Irritated and red skin, enlarged surface blood vessels and pimples on the skin can be a sign of rosacea. Rosacea is three times more common in women than in men and is mostly found in people over 30. Rosacea can also occur in the eyelids. Today, researchers believe that rosacea can be classified as an immune-mediated disease, as findings have shown that people with rosacea have a dysfunction of their immune system. As rosacea is a very complex skin condition, it is useful to approach it from a holistic perspective.
Rosacea is an immune-mediated skin problem
Those who suffer from rosacea have an increased activity of innate immune receptors (TLR2) in their skin. These receptors recognise gram-positive bacteria and alert the immune system to the presence of Bacillus oleronius, a bacteria carried by the sebaceous mite. This activates white blood cells to trigger a cytokine storm making the skin inflamed. The demotex mite is part of the normal human flora and, when the skin and immune system are in a normal state, does not cause any problems. So what puts the body in such a state that it interprets the mite and its bacteria as a threat?
Recent studies have linked rosacea to imbalances in the gut microbiota and hypersensitivity of the nervous system, among other things. Stress appears to be one of the main aggravating factors in rosacea. Therefore, exercises that activate the parasympathetic nervous system may alleviate the symptoms of rosacea, as well as other skin problems, through stimulation of the vagus nerve. Although the exact mechanism of rosacea is not yet fully understood, it seems that, in addition to intestinal problems, hormonal imbalances play a role in the onset of skin problems.
What can help?
When treating rosacea, it is important to identify it correctly. If rosacea is treated incorrectly, for example with cortisone creams, it will make the condition even worse.
Since it is known that certain strong stimulants make rosacea worse, it is of course advisable to avoid them. These include strong spices (such as chilli and garlic), alcohol, high sugar and white flour intake, citrus fruits, tomatoes, coffee, chocolate, smoking, temperature fluctuations and UV radiation.
UVB radiation has been suspected of causing rosacea irritation because it stimulates TLR receptors and, through vitamin D synthesis in the skin, the formation of a peptide called cathelicidin. Catelicidin is part of the skin's own defence mechanism to destroy pathogens. However, the mechanism is not yet fully understood and further research is needed. However, skin suffering from rosacea should always be protected from the sun.
The best outcome in the treatment of rosacea is achieved by combining stress management methods with the right kind of internal and external treatment. Positive results in the treatment of rosacea have been achieved with methods such as functional nutrition therapy, ayurveda, homeopathy and natural cosmetic products for sensitive skin.
Tips for rosacea skin:
♡ Eat foods that cool the body and reduce acidity, such as green vegetables, avocado, watermelon, cucumber, sweet apples and pears, coconut water, fennel seeds.
♡ You can also try herbs such as dandelion, nettle, chaste tree, shatavar, and Pascoe's acid mash powder or drinkable clay.
♡ Do not use harsh, exfoliating or over-activating skin care products. Instead, always go for products that soothe the skin. Try for example Moi Forest Baby Cream or Microbiome Magic Oil, which are very gentle products and suitable for sensitive skin. The forest dust® in these products soothes the skin along with other ingredients. Forest dust® also provides a soothing signal through the skin's immune receptors and can help to reduce inflammation in the skin.
♡ Avoid the sun and protect your skin with a natural sunscreen that has physical UV protection. Physical UV protection is non-irritating to rosacea skin, unlike chemical reactive UV sunscreens. If possible, also protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat, for example, and stay in the shade in sunny weather.
♡ Try to find a relaxing and calming breathing, meditation or yoga technique that feels right for you. You can also take a walk in the woods or do anything that lowers your stress levels.