Surprising link between Rosacea, Hormones, Gut. Ways to treat it.
Are you struggling with the persistent redness, flushing, and discomfort of rosacea? It’s time to uncover the underlying causes of this chronic inflammatory disease and embark on a journey towards healthier, clearer skin.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a common chronic inflammatory disease, which manifests with recurrent flushing and persistent redness (erythema) on the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. It often presents with pink to red thread-like skin markings caused by the dilation of superficial blood vessels (telangiectasia), sometimes referred to as “spider veins.” Rosacea-affected skin can also experience burning, stinging sensations, as well as the development of small red bumps (papules) and pimple-like pustules. In some cases, chronic thickening of the skin, nodules, benign tumors, and swelling (phymatous changes) can occur, primarily on the nose and more commonly in men.
Exploring The Causes Of Rosacea:
The causes of rosacea are multifaceted and include:
- genetics,
- hormonal imbalances (particularly excess estrogen) – most common reason for this that I see in my functional medicine practice is poor clearance and metabolism of estrogens.
- activation of the innate and adaptive immune system leading to overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, causing activation of mast cells and dysregulated immune system
- neurovascular dysregulation,
- environmental factors,
- increased levels of Demodex mites,
- Helicobacter pylori (H.Pylori) infection. H. Pylori
Conditions Associated With Rosacea:
Emerging research suggests that rosacea is not an isolated skin issue but is intricately linked to systemic conditions. These connections result from immune dysregulation and gut microbiome imbalances. Conditions associated with rosacea encompass:
- gastrointestinal disorders (e.g. H.Pylori infection, gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, inflammatory bowel disease or IBD, irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, celiac disease, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or SIBO)
- cardio-metabolic disorders (e.g. hypertension, dyslepidimia)
- neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. dimentia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinon’s),
- mental health disorders (e.g. depression, anxiety),
- autoimmune diseases (e.g. type 1 Diabetes, celiac, multiple sclerosis or MS, Rheumatoid Arthritis or RA),
- thyroid autoimmunity,
- poor sleep and obstructive sleep apnea,
- co-occurrence of migraines.
Foods And Triggers To Avoid:
Certain foods can trigger rosacea flare-ups in some. If you notice that your skin is reacting to the following foods, it’s important to avoid those foods in order to avoid immune reaction to those foods. The following foods have shown to aggrevate rosacea:
- alcohol,
- spicy foods,
- cinnamaldehyde-containing foods (e.g., cinnamon, chocolate, tomatoes, citrus),
- coffee, and
- foods high in histamine (e.g. cheese, processed meats, seafood, pork, egg whites, fermented foods, strawberries, papaya, avocado, nuts, vinegars, spinach, eggplant, alcohol, especially red wine).
DIETARY AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES AS WELL AS APPROPRIATE SKINCARE PRODUCTS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR MAINTAINING HEALTHY SKIN BARRIER FUNCTION IN ROSACEA PATIENTS.
Diet plays a significant role in managing rosacea. A diet rich in prebiotic fibers, antioxidants, and phytochemicals can promote gut microbiome health, leading to improved immune regulation and healthier skin.
Individuals with rosacea should prioritize skincare routines that include gentle cleansing, vitamin A and anti-oxidant rich moisturizing, and sun protection to minimize skin irritation, inflammation and repair skin barrier function. I recommend the following topical Environ skincare products to optimize skin’s health from outside:
- Environ Dual Action Pre-Cleansing Oil helps to cleanse the skin while maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
- EnvironBotanical Infused Moisturizing Toner – contains vitamin B3 or niacinamide which has shown to decrease blotchiness, flakiness and bumps in rosacea patients after 4 weeks of use. Lactic acid is gently exfoliating, moisturizing while also providing anti-microbial effect which is necessary for countering Demodex overgrowth.
- Environ Vita-Enriched Antioxidant Gel helps to soothe and calm irriatated skin while also reducing redness.
- Environ AVST 1 – this a vitamin A based moisturizer which is absolutely essential when treating any inflammatory skin condition. It helps with cell growth and replication, collagen and elastin production, healthy barrier function and restoration of skin barrier, improving skin hydration and texture.
STRESS MANAGEMENT IS CRUCIAL, AS STRESS AND ROSACEA MAY HAVE A RECIPROCAL RELATIONSHIP.
Poor sleep quality and sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea can worsen rosacea symptoms and should be addressed. Avoiding common triggers such as temperature fluctuations, exercise, UV radiation, and certain foods can also help manage flare-ups.
Stress management and quality sleep are essential, as stress and poor sleep quality can exacerbate rosacea symptoms.
Natural Treatment Approaches:
As a Functional medicine practitioner I offer a holistic approach to rosacea by addressing the root causes of the condition. These approaches include optimizing immune function, countering infections like Helicobacter pylori with targeted supplements, and addressing systemic imbalances such as blood sugar dysregulation and hormonal imbalances. By focusing on overall health and vitality, individuals can experience not only relief from rosacea symptoms but also improved well-being.
Rosacea is a complex condition with multifaceted causes and connections to various systemic disorders. Understanding these links and adopting a holistic approach can lead to effective management and symptom relief. If you’re seeking a comprehensive solution to your rosacea concerns and other systemic health conditions associated with rosacea, my functional medicine program offers a targeted 3-month treatment plan designed to address the root causes and reverse the disease dynamics associated with rosacea.
Sign up today to embark on your journey towards clearer, healthier skin and improved overall health.
MY EXPERTISE ENCOMPASSES:
- Immune Health
- BII and Preparation for Explant Surgery
- Skin Health
- Inflammation
- Allergies/ Asthma
- Gut Health
- Hormonal Imbalances
- Fertility
- Autoimmune Conditions
- Bone Health
- Anti-Aging
DISCLAIMER
Information and content on this website is provided for information and educational purposes only, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. No information offered here should be interpreted as a diagnosis of any disease, nor an attempt to treat or prevent or cure any disease or condition. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining medical or health-related advice from your healthcare professional. Always speak with your healthcare professional before taking any medications or supplements. Information provided on this website does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and any professional affiliated with this website. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
I am not acting in the capacity of a doctor, licensed dietitian-nutritionist, therapist, or psychologist and will not diagnose, treat or cure any disease, condition or other physical or mental ailment of the human body. Rather I serve as a mentor and guide who helps a client to reach her/his own health and wellness goals through implementing incremental, positive, healthy, sustainable lifestyle changes that help the client to live and thrive using simple methods.
