Many people turn to plant oils as moisturisers for rosacea (UK). In a survey by the National Rosacea Society, nearly 70 percent of patients said that their rosacea affected their self-esteem (you can find more information about this association here). Rosacea can be detrimental for a person's mental health and not to mention the often painful physical symptoms.
Are you looking for the best moisturisers for rosacea in the UK? This article lists some plant oils that you can use as moisturisers to help ease rosacea.
How Does Living in the UK affect Rosacea?
You're only British if you mention the weather at least once a day. It's true that here in the UK we moan about the weather A LOT, and that's because it is often raining, but we also like to moan when it's too hot/too windy/too cold etc. In other words, it's always too much of something. Having rosacea is reason enough to moan about the weather, because harsh weather conditions can trigger rosacea flare-ups. Feeling hot can trigger rosacea and so can the cold weather. British winters tend to be very cold and windy, which can really aggravate this confidence-shattering skin condition. The following oils can be used as moisturisers for rosacea in the UK and its temperamental weather.
Moisturisers for Rosacea: Plant Oils to Treat Rosacea
Here are some plant oils that can be used to moisturise rosacea skin.
- Jojoba oil
A journal published by the American College of Toxicology found that jojoba oil can reduce rosacea signs. Physicians may prescribe steroid creams with certain chemical ingredients that can strip moisture from the skin. Jojoba is extracted from the jojoba plant and has an identical molecular structure to the skins sebum. The oils components include vitamin E, B-complex, copper, iodine, chromium and zinc.
As an anti-inflammatory, jojoba oil is also incredibly healing and deeply moisturising, and is easily absorbed by the skin. It is one of the top natural moisturisers for rosacea, as it can reduce redness and blush, and is suitable for all skin types. It hydrates and heals the skin by stimulating cell regeneration and guarding from infection.
- Camellia oil
As rosacea means the skin is extremely sensitive, it is essential to use plant oils that are gentle on the skin. Camellia oil is hypoallergenic, which means that it is good for sensitive skin and is an anti-inflammatory to soothe irritation and redness. This oil, made from the same flower that green tea is made from, strengthens skin tissue and combats free radical damage to fight signs of aging. It has a silky texture that feels luxurious on the skin and works well as a light moisturiser for rosacea skin in the UK and its temperamental weather.
Camellia oil is one of the most easily absorbing oils you can choose, which means it penetrates the deepest layers of the skin. Its nourishing content includes a higher content of oleic acid than olive oil, with about 85% oleic acid triglycerides. Oleic acid is good for treating dry skin and/or irritated, tight or itchy skin, as it replenishes lost moisture. Vitamins A, B and E, and minerals zinc, calcium, iron, manganese and magnesium provides deep nourishment.
- Borage oil
Gamma-linolenic acid, also referred to as GLA, is a fatty acid vital for healthy skin. This is because it helps to maintain the stability and fluidity of the skins natural water loss barrier. As is improves the barrier function of the skin, it is good for treating skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, acne and dermatitis.
When the harsh, cold weather strikes in winter, which is often a lot of the year, especially through autumn and winter, Borage oil can be used to minimise rosacea flare-ups that cold weather can trigger. Borage oil is one of the best moisturisers for rosacea in the UK. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce redness of the condition.
- Evening Primrose oil
Evening Primrose sounds a bit fancy pants, right? Well, it gets its name from the yellow flowers it blooms in the evening. You can find the evening primrose plant growing wild in North America. Evening Primrose oil and its essential fatty acids help treat rosacea by producing prostaglandins. These are hormones that function in a variety of roles in the body and are known to fight inflammation. The swelling, soreness and redness of rosacea can be treated with the oils inflammation fighting properties.
It has been known to be used amongst kings and queens for medicinal purposes and referred to as the king of cures-. If it's good enough for royalty, it can definitely work the same for mere commoners too. Like Borage oil, it has a rich content of omega 6 gamma linolenic acid. It has been used to treat a whole host of health conditions including but not limited to headaches, dizziness, tiredness, muscular aches and pains and weakness. It can relieve symptoms of Pre Menstrual Syndrome such as breast pain, mood swings and menstrual cramps. In terms of finding a moisturiser for rosacea in the UK, evening primrose oil can help soothe the symptoms of rosacea.
