Rosacea is a skin condition that causes chronic redness in the face.  It appears as if the person is blushing or is flushed, predominately on the cheeks, chin, nose, and forehead.  Rosacea can also cause small, red pus-filled pumps to form on the skin.  The condition is considered to be a disease due to the constant impairment of the blood vessels that cause the redness to reoccur and the longevity of the symptoms.  Rosacea has four sub-types, which are classified by the symptoms.  Both Erythematotelangiectatic and Papulopustular Rosacea present symptoms of redness in the skin and visible blood vessels.  Papulopustular Rosacea can also cause the skin to swell and develop pumps.  Phymatous Rosacea can also cause the redness to occur, but this type of Rosacea often changes the texture of the skin.  The skin tends to thicken and have a bumpy texture.  Ocular Rosacea affects the eyes, causing redness and irritation to the eye itself and the skin around it.  This type of Rosacea can also cause the eyelids to swell and lead to other complications like Conjunctivitis.  Some experience a combination of the different types of Rosacea.  It’s not curable, but it is controllable.  When the condition is not addressed or treated it can become worse over time.  Rosacea can affect anyone at any age, however, it commonly affects middle-aged, fair-skinned women.  

A lot of fair-skinned people tend to blush or experience redness in the face.  When redness in the skin is persistent, concentrated in one area, and blood vessels are more apparent to the eye, it’s typically a sign of Rosacea.  The symptoms of Rosacea are not just visible; the signs can also be sensations that some may experience.  All of the signs apply to Rosacea are shown in the appearance of the skin.  The symptoms can resemble other conditions that affect the skin such as acne, sunburn, allergies, and some others, which are listed below.

• Consistent Redness or Flushing in a central area
• Increase in Blushing
• Frequent triggers that cause blushing (emotions, spicy foods, weather)
• Red Pus-Filled Pumps (often resembles acne)
• Visible blood vessels
• Swelling of Skin
• Sensitive Skin
• Texture Change in skin (dryness, roughness, flaking, oily, scaling)
• Raised or Inflamed Skin (also known as plaques)
• Burning or Stinging sensation of the skin
• Warm sensation in certain parts of the skin
• Enlarged Pores
• Thickened Skin (mainly around nose area)
• Acne Like Breakouts
• Eye issues (More common for Ocular Rosacea.  Symptoms include itchiness, dryness, swollen and dry eyelids, redness of the eye, cysts on eyelids, blurry vision, burning or gritty sensation in the eye.)

The cause for Rosacea has yet to be identified.  There’s no evidence of any bacteria or viruses that could cause the skin condition to occur.  The blood vessels dilate and expand which causes the redness to appear in the skin.  Over the years there have been several theories that support why or what exactly causes the blood vessels to expand.  One of the more popular theories suggests that blood vessels in the face expand too easily.  Most of the causes are likely to be due to genetic makeups and environmental factors.  Research has only been able to zero in on the triggers that cause the skin to flare up.   The triggers of Rosacea cause the blushing to occur; why or what specifically the body reacts to is still unknown.  A fair amount of the probable causes are often ruled out due to the fact that they're not consistent or the same for the majority of the people that experience Rosacea.

Probable Causes

• Genetic Makeup (those with family members that have Rosacea are more likely to experience the condition)
• H pylori (a bacterial germ that has been found in some people with Rosacea) 
• Demodex Mites (a tiny parasite that’s found in the hairs or skin of all mammals, often lives on the nose and cheek areas)
• Reaction to Cathelicidin (a protein in the skin that protects it from infection, some people’s body does not process the protein)
• Certain Medications (that affect the blood vessels or blood pressure)
• Steroids, Supplements or Medication that disrupts hormones
• Allergy Reactions

Triggers

• Intense Weather Temperatures (heat or cold)
• Spicy Foods
• Strenuous Exercises
• Extreme Emotions (anxiety, stress, anger, embarrassment)
• Alcohol Consumption
• Hot Beverages
• Caffeinated Beverages
• Hot Baths, Sauna’s, Steam Room
• Certain Cosmetic Products

• Monitoring Rosacea and the foods you consume, which cause the skin to flare up, is a great way to help control the condition.  It’s best to avoid the foods that cause the triggers, personal to your diet.  Red wine and chocolate are two of the most common types of foods that cause the redness in the skin to occur.  Other foods that often trigger the conditions of Rosacea include dairy, alcohol, soy sauce, yeast products, citrus, carbonated beverages, beans, and acidic beverages and foods.  We also suggest to avoid foods that cause inflammation such as sugar, carbohydrates, and saturated fats.
• Although there’s no confirmed connection between the bacteria in the gut and how one with Rosacea should eat, certain diets can help regulate the condition.  Eating fibrous foods and leafy green vegetables helps promote good bacteria growth, provide anti-inflammatory properties and alkaline the body.  The chlorophyll that’s responsible for the green pigmentation in plants helps build the blood.  When the body is in an acidic state instead of being in it’s natural alkaline state, it doesn't function the way it should.  Focusing on alkaline foods can help lower the amount of acidity in the body, lessening the chance of the blood vessels dilating. 
• Protecting the face is ideal when it comes to avoiding triggers of Rosacea.  Wearing sunscreen in the sun and scarves or masks in the winter is essential.  Any cosmetics used on the face should be gentle and free of alcohol or other strong irritants.  
• The skin is the largest organ of the body and the things that are typically applied to it are often more harmful than what’s ingested.  Using natural cosmetics helps reduce toxins present in the body and reduce irritation. The cosmetics used should consist of natural ingredients.  Ingredients like menthol, salicylic acid, eucalyptus oil, peppermint, alcohol, witch hazel, fragrances, and clove oil are all harsh on the skin, often causing the blood vessels to dilate.  It’s important not to over-wash the affected area as well.
• Natural ingredients that provide anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can also make a great mask that helps alleviate the conditions of Rosacea.  Aloe Vera, tea tree oil, green tea, and apple cider vinegar are all powerful ingredients that can be applied daily to help reduce redness from occurring.  Blending and smoothing natural ingredients like oatmeal, chamomile, cucumbers, apples, or the combination of turmeric and coriander are good to make masks that eliminate inflammation.  All of these natural ingredients can be mixed or diluted with apple cider vinegar, water, oil, or even milk.
• Because Rosacea affects the health of the blood vessels, it’s best to address things that may be impairing them.  Smoking cigarettes, for one, has been known to affect the health of blood vessels and how they function.   

• Kale
• Flaxseeds
• Blueberries
• Basil
• Asparagus
• Strawberries
• Bok Choy
• Blackberries
• Broccoli
• Chia Seeds
• Seaweed
• Guava
• Brussels Sprouts
• Pomegranate
• Kiwi
• Walnuts
• Peas
• Green Beans
• Bell Peppers
• Papaya
• Spinach