Overview
Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that redness and noticeable blood vessels on your face. It affects mostly middle-aged women with light skin and tends to get worse with age.
Rosacea symptoms can include small red bumps, “spider veins” on the face (broken blood vessels), inflamed skin, pain and discomfort, sensitive skin that’s highly reactive to sun exposure, and reactivity skincare products, and itchy or scaly skin.
Rosacea flare-ups can be caused by chronic and unmanaged stress and anxiety, alcohol consumption, and excessive heat.
Some experts believe that rosacea is caused by Demodex mites, which live on or near the hair follicles. (According to research, the root cause of rosacea is still not certain.)
What can you do if you have rosacea and want to treat it naturally?
Essential oils and aromatherapy may help.
Essential Oils As Natural Remedies
Essential oils (EOs) are highly concentrated plant extracts containing active chemicals that can help skin heal while improving health.
Many EOs are used as natural treatments and home remedies for a variety of skin conditions like:
- Soothing eczema
- Psoriasis relief
- Shingles
- Treating warts
- Healing bug bites
- Helping sunburns and skin burns
- General skin care
- Anti-aging skincare
- Acne-prone skincare (pimples, breakouts, etc.)
Thanks to their antibacterial, antiseptic, pain-relieving, and anti-inflammatory properties, the following EOs may be an effective rosacea treatment option.
The Best Essential Oils For Rosacea & Skin Problems
Tea tree oil
Tea tree is a strong antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal.
It’s known to help alleviate various skin symptoms, including rosacea. The community forum of the National Rosacea Society features several commentators sharing how effective tea tree oil was for their symptoms.
Studies indicate that Terpinene-4-ol, the most active ingredient in tea tree oil, may effectively exterminate Demodex mites. (1)
Helichrysum oil
Also known as Immortelle, this oil is an effective anti-inflammatory and wound healer.
It’s also a powerful antimicrobial agent, which can help keep skin clean and glowing.
Lavender oil
Lavender essential oil has soothing and calming effects on the skin. It’s also highly anti-inflammatory and can speed up wound and skin healing. Lavender is typically safe for sensitive skin types.
Roman chamomile oil
It helps nourish dry skin and is sensitive enough for all skin types.
Roman chamomile is also anti-inflammatory and can support skin healing.
Geranium oil
This oil is antioxidant-rich and also acts as an astringent toner on the skin. Astringents make your skin contract to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and skin tone can improve.
Other oils that may be effective for rosacea and other skin conditions are:
How To Use Essential Oils For Rosacea
Always dilute your essential oils in a carrier oil like coconut oil or avocado oil.
Stick to 2-3 drops of EO per 1 teaspoon of carrier.
Add rosehip oil and Vitamin E oil with your carrier oil for an extra dose of moisturizing fatty acids. (See the skincare recipes below for more.)
2 DIY Essential Oil Blends For Rosacea & Healthy Skin
Complexion RX Astringent
An astringent helps oily and acne-prone skin by reducing excess oil production, shrink pores, unclogging pores, and cleansing the skin.
What you’ll need:
- A medium-sized dark glass bottle with an airtight lid for storage (A spray topper is preferable)
- ¼ cup of distilled water
- ¼ cup witch hazel
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup aloe vera juice
- 7 drops lavender oil
- 7 drops tea tree oil
- 7 drops frankincense oil
- 3 drops clary sage oil
- 3 drops lemon oil
Mix all the ingredients and place them in the bottle.
Keep in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight.
Apply after your face wash/cleanser.
Use a cotton ball and apply generously to your entire face and neck.
Allow it to dry thoroughly.
Proceed to apply your serums and moisturizer afterward.
Discontinue use immediately if you experience an adverse reaction.
Daily Face Oil
Fill a small dark glass bottle with a dropper top:
- 10 drops of Frankincense essential oil
- 10 drops of Lavender essential oil
- 10 drops of Geranium essential oil
- 10 drops of Ylang ylang essential oil
- 10 drops of Roman chamomile oil
- 2 tablespoons argan oil
- 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil
- 2 tablespoons of fractionated coconut oil
- 2 tablespoon of vitamin E oil
For best results apply the astringent first to clean, freshly washed skin.
Apply any serums or moisturizing lotions, and then apply the face oil last.
Use daily – morning and night.
Safety Concerns
EOs are highly concentrated and potent.
A little goes a long way.
Always dilute them before applying directly to your skin.
Be mindful of phototoxic oils like lemon, grapefruit, and orange.
Use them with care and caution because you may experience an allergic reaction or irritation if you’re exposed to the sun.
If you experience an adverse reaction, discontinue use immediately.
To be on the safe side, perform a patch test on your arm before applying the oils to your face.
If you do not react after 24 hours, then proceed.
Check the contraindications for each oil you’ll use as some oils aren’t suitable for babies, young children, or pregnant women.
Always choose certified organic, 100%, therapeutic grade oils to avoid adulterated products or exposure to harmful chemicals.
Consult with your dermatologist before using any essential oils for rosacea.
REFERENCES
:
(1) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259355849_Terpinen-4-ol_is_the_Most_Active_Ingredient_of_Tea_Tree_Oil_to_Kill_Demodex_Mites
