Rosacea is a prevalent skin problem that affects both men and women [1].
It is one of the most common reasons for visiting dermatologists [2].
This skin infection often caused by Demodex folliculorum or Helicobacter pylori is characterized by facial redness and formation of “pus-filled bumps” [2, 3].
Apart from avoiding known triggers, it also helps to make use of essential oils for rosacea that can tone down inflammation and redness of the skin.
1. Lavender Oil
One of the most popular oils used in aromatherapy is lavender oil.
Its vast array of health benefits include relieving pain, inducing relaxation, treating respiratory ailments, boosting blood circulation, and alleviating tension.
Traditional healers prescribe this as remedy for a long list of ailments.
This oil is also listed as one of the “most useful and frequently used herbal compounds” for treating rosacea along with chamomile, tea tree oil and so on [4].
Oil extracted from this medicinal plant has been proven in research to have strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties [5].
It doesn’t only tone down inflammation, but also provides pain relief to make you feel more comfortable.
These effects and the fact that it’s one of the mildest essential oils to use for healing of wounds and skin lesions make it ideal as a remedy for inflammatory skin diseases like rosacea [6].
What You’ll Need:
- 4 drops of lavender oil
- 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil
- 1/4 teaspoon of aloe vera gel
Recommended Directions:
- Mix the oils and aloe vera gel.
- Put mixture in a glass jar.
- Apply on affected areas of the skin.
- Put it on lightly, do not rub.
- Repeat procedure three times a day for one week.
- The week after, reduce frequency to two times a day.
- Then the week after, apply only once a day.
2. Chamomile Oil
Like lavender oil, chamomile is also highly prized for its medicinal value.
Since the ancient times, solutions prepared from chamomile extract have been used to treat rheumatic pain, hay fever, muscle spasms, gastrointestinal problems, and many other ailments [7].
Most of its pharmacological effects are due to the presence of flavonoids and terpenoids [7].
This herbal remedy is also said to be effective in relieving inflammation, which is why it is often recommended for people who have rosacea [7].
Clinical data from a 2009 study conducted in Cleveland, USA reported that chamomile works in a similar way as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications [8].
What it does is inhibit the release of inflammatory enzymes in the body [8].
Aside from rosacea, chamomile oil is also prescribed for other inflammatory diseases affecting the skin [8].
What You’ll Need:
- 5 drops of chamomile oil
- 2 drops of lavender oil
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Recommended Directions:
- Combine all the oils.
- Store in an airtight glass jar.
- Apply a thin layer of the oil mixture on inflamed skin.
- Do this procedure three times a day for the first week.
- On the second week, apply twice a day.
- On the third week, use only once a day.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Folk healers who use tea tree oil as medicine were aware of its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties [9, 10].
All these mechanisms make tea tree oil an excellent remedy for rosacea.
The specific mechanisms by which these properties work have been the subject of investigation of many scientists.
They discovered that tea tree oil reduces inflammation by inhibiting the body’s inflammatory response [11].
That’s not all, it also gets to the root of the problem as its active compound terpinen-4-ol can destroy demodex mites that cause this skin infection [11].
Most people who use this oil on their skin report of soothing effects but it’s important to remember that tea tree oil should be diluted first so as not to cause skin irritation.
What You’ll Need:
- 20 drops of tea tree oil
- 2 tablespoons of sweet almond oil
Recommended Directions:
- Mix the two oils in a bowl.
- Transfer solution to a glass jar.
- Apply mixture two times a day on reddened skin after bathing or washing the face.
4. Geranium Oil
Another important herbal extract in the world of traditional medicine is geranium oil.
It has been widely used in Iran and in many parts of the world for its pharmacological effects as an anti-influenza, antimicrobial, anticancer and antifungal agent [12].
With all that it could do for people’s health, it’s no wonder that it has been recognized as top remedy for all sorts of ailments.
If you’re suffering from rosacea, and would want to put an end to this problem, you can try and use this oil.