- Tamanu oil
Chris Kilham, also known as the Medicine Hunter, said: Tamanu oil possesses a unique capacity to promote the formation of new tissue, thereby accelerating wound healing and the growth of healthy skin. This process is known as cicatrisation. Tamanu oil originates from the South Pacific where the Ati tree, where the nut comes from, grows close to the ocean.
It is an incredibly healing oil that has been used by the natives traditionally since they first discovered the tree, but French researchers started studying this oil in 1918 for its effects after topical and subcutaneous use. They discovered its healing power in miraculous circumstances: for example, a woman was going to have her leg amputated due to a gangrenous ulcer, but it was healed completely by the consistent application of Tamanu oil. All that was left was a scar! This case is a wondrous example of what the oil can do for your skin – it can help to alleviate the symptoms of rosacea, and many other skin conditions for that matter! Tamanu oil is a great natural option to use as a soothing moisturiser for rosacea in the UK.
- Moringa oil
Moringa is a healing oil, derived from a tree native to India, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. It is referred to as the drumstick tree and holds great cultural importance in these countries, however, more people are trying moringa oil outside of these countries. Moringa oil is deeply moisturising with emollient and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it ideal for one of your choices as a moisturiser for rosacea in the UK.
Oleic acid, a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid, vitamin C and vitamin E, all help to fight against aging free radical damage and protect the skin from inflammation. It also protects the skin against environmental and allergenic substances because it is anti-bacterial. Moringa has the ability to purify the skin, as well as protect the skin from damage, due to its behenic acid content. As a moisturiser for rosacea in the UK, it can soothe and treat irritation, inflammation and redness. Alternatively, you can add a few drops to your moisturiser. An added benefit of using this oil as a moisturiser for rosacea in the UK, is its ability to firm the skin by boosting collagen production, due to its vitamin A content.
- Black Cumin
The Black Seed oil skincare benefits are ideal for treating rosacea. In old Latin, its name is ˜panacea' which translates as a cure-all. Its anti-inflammatory properties treat the swelling, redness and irritation of rosacea. It's rich in vitamin A and amino acids, helping to encourage skin regeneration of healthy skin cells. The rich fatty acid content in black cumin seed provides deep, long-lasting moisture and nourishment to help reduce the symptoms of rosacea.
Use this alone as a moisturiser for rosacea in the UK and its ever-changing weather. As well as being a treatment for rosacea, black cumin seed oil can fight and reduce acne, prevent scarring, soften skin, and delay fine lines and wrinkles. As black cumin seed oil has high levels of zinc, this helps to speed up the healing process of acne and acne scars. Vitamins A, B and C are all skincare heroes to boost the skins vibrancy. Will you be trying black cumin seed oil as a moisturiser for rosacea.
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Calendula oil
This oil has been known to be incredibly healing for rosacea, with many people swearing by it to ease their symptoms. Calendula flowers contain significant amounts of the anti-inflammatory compound, bisabolol. Calendula is a type of the marigold, an edible flower, and can be found growing in Asia, Mediterranean countries and Western Europe.
Its anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe rosacea skin and its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties help to speed up the healing of wounds and minor cuts. Calendula oil can be used as a soothing moisturiser for rosacea in the UK, whilst improving the appearance of skin and offering antioxidant protection to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, age spots and scars. Calendula oil could be your calming saviour for rosacea symptoms, or even if you just have sensitive skin!
- Rosehip oil
Rosehip oil has increased in popularity the past few years with celebrities such as Miranda Kerr touting its amazing skin benefits. Rosehip oils vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C and essential fatty acids promote elasticity, skin healing and vibrancy of the skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties makes it a natural option in the quest for finding a moisturiser for rosacea in the UK.
