Natural Rosacea Treatments & Rosacea Diet

"The significant problems we face can not be solved by the same thinking that created them".

Dr. Albert Einstein

Dr. Albert Einstein's above quote is very applicable to rosacea and other skin problems in addition to many problems of life. We use Dr. Einstein's quote above to inform you that: "The problems of rosacea, acne, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis that we face can not be solved by the same thinking that created them. We can change various 'learned methods' and improve our appearance, emotions, thinking, personality and overall body and mental health which improves our lives in many ways". The successful treatment of rosacea involves many aspects of skin care and total health care. Anything that creates changes in the body or in the facial skin can have an impact rosacea and its treatment. Rosacea is a complex interaction involving several factors and/or conditions. Changing those factors which contribute to your rosacea, may be the key to controlling or even curing your rosacea. Balancing your 'rosacea triggers' which in the past have influenced your rosacea will help to control or manage your rosacea in an equally short time.

It is important to treat rosacea in as many ways as possible. In searching for a customized rosacea treatment plan, some may consider the concept of an alternative rosacea medicine or a natural rosacea treatment. An essential method to improve rosacea can be found in basic lifestyle changes. A rosacea sufferer can still enjoy the same lifestyles while reducing their level of stress, reducing weight while improving muscle tone, and still experience a much greater degree of rosacea clearing. While you try to treat the symptoms of the rosacea skin disorder that are most visible and distressing, you can easily treat the cause of rosacea once you understand it.

When addressing of the causes of rosacea it can be valuable use as many ways of curing rosacea as possible. Hippocrates said, "First of all, do no harm," referring to doctors systemic treatment of the entire body. A treatment derivative could be 'not to cause harm' to the body with our foods, drinks, sunlight, stress from work or lack of sleep, etc.

Explained below are many factors which contribute to and aggravate rosacea. As you study them you will find easy simple ways to limit or eliminate a source that may play a part of your rosacea skin problems. Finding your 'rosacea triggers' will help to manage your rosacea in a natural and easy way.

1. Apply Jojoba Oil as the 'perfect moisturizer' - No other moisturizer is needed.

An excellent moisturizer can be most helpful in protecting the skin from dryness. We suggest 100% pure Jojoba oil with no preservatives which normally can be found at GNC stores in the United States and Canada and can be purchased in most health stores throughout the world.

The importance of Jojoba oil derives from its similarity to the natural restorative oil produced by the sebaceous glands in the dermal layers of the skin. Jojoba oil is non-allergenic and will not clog the pores. While we highly recommend Jojoba Oil, in the event that one can not find it, then use Safflower Oil found in most grocery stores. Purchase the smallest bottle as possible as it does go rancid (stale or decomposes)within a month or so as bacteria enters the bottle. True, your petroleum based moisturizer oils do 'not' go rancid or stale as they are not natural and do naturally do not give good results but are part of the problem. Both Jojoba oil and Safflower oil are pure oranic oils that are the most like natural humban body oil and are very inexpensive. The sensitive or damaged rosacea skin needs small concentrations of Jojoba oil (or Safflower Oil) for the following reasons:

1. To help reverse damage to the epidermis caused in the past by harsh soaps, facial washes, and rosacea topical medications.
2. To help replace moisture lost from the use of facial washes as well as sun, wind and dry weather.
3. To help enhance skin healing (cell division and growth) within the middle layer of the epidermis.
4. To help penetration of topical Rosacea-Ltd III through the epidermis.
5. To help normalize the production of prostaglandins in the dermis of the skin. Prostaglandins work as anti-inflammatory substances.

After washing the face with one of the four recommended soaps (see # 7 below), place one drop of Jojoba oil in your wet hands. Rub the hands together so that the one drop is equally divided or dispersed over both hands. Apply the oil equally to both sides of the face while the facial skin is 100% wet. After application of Jojoba oil, apply Rosacea-Ltd III according to the instructions that you receive from us with your Rosacea-Ltd III Order.

For those rosacea patients with dry skin or for women who need a moisturizer before applying their make-up, we recommend another drop of Jojoba oil approximately 2 minutes after the application of Rosacea-Ltd. And for those with extremely dry or damaged skin, apply two or three drops of Jojoba Oil before the application of Rosacea-Ltd III.

2. Drink Alkaline Water

The very smallest person with rosacea should drink at least ten glasses of alkaline water per day to help neutralize the acids that cause your rosacea flushing. It is important to remember to drink water throughout the day even if you do not "feel" thirsty. You should drink considerably more water if you are working outside, playing a sport, or doing anything physically taxing. You should also drink more if you live in a dry climate or have a higher metabolism, anxiety, or stress. Water is needed for skin tissue repair as well as nearly every body process including efficient digestion, absorption, circulation and secretion. Water carries vital nutrients to the skin and all body cells and removes waste.