With its monoterpenes, geranium oil is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent, which is why it’s also a reliable solution for facial redness and irritation [13].
What You’ll Need:
- 15 drops of geranium oil
- 5 drops of lavender oil
- 1 tablespoon of emulsifying wax
- 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil
- 1/3 cup of calendula hydrosol
- 1/3 cup of apricot oil
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable glycerin
Recommended Directions:
- Put emulsifying wax, glycerin and apricot oil in a double boiler.
- Put it on low heat.
- Wait until the wax melts.
- Add vitamin E oil.
- Remove from heat.
- In a separate pan, heat hydrosol.
- Add the hydrosol to the mixture.
- Add the geranium and lavender oils.
- Let the facial cream cool.
- Transfer to a clean container.
- Apply on the face once a day.
5. Sandalwood Oil
Sandalwood oil, which is extracted from a tree native to Southern India, has a strong sweet smell that has made it a popular ingredient in the perfume industry [14].
There’s more to sandalwood oil than simply making you smell more fragrant.
It can also work wonders for your health.
Did you know that this oil was also frequently used in traditional medicine for it possesses potent antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities [15]?
Many traditional medicine practitioners trust its therapeutic ability to treat infections, inflammatory diseases and skin disorders.
In a study published in the International Journal of Beauty Cultural Arts, several university students with facial redness or skin sensitivity were given either jojoba oil or a combination of jojoba oil and sandalwood oil [16].
Both solutions were used to carry out a manual lymph drainage [16].
In the findings, it was shown that sandalwood had an “excellent effect on the skin”, maintaining proper levels of sebum, and improving moisture level [16].
Researchers conclude that sandalwood is a mild, safe and effective treatment for facial skin conditions associated with redness and sensitivity like rosacea [16].
What You’ll Need:
- 18 drops of sandalwood oil
- 1 ounce of apple cider vinegar
Recommended Directions:
- Combine oil and vinegar
- Put mixture in a spray bottle.
- Spritz on your face once a day.
6. Rose Oil
When you think about rose oil and its enticing smell, you immediately picture a scenery of relaxation.
That’s because this oil is most famous for its anxiolytic or anxiety-reducing effects.
This oil, which is extracted from the petals of rose, has also been used for inflammation [17].
In Iran, it has always been one of the leading choices when it comes to treating a wide range of inflammatory diseases [17].
Scientists have investigated and proven rose oil’s efficacy as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic substance [17].
It not only reduces swelling of the skin but also brings soothing comfort and pain reduction to make you feel better.
It’s for these reasons that this oil is often used as a solution for rosacea symptoms such as facial redness and inflammation.
What You’ll Need:
- 7 drops of rose oil
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Recommended Directions:
- Dilute rose oil in olive oil.
- Spread a thin layer of the oil mixture on your face
- Repeat everyday after bathing.
7. Helichrysum Oil
There are many things about helichrysum oil that we don’t know about.
It’s probably because it doesn’t share the same level of fame as tea tree oil or lavender.
However, it also possesses pharmacological properties that make this oil highly useful in treating many ailments.
This oil, which is derived from a shrub that grows in the dry and sandy places in Mediterranean countries, has been confirmed to have anti-allergenic and antibacterial mechanisms [18].
It is also a strong anti-inflammatory agent [19, 20].
More people should rely on it for the treatment of diseases that cause skin inflammation like rosacea.
It won’t only tone down swelling and irritation, it will also control pathogenic bacteria to prevent any infection.
What You’ll Need:
- 5 drops of helichrysum oil
- 1 tablespoon of almond oil
Recommended Directions:
- Mix the oils and put in a jar.
- Apply mixture at night before going to bed.
8. Evening Primrose Oil
You may not always find evening primrose oil on the lists of natural remedies for common ailments but for rosacea, it can work wonders in toning down redness and inflammation.
That’s because this oil contains fatty acids like EPA, DHA and GLA that has been linked to alleviation of irritated skin [21].
