Finding the Best Essential Oil for Rosacea
Rosacea is an incurable, chronic condition, but it's possible to manage with treatment and some lifestyle changes. Topical application of the best essential oil for rosacea helps alleviate the inflammation and discomfort associated with the condition.
To help you to find essential oils for rosacea treatment, we’ve researched the best essential oils for rosacea. And we’ve answered some of the more frequently asked questions about the condition.
More...
Treating Rosacea with Essential Oils
What are Essential Oils?
Ancient people knew the power of plants to heal human ailments and to lend comfort to those who were sick or in pain. Made from the aromatic extracts of leaves, stems, roots and flowers of plants known for their healing powers, knowledge of essential oils is thousands of years old.
Essential oils are popular replacements for pharmaceuticals since they have fewer side effects. In many instances, scientific research proves (2) what ancient people knew about these plants - they effectively reduce the symptoms of many chronic and acute disorders. Moreover, because of their low cost and availability, treating rosacea with essential oils is easier than ever before.
How to Use Essential Oils
While essential oils are useful substitutes for many medicines and help reduce the symptoms of many of ailments, they must be used with care. Below are some of the measures which should be taken when using essential oils for rosacea.
Essential Oils for Rosacea Treatment
So, what essential oils are good for rosacea? Well, there is little research into the use of essential oils to treat rosacea symptoms. However we can draw some conclusions from their effective use for other skin disorders such as acne and eczema.
Frankincense for Rosacea
Frankincense, otherwise known as olibanum, is made from tree resin and is believed to reduce stress. Valued since ancient times for its healing and cosmetic properties, frankincense is appreciated for its enchanting, sweet, and woody fragrance. Moreover, it makes a lovely aromatic bath oil.
Diffused or vaporized, frankincense oil for rosacea reduces the stress and anxiety which triggers rosacea symptoms.
Frankincense is rich in terpenes which have anti-inflammatory properties and credited with reducing scarring and eczema. This popular essential oil is known for its ability to improve skin condition.
Our Choice: MAJESTIC PURE Frankincense Essential Oil
photo by by rod waddington
Tea Tree Oil for Rosacea
Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the Melaleuca Alternifolia species which grows in Australia. For centuries Australia’s indigenous people used the plant for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities.
While research proves what the ancients knew to be true (3) there's little scientific research into the effectiveness of tea tree oil in treating the symptoms of rosacea.
The Rosacea Society, however, claim that it helps to alleviate the itch (4). This versatile herb alleviates the redness and inflammation associated with other skin conditions such as acne.
Tea tree oil is a potent essential oil that can irritate your skin. When considering how to dilute tea tree oil for rosacea, use caution and always mix it with the best carrier oil for rosacea.
Our Choice: Handcraft Tea Tree Essential Oil
photo by by john tann
Rosehip Oil for Rosacea
Rosehip oil is used in many cosmetic and skin care products as it contains anti-oxidants, vitamin A and vitamin E, as well as some essential fatty acids.
Consequently it's used in combatting fine lines, scars, and skin allergies. Research shows that rosehip oil is effective in reducing inflammation in the skin (5).
Like other essential oils rosehip must be diluted with another carrier oil. Choose one of the best carrier oils for rosacea and you’ll quickly calm the symptoms.
Our Choice: Radha Beauty USDA Certified Organic Rosehip Oil
photo by františek dudek
Lavender Oil for Rosacea
A favorite essential oil, lavender oil has been used in cosmetics for hundreds of years. It comes from the flowers of the lavender tree. Firstly, lavender is an anti-inflammatory, lessening redness and irritation. This makes it a great choice for alleviating the symptoms of rosacea.
Secondly, lavender oil's anti-bacterial properties help calm acne outbreaks. Using lavender oil for rosacea helps to relieve the dry and flaky skin that is so often a common symptom.
Our Choice: Plant Therapy Lavender Essential Oil
photo by sharon mccutcheon
Rosacea – Causes and Symptoms
Millions of people around the world suffer from rosacea (1), and yet little is known about what causes it. The first symptoms of rosacea often appear in the teens or early twenties. In the early stages, symptoms are typically mild, but they progress with age, which is why many people afflicted with rosacea are only diagnosed in later years.
Causes of Rosacea
The causes of rosacea are not well-understood. Rosacea has unfortunately and unjustifiably developed a reputation as a symptom of over indulgence in alcohol. However, diet seems to affect rosacea symptoms, and substances like alcohol and gluten may trigger outbreaks.
There appears to be a connection between the underlying blood system to the face, and people prone to the condition are often quick to blush. This later develops into a more permanent redness of the facial skin. Here is what is known about the causes of rosacea:
Symptoms of Rosacea
The symptoms of rosacea vary from person to person and from time to time. Similarly, as the severity of the condition differs depending on internal and external conditions. Symptoms include (7)
Rosacea can affect the eyes. This is known as ocular Rosacea. Nearly fifty percent of patients have problems with their eyes. The symptoms include:
Living with Rosacea
The symptoms of Rosacea may come and go. Lifestyles changes and medical treatment help alleviate the symptoms.
Treatment
Rosacea is an incurable, chronic condition but it's possible to manage the symptoms. Since each person with rosacea is affected differently, the treatment may be tailored to the individual. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics in either oral or topical form, as this has been found to help in the alleviation of symptoms.
Laser treatment can reduce the appearance of visible blood vessels. Coarse, thick skin is dealt with through microdermabrasion. Dermatologists are trained to perform these treatments.
If you have rosacea, keep a diary of the conditions which trigger flare-ups of the symptoms. Doing so will help you to understand the causes so that you can avoid them and, in this way, manage the symptoms.
Avoid the triggers that cause flare-ups
Lifestyle changes can help you to reduce the flare-ups (8)
Rosacea and Essential Oils
No one likes to hear that they have a condition which is incurable and at best managed. Armed with information on how to avoid the triggers which aggravate the symptoms of rosacea and the best essential oils for rosacea treatment, you’ll feel a lot more confident and able to manage and alleviate the symptoms of rosacea as they occur.