Professional models, who are usually between 17 and 29, drink an average of 12 glasses a day and weigh about 105-130 pounds. This not only helps them stay thin because they are drinking instead of eating, but also helps them keep their skin moist and beautiful the "natural way." Most of us are above 130 pounds and need much more water than a smaller model. Christie Brinkley, a very well-known and attractive 54 year old model born February 2, 1954 with three children still looks great as she continually consumes 12-16 glasses of water per day. See her by placing your own search into your favorite search engine such as Google. Everyone can improve their skin by simply drinking the proper amount of 'alkaline' water for their lifestyle, size, humidity environment, exercise, etc. requirements.

There are a many benefits of water for cooling especially during exercise and for aiding in metabolic waste and lactic acid build up during exercise to prevent the skin from becoming red. Water is absolutely necessary for strong, flexible plasma membranes of all cells to enable the skin cell regeneration.

3. Avoid Stimulants

Stimulants such as coffee, tea, alcohol, cigarettes, and excessive sugar from sweets and soda are highly acidic and throw your body off-balance. They are also vascular dilators, which can directly cause facial flushing. Any chemical powerful enough to "wake you up" in the morning is obviously causing drastic changes in your body. Sufferers of rosacea need the opposite of these acidic stimulants. A good alkaline "rosacea diet" will help to buffer or neutralize the harmful effects of stimulants.

4. Avoid Steroids

"Never, never, never, ever prescribe steroids for rosacea" Dr. Kligman (Dermatology-University of Philadelphia) & Dr. Plewig (Dermatologische Klinik Und Poliklinik der Universitat Munchen, Germany) state in their 1973 book, entitled Acne & Rosacea, First edition. Likewise, their second edition in 1993 harshly criticizes dermatologists that prescribe steroids for rosacea.

(more about steroids)

5. Reduce or Eliminate Alcohol Consumption

It's best to avoid alcohol or at least minimize alcohol intake. Alcohol is a diuretic; that is, it pushes water out of body cells, causing increased urine production resulting in dehydration. Dehydration causes the skin's pores to shrink, making them more prone to clogging. Also, alcohol inhibits sleep, causing more fatigue and stress, which leads to more rosacea symptoms. A rosacea sufferer who drinks alcohol should follow it with plenty of water to hydrate the body and prevent rosacea flare-ups.

6. Avoid Hot Baths

Hot baths should be avoided, as should very cold water on the affected areas. To prevent vascular dilation, use warm water well below 98.5 degrees on the affected areas so as not to redden the face more. Scrubbing and abrasives should be avoided, as they irritate the skin, which should be left intact as a natural barrier against bacteria. Also, try to take a short bath of approximately five minutes and minimize facial washing.

Change wash-cloths and body towels after each use. They are a great place for adult acne-causing bacteria to grow and be reapplied to the skin later. Wash facial wash cloths, pillow covers, and personal undergarments daily with Clorox to decrease rosacea-related bacterial growth. Change clothes and sheets frequently.

7. Use Gentle Soaps

Many soaps and cleansers are too harsh on the skin and can contain fragrances that irritate and inflame your rosacea. We find that Cetaphil® "moisturizing gentle cleansing bar for dry, sensitive skin" (please do not purchase the other two Cetaphil soaps as they are too harsh for rosacea skin) has provided the best results for acne and rosacea-affected skin and can be purchased through out the world and can be purchased in U.S. drugstores such as Walgreens, CVS, Walmart and in pharmacies internationally that also have Metrogel or Rozex which are products for rosacea that are also manufactured by Galderma Laboratories. Also Cetaphil can be purchased at Amazon.com and drugstore.com if your local efforts have not been productive. Other good soaps include Neutrogena "dry skin formula," Dove bar soap, and Noxzema shaving cream for sensitive skin that can be found in most grocery stores as well as most pharmacies.

8. Food Allergy Flushing

In our experience, many patients with rosacea have other symptoms that suggest the diagnosis of food allergy. Food allergies are always caused by acidic foods and acidic drinks. A red nose, cheeks and red ears act like warning lights that turn on when a food reaction starts. Often, it is the symptoms of food allergy that motivate people to start diet revision (rosacea diet), and an improvement in their rosacea condition is noted along with improvement in other symptoms such as gastrointentestinal disturbances, migraine headache, sinusitis, and fatigue. Foods that are hot (either spicy or thermally) are often the culprit.

(more about food allergies)

9. Facial Exercise

The Sobye's Massage or 'non surgical face lift' is very useful as the face has many muscles which hold tension in many different ways for different purposes. If the muscles are not toned by exercise, the face will sag and portray an older look. Facial muscles don't all attach directly to bone like they do in the rest of the body. Instead, many of them attach under the skin. This allows you to contract your facial muscles in the smallest amount and make dozens of different kinds of faces as you have noticed in your past photos of the slightest 'time difference' in photo shots. If all the muscles are toned the face will have a natural 'face lift', the skin will be smoother and younger looking and the general appearance will be brighter and more pleasant. Frown lines are caused when we hold tension too long and too often; however when your face relaxes deeply the muscles relax giving the skin of the red rosacea face a chance to smooth out and allows the restricted blood to 'flow out' resulting in a very useful function for the rosacea sufferer.