These fatty acids appear to have soothing effects on the skin, reducing inflammation and irritation.
Anecdotal reports also show that evening primrose oil is effective in controlling the body’s inflammatory response [21, 22].
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon of almond oil
- 5 drops of evening primrose oil
Recommended Directions:
- Add evening primrose oil to almond oil.
- Apply lightly on your skin.
- Repeat remedy every night before sleeping.
9. Neroli Oil
Another oil that shows great potential in treating inflammatory diseases is neroli oil.
Active compounds in neroli oil such as apigenin have been proven to be effective in reducing inflammation without any side effects [23].
Other studies also vouch for neroli oil’s ability to tone down inflammation, and how it can be a viable solution for various diseases [24, 25].
Korean researchers explain that this oil works by inhibiting the activities of pro-inflammatory mediators such as cytokines [24].
The flavonoids and phenolic compounds in this oil are said to be responsible for these actions [24].
All these clinical data can back up the claims that this oil is a potential treatment for rosacea and its symptoms.
What You’ll Need:
- 10 drops of neroli oil
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Recommended Directions:
- Dilute neroli oil in olive oil.
- Put mixture in a glass jar with lid.
- Apply solution on the face.
- Do not rub.
- Do this everyday when you wake up in the morning.
10. Borage Oil
Have you ever tried using borage oil for treating any type of skin problem?
If yes, then you can probably attest to its efficacy and tolerability.
This underrated essential oil should be recognized more of its medicinal value.
Plants like borage have always been an excellent source of medications that are safe and effective that 80 percent of the world’s population still rely on them up to now [26].
For rosacea, borage oil is one of the credible natural treatment methods that you can try.
Borage oil is packed with terpenoids, which can help manage inflammatory diseases efficiently [27].
What You’ll Need:
- 5 drops of borage oil
- 2 drops of chamomile oil
- 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil
Recommended Directions:
- Mix all the ingredients.
- Apply mixture lightly on inflamed skin.
- Follow this remedy everyday after taking a bath.
11. Eucalyptus Oil
One of the remedies recommended for skin irritation is eucalyptus oil [28].
This oil is known to have soothing and cooling effects when applied on the skin.
When you’re having rosacea flare-ups, you can try to apply a diluted solution of eucalyptus oil on your skin to alleviate the redness and inflammation.
Several studies point out that eucalyptus is a potent anti-inflammatory agent [29, 30, 31].
It has also been observed to have analgesic properties, reports a 2003 study [30].
This was proven in an animal study performed by researchers from Brazil [30].
What You’ll Need:
- 5 drops of eucalyptus oil
- 2 drops of lavender oil
- 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil
Recommended Directions:
- Put all the oils in a bowl.
- Mix well.
- Wash your face with a mild cleanser.
- Apply oil blend lightly on inflamed skin using a cotton ball.
- Do this three to four times a week.
12. Thyme Oil
For those distraught of rosacea, thyme oil can come to your rescue.
This oil, which is widely used for many ailments including skin related problems, can also be used to ameliorate facial swelling and redness.
Its efficacy as an anti-inflammatory has been reported in various studies [32, 33, 34, 35].
The ability of thyme oil to reduce inflammation can be attributed to its main active compound called thymol [35].
Its other compounds like ursolic and oleanolic acids also contribute to this action [34].
It works almost as well as indomethacin, a drug commonly prescribed for inflammatory diseases [34].
What You’ll Need:
- 3 drops of thyme oil
- 2 drops of chamomile oil
- 1 teaspoon of almond oil
Recommended Directions:
- Combine thyme, chamomile and almond oils.
- Spread a thin layer of oil on your skin.
- Do this technique after taking a bath everyday.
Rosacea can definitely affect your self-esteem and well-being.
Having red and inflamed skin can make you feel self-conscious and embarrassed all the time.
It might even make you want to cover up your face and skin.
So this need not happen, manage this condition more effectively with the use of these safe and proven essential oils.
Make sure that you follow all the instructions for preparation and application carefully.
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