.
The research didn’t specifically highlight green tea in rosacea management. However, those for whom UV light sets off symptoms might find that green tea could have protective effects.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a powerful antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory, according to a 2024 review of studies on mice and cells.
People can apply it directly to the skin.
Choose a product that’s as close to 100% purity as possible, or source the gel directly from the fresh plant.
It’s a hearty source of plant compounds, vitamins, and minerals that has demonstrated potent effects on the symptoms of several skin conditions, including dermatitis, psoriasis, and burn wounds.
Licorice
Licorice extract is another potent anti-inflammatory for skin cells, according to the 2024 review above.
That’s because licorice root, or
glycyrrhiza glabra, is a long-term mainstay of alternative medicine due to its complex mixture of plant compounds and antioxidants like glycyrrhizin. The review found that a skin-applied gel that was 2% licorice reduced skin sensitivity, swelling, itchiness, and redness in people with
atopic dermatitis and that similar mechanisms could help reduce the same symptoms in people with rosacea.
This solely applies to gels that people apply to the skin.
The licorice that people eat in candies and lozenges may not provide the same benefits.
Chamomile
The Cleveland Clinic recommends applying cold chamomile tea bags to the affected area.
This may help to relieve symptoms like discomfort and itchiness when the skin may be more sensitive during rosacea
flare-ups. Plenty of skin care products have chamomile on the ingredient list, too.
This may be due to the anti-inflammatory properties of its active ingredients, including apigenin, bisabolol, chamazulene, and quercetin.
However, people with sensitive skin should be aware that chamomile can trigger allergic contact dermatitis, so medical experts advise caution.
2. Read Skin-Care Product Labels Carefully
There’s a big difference between what cosmetic manufacturers promise and what’s actually in the jar. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate these the way it does medications.
“There are no [government] guidelines for how much of a natural remedy must be in a cleanser or cream,” Schlessinger says.
Thornfeldt says it takes up to three weeks for natural remedies to noticeably reduce redness and other symptoms. The Cleveland Clinic also advises sticking to a regular routine and avoiding excessive experimentation or frequent product changes.
Rosacea Care When Using Cosmetics
Being careful about ingredients also applies to avoiding irritants and triggers in cosmetics. According to the National Rosacea Society, common rosacea irritants in cosmetics might include:
- Alcohol
- Witch hazel
- Fragrance
- Menthol
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus
They also suggest that some individuals with rosacea avoid exfoliators, astringents, and other products that might irritate sensitive skin.
3. Rule Out Food Allergies
Your dietary choices could trigger a flare-up. During an allergic reaction to food, blood vessels dilate or open widely, sending extra blood to the skin, which can lead to rosacea’s trademark redness.
“Corn, egg, and wheat allergies are common in people with rosacea,” says
Kimberly Wilson, NMD, naturopathic doctor and founder of the Innovations Wellness Center in Plano, Texas. The Cleveland Clinic also lists spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and hot beverages as potential triggers for rosacea flare-ups.
“The easiest way to tell if the flushing symptoms might be caused by dietary allergies or sensitivities is to eliminate these foods for 2 to 3 weeks and then gradually add them back one at a time to test for a possible reaction,” Dr. Wilson says.
Foods containing histamines might also be common triggers for rosacea flare-ups.
These might include:
- Cheeses
- Ciders
- Vinegar
- Some Asian foods
- Processed red meat, such as beef and pork
- Canned fish
People with rosacea can take an antihistamine around 2 hours before eating these foods, which may help to reduce their effects on rosacea symptoms.
4. Protect Yourself From the Sun
Sun protection plays a key role in reducing the risk of rosacea flare-ups. A National Rosacea Society survey named sun exposure as a top trigger, with 81 percent of respondents citing it as a common trigger.
The Cleveland Clinic recommends wearing sunscreen that boasts a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher every day. Yes, even on cloudy days.
And home remedies for rosacea also apply by the pool. People with rosacea needn’t miss out on glorious beach days, but they should be mindful to take the following precautions, per the National Rosacea Society:
- Apply roughly a shot glass of sunscreen (about 1 ounce) to cover the whole body.
- Put sunscreen on about 30 minutes before heading outside, giving it time to sink into the skin.
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours after sweating or swimming.
- Limit sun exposure when the sun is strongest, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
However, some sunscreens can irritate skin with rosacea.
Protective headwear, such as a wide-brimmed hat, might be a choice that risks fewer flares.
Some sunscreens are available that protect against both types of UV rays and which manufacturers have formulated especially for skin prone to redness.
These might also contain a tint that masks the redness a little and acts as a makeup primer, serving multiple purposes.
5. De-Stress
“Stress can exacerbate rosacea, so it’s important to learn to cope with stress constructively to minimize symptoms,” Thornfeldt says. “Often, the stress of feeling self-conscious about your rosacea symptoms will exacerbate them, causing a rosacea flare.”
Meditation, yoga, or even a few deep breaths can alleviate this tension and help you cope.
When you feel stressed, the National Rosacea Society suggests breathing exercises like the following:
- Take a deep breath to the count of 10.
- Breathe out slowly, also counting to 10.
- Repeat this until you feel calmer.
Or practice visualization: Close your eyes and picture a scene you love — a beach, picnic spot, your patio — and sit quietly for several minutes as you do so.
The Takeaway
If you struggle with rosacea, you know how frustrating the persistent redness and irritation can be. The good news is that natural remedies like tea tree oil, stress-reduction, and avoiding irritants may help ease your symptoms alongside traditional treatments. Remember, consistency is key: Stick to a regular routine to give these remedies time to work.
