There are a number of essential oils for rosacea that are not only effective for treating this skin condition, but I can tell you from experience, also make it quite a pleasant experience. I mean, the very definition of “Essential Oils” is “a natural oil typically obtained by distillation and having the characteristic odour of the plant or other source from which it is extracted.” So you’re going to be in for some aromatic sensations here.
This paragraph is for anyone who doesn’t know what Rosacea is, so if you’re already there, you can skip it. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition which is usually developed in later life, particularly among people with fairer skin (but not restricted to them) and that includes symptoms such as a red flushed complexion, particularly around the nose, cheek bones and forehead. A number of people also experience rough scaly skin and pimple-like inflammations and for this reason, it is often referred to as acne rosacea – also because it is often misdiagnosed as acne. But there are also other forms of rosacea. If you take a look at the header on this site, you’ll see images of the four main types of rosacea that have been diagnosed by the medical profession.
Now … let’s get back to the main topic.
The other good thing about essential oils, or any oils in fact, is that you can blend them together. Sometimes, one type of oil will do something that another cannot. For example, some oils can penetrate deeper into the skin than others – so one oil helps the other deliver it’s benefits more effectively.
The Best Essential Oils for Rosacea
1. Helichrysum essential oil
This essential oil includes many health benefits. It’s an antispasmodic, anticoagulant, antiallergenic, antimicrobial, antihaematoma, antiphlogistic, nervine, antiinflammatory, antitussive, cicatrisant, expectorant, febrifuge, anti septic, cholagogue, emollient, mucolytic, fungicidal, hepatic, diuretic, splenic and cytophylactic substance. That’s an impressive list isn’t it! It’s good for putting onto bruises so that they fade overnight. This oil is really good for skin rashes, especially when blended with German Chamomile Oil and Neroli oil.
It’s antimicrobial and antiseptic properties also target the two main alleged perpetrators of rosacea symptoms – a microscopic mite that lives in the hair follicles and the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
2. German Chamomile Oil
One of this essential oil’s features is that it contains the ingredient chamazulene, which is noted for its ability to support your body’s natural response to irritation by clearing heat from the body. It is a blue coloured oil which, when applied, not only soothes the skin but its aromatic properties give a feeling of patience and peace. It should be applied topically and undiluted to the affected areas. German Chamomile not only soothes the skin but also aids in tissue regeneration.
3. Neroli Essential Oil
This essential oil is not only good for your skin, but its aromatic properties serve as an antidepressant and aphrodisiac as well. Neroli oil comes from a citrus fruit and a derivation of it is used in the famous perfume Eau-de-Cologne. But its primary function as one of the essential oils for rosacea, is that it has a sebum balancing effect. Sebum is the oil our skin produces from the sebaceous glands which, in rosacea sufferers, can be overactive. Neroli oil balances oily and dry skin and is often blended with other essential oils to cure Rosacea.
Neroli oil when topically applied to the skin, acts as an antiseptic which kills bacteria and keeps your skin free from microbial infections and toxins. It even helps clear your head if you have a cold during winter. As far as the healing process goes, it promotes the generation of new cells and assists the healthy ones.
4. Lavendar Essential Oil
Lavendar oil has wonderful calmative aromatic properties, but it has also been identified by dermatologists as one of the most beneficial oils in the treatment of acne. It inhibits the bacteria which causes the initial infection and also helps to regulate some of the excess excretion of sebum oil. Being a bug repellant, it is also effective against the tiny mites which inhabit facial skin surface, which some say is a main contributor to rosacea flare ups. Its antiseptic, antiviral and antifungal properties allow it to treat various skin conditions including wrinkles, psoriasis, and other inflammatory conditions such as rosacea. It should never be ingested – only applied topically.
5. Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium oil was used as far back as ancient Egyptian times when it was used for promoting beautiful, radiant skin. Having a rose-like scent, it also has a calming affect on the nervous system and promotes stress relief. Since stress is often identified as one of the rosacea triggers, geranium when used as one of the essential oils for rosacea, can provide an effective complement to the others. It can also double as a natural perfume.
Among the other properties that Geranium oil possesses, is the ability to reduce inflammation and irritation, balance hormones and reduce blood pressure. It also contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties which boost the immune system and prevent infection. This allows your body to attack the causes of rosacea from both sides – from within and on the surface.
Commercial Products That Contain Essential Oils for Rosacea
One product that contains all the above ingredients is Rosacea Cream manufactured by Zenmed. The ingredients in Rosacea Cream are water, aloe vera gel, essential oils of helichrysum, chamomile, lavender, rose geranium and rosewood, manuka extract, carrot seed oil, rose hip oil, vitamins B,C,D and E, and sorbin acid as a natural preservative.
Rosacea Cream by Zenmed is a non-prescription product that focuses on treating your rosacea symptoms using all natural ingredients.