The Sobye massage is accomplished in three different ways as follows: 1) is to awaken the skin in the morning or upon arising by "rotating the fingertips on the skin" by holding the finger tips in one place and moving the hand for 10 to 15 seconds or more depending on the person's tolerance, 2) exercising the facial muscles by making many different facial expressions or exercises or contortions of "smiling, frowning, moving the facial muscles UP and DOWN and LEFT and RIGHT and a variety of exercises that you can choose from as to your personal choice and to those that could be watching you, and 3) the use of a washcloth and soap which additionally cleans the skin as 82% of rosacea sufferers have both rosacea and acne. The goal is to relax all of the muscles of your face while encouraging better circulation into the skin of the face and for proper exiting through the veins. Thinking of positive things and smiling is relaxing and moves the brain out of the sympathetic nervous system mode of "flight or flight".

10. Exercise for Stress Reduction

Aerobic exercise is a great way to alkalize your body by replacing carbon dioxide with oxygen. However, any exercise should be moderated to prevent a build-up of lactic acid, an acidic byproduct of muscle activity. When your muscles begin to "burn," you know that lactic acid is building up. If you exercise regularly, try to break up your sessions for a maximum of thirty minutes at a time and remember to drink more water on days you are exercising. Otherwise, fifteen minutes of aerobic exercise each day would be a good start.

(more about exercise)

11. Avoid Astringent Soaps

Astringent soaps and any astringent agents that shrink the skin pores such as witch hazel, alum, oatmeal, very cold water, and rubbing alcohol should be avoided, as they shrink pores, trapping more body oils in the skin.

12. Quit Smoking

Please do not smoke or "please stop smoking" as soon as you can slowly reduce your dependence on smoking. It is very addictive and very acidic causing more rosacea problems as well as the great potential of lung cancer. Smoking research has shown that smoking is very detrimental to the skin and overall health as it shortens the body of oxygen which is alkaline. You already know what happens when the body and brain do not get sufficient oxygen; if in doubt, hold your breath for 45 seconds while in front of a mirror, and observe how pink you become before you pass out due to the acidic build up of carbon dioxide. As smoking causes the body and brain to be more acidic while living tissue needs to be alkaline, skin cell regeneration is slowed down tremendously.

13. Manage Body Weight

Keep body weight as close to that prescribed for your age, height, frame size, and gender as possible. An overweight body puts a heavier load on the cardiovascular system which results in an increase in rosacea-related vascular dilation, facial blushing and redness. A few thoughts on positive rosacea control, weight loss control, as well as mental hygiene is to think the following LIFESTYLE CREED: "I make time for myself each day, making sure that I identify and meet my personal needs. After unexpected setbacks, I bounce back quickly to my healthful routines, I am patient with my rate of weight loss and I am motivated to continue healthful habits no matter how much I lose each week. As I evaluate my progress each day with a daily diary of foods, water and other fluids, stress, allergy conditions, and sun exposure, I notice if my habits start to slip, and I take immediate action to get back on track. I take full responsibility for my health, fitness, and overall well-being and realize it is up to me and no one can do it for me. As I work out regularly and moderately in a cool exercise area while well hydrated, I reap the benefits of a slimmer, healthier body. My self-talk is positive, kind, gentle, and loving. My drive to reach and maintain my goals is inextinguishable. As I am in control of my meal plan, stress plan, and life plan as an adult, I know that I may choose to have and do whatever I wish as that will be responsible as the adult that I am. I courageously follow the path of change even in the face of new obstacles and new challenges". Eat three small meals rather than one big meal to help prevent rosacea flare-ups. Also graze between meals to keep the blood sugar level up. However. always consider calorie intake and weight control.

Be sure to balance your nutrition even if you are reducing your calorie intake. Many people are particularly deficient in the beneficial polyunsaturated fats provided by seafood, such as Omega-3 DHA.

14. Sleep

Always sleep at least 8 hours per night to prevent the body from being stressed. Some immune system protective functions do not even engage until one has had 7 or more hours of continuous sleep. Chronic sleep deprivation takes a toll on immune surveillance.

(more about curing insomnia)

15.Avoid Stress

Stress can be anything that disrupts your body's natural balance. Typically, we think of stress as a reaction to a perceived threat. The pulse rises, the muscles tense, and the immune system begins to shut down as the body prepares for "fight or flight." Many rosacea sufferers notice a flushing of the face as adrenal acid is added to the body system, but the harmful effects of stress go far beyond a red face. Those who can not relieve stress as needed may also experience fatigue, upset stomach, and frequent headaches. These symptoms get much worse over time if the body stays in a stressful state.

(more about stress management)

16. Avoid Sun Overexposure

Avoid the sun whenever possible. Though sunlight is important for production of Vitamin D, most of us receive a healthy amount of sunlight in our daily chores. There are many harmful effects of sun overexposure, and be aware that some drugs will increase sun sensitivity. Particularly, sunlight can be a factor in ocular rosacea.

(more about sun overexposure)

Good health for your skin as well as your entire body may require a permanent lifestyle change that will reward you with a longer life and more beautiful skin to wear during those extra years.