It provides deep nourishment because of its ability to penetrate into deeper layers of the skin, and it strengthens broken and damaged capillaries by acting like an astringent. This helps to reduce redness. Rosehip oil is a natural option for treating rosacea, whilst being antiaging and incredibly regenerating for the skin. It is also known to be a great acne treatment, due to its antiseptic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. You can find out more information on rosehip oil for acne.
Moisturisers for Rosacea UK - Buying Organic
When buying a plant oil, it is important to buy from organic certified brands. The main certifying awarding body in the UK is the Soil Association. You can guarantee the best quality of oils without any nasty chemicals like pesticides and parabens when you look for the Soil Association logo on packaging.
If you cannot see this logo on the packaging, then you can type in the company name of the brand product you are trying into the directory, and see if the company shows up as a certified organic brand.
Tips for Fighting Rosacea
It is important to note that if you think you are suffering from rosacea, seeing a dermatologist for professional advice is recommended. You can also follow these tips for fighting off the symptoms of rosacea in line with any treatment you receive from a dermatologist.
- Aloe Vera Juice aloe vera has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties which all help to treat inflamed skin. You can buy it as a juice or gel, or simply squeeze its pure gel directly out of the plant. It is extremely cooling and soothing on the skin, and is often used in the treatment of sunburn. By penetrating all three layers of the skin, the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis, you can be sure it nourishes deeply, therefore encouraging healthy cell renewal and rejuvenates and hydrates skin affected by rosacea. Gently apply the juice or gel to the affected area of the skin, leave to dry, and then rinse off with lukewarm water. If you do this once in the morning and once in the evening for at least two months, you should start to notice an improvement in the redness and irritation. It can also work as a great internal moisturiser for rosacea (UK), nourishing the skin from the inside out!
- Get to know your triggers – caffeine, alcohol, spicy food, strenuous exercise and extreme weather conditions can all be triggers of rosacea, but it depends on the persons specific triggers. You can find out your triggers by keeping a journal and noting down what causes a flare-up as and when it happens.
- Use ice packs to calm down flare-ups. You can use ice packs on your face to soothe the inflammation of rosacea flare-ups. Never use anything hot on your skin. Green tea is anti-inflammatory and can be used on the skin once it has been cooled in the fridge.
- Use an anti-redness moisturiser. See the plant oils suggested in this article as suggestions for moisturisers: anti-redness skincare. Or you can use the oils in this article as moisturisers for rosacea (UK). If you prefer, add a few drops of the oil of your choice to your current moisturiser. It is vital to moisturise when you have rosacea. A dermatologist would have their own suggestions and advice as to which moisturisers may help your condition.
- Always use SPF and protect your skin from the sun. If you can, stay in the shade or cover up. Hats can be a good method to protect yourself from the harsh sun. Make sure sun creams are fragrance free and hypoallergenic to avoid further aggravation of the skin.
- Only use gentle cleansers. Avoid harsh cleansers and astringents as these can aggravate rosacea skin. Check the ingredients label and avoid retinoids and salicylic acid. Look for fragrance-free and hypo-allergenic cleansers. It is not only about which cleanser you choose, but the way you use it too. Use as gently as possible and make sure the water you splash your face with is lukewarm and not too hot.
- Skip harsh skin treatments. These include chemical peels and microdermabrasion, which will be sure to aggravate your rosacea further. You should also be wary of general facials. When working with a dermatologist, they should be able to develop a suitable treatment plan for your rosacea.
- Choose fragrance free, mineral-based makeup. Sometimes make-up can make rosacea worse, which is why it might be beneficial to give your skin some makeup free days off every now and then. However, rosacea can be distressing and make-up can make the day a little easier. Try out pressed powder over a liquid foundation. Liquid foundations will potentially make the rosacea worse as they can clog the pores.
Do you have any tips to share on treating rosacea? Have you had good experiences with using these oils as moisturisers for rosacea in the UK or in any other parts of the world? Or do you have any questions about trying these oils? Feel free to get in touch!
Written by Jess Burman
Wellbeing writer
