8 supplements for rosacea

Individuals with rosacea may experience skin rashes, irritation, and redness or discoloration, depending on a person’s skin tone. Rosacea can also affect blood vessels and skin thickness.

Treatments for this condition can range from oral antibiotics to retinoids and beta-blockers. Some supplements and vitamins may also provide relief from rosacea symptoms.

It is important for people to speak with a healthcare professional before beginning the use of any supplements.

This article explores eight supplements for rosacea and how they may help manage the symptoms.

Omega-3 fatty acids are a kind of fat that can promote heart health. Foods such as seafood, nuts, and seeds naturally contain this supplement.

Beyond heart health, omega-3 fatty acids can also help with certain symptoms of rosacea.

A 2016 study analyzed individuals with dry eye symptoms. They found that omega-3 fatty acids helped improve symptoms among these individuals.

People with rosacea who experience eye irritation should contact a healthcare professional.

The bones, skin, and connective tissue require vitamin C to function properly. Common dietary sources of vitamin C include:

Research shows vitamin C deficiency can worsen or highlight skin conditions such as rosacea. Getting enough of this vitamin may help prevent rosacea from developing. Or it may help address certain symptoms of the condition.

Vitamin A supports many different bodily functions. Reproduction, vision, and the immune system all depend on vitamin A. It is present in:

One vitamin A derivative, isotretinoin, can also help with rosacea symptoms. However, this is a prescription treatment and can reduce skin thickening as a result of rosacea.

Researchers have also found that isotretinoin can help treat complex cases of papulopustular rosacea. People who have this type of rosacea and are not responding to other treatments may benefit from this option. However, isotretinoin can cause side effects, such as:

Individuals should speak with a healthcare professional to learn more about the treatment and side effects.

Another supplement that may help manage rosacea symptoms is gamma-linolenic acid.

In a 2020 study, participants took this supplement each day for 2 months. Those who took gamma-linolenic acid were more likely to achieve treatment success. They also reported greater treatment satisfaction.

In a 2022 study, researchers tested a cream that contained gamma-linolenic acid. They found that this cream helped reduce rosacea severity and skin redness or discoloration. It also enhanced the hydration of affected skin.

Zinc is an important supplement that can promote immune function and reduce inflammation. Research on zinc for rosacea remains limited. However, some studies have found that zinc has a positive effect on rosacea symptoms.

In one study from 2022, individuals with rosacea took 100 milligrams of zinc sulfate each day. This helped reduce inflammatory lesions due to rosacea.

Doctors may also recommend selenium for individuals with rosacea. Selenium can help reduce inflammation and protect the skin.

In addition to skin protection, selenium can help promote healthy aging. This may be important because rosacea is more common among middle-aged or older adults.

Melatonin is a natural hormone that is important for healthy sleep. Taking melatonin supplements can help individuals experiencing sleep disturbances. However, it can also promote skin health and reduce the effects of aging.

Researchers have found that melatonin can reduce the symptoms of rosacea. This may be due to the anti-inflammatory properties of melatonin.

Certain essential oils may also provide relief for individuals with rosacea symptoms. In one 2018 in vitro study, researchers analyzed citron essential oils for rosacea. They found that these oils may help reduce the molecular effects of rosacea.

Tea tree oil may also help treat the symptoms of rosacea, according to a 2020 study. The researcher mixed tea tree oil with permethrin, a medication that typically treats scabies and lice.

Tea tree oil may reduce inflammation caused by rosacea. It can also counteract dryness and stinging.

Essential oils and other natural treatments may be helpful for some individuals with rosacea. But they may not be right for everyone. People should speak with a healthcare professional before taking a new supplement or trying a different at-home treatment.

Many vitamins can provide benefits for people with rosacea. However, certain vitamins can also trigger or worsen rosacea symptoms.

In a study from 2018, researchers analyzed vitamin D levels in people with and without rosacea. They found that people with rosacea had higher vitamin D levels. They concluded that there may be an association between high levels of the vitamin and rosacea. However, more research is necessary to verify this conclusion.

It is possible that sun exposure is the trigger for rosacea, not specifically vitamin D. Sun exposure is a known trigger of rosacea symptoms.

While some evidence shows that vitamin B3 may help treat certain symptoms of rosacea, in others, it can also trigger certain symptoms of the condition. Researchers have found that vitamin B3, or niacin, can cause skin flushing in some people with rosacea. However, the evidence for this remains limited.

People can seek medical guidance to learn more about which vitamins and supplements to take and avoid. A healthcare professional can provide specific dietary recommendations for each individual.

Rosacea is a skin condition that involves inflammation. Individuals may experience redness or discoloration, flushing, and rashes on affected skin. Healthcare professionals may prescribe antibiotics or other medications, but certain supplements can also help manage symptoms.

Vitamin C, zinc, melatonin, and omega-3 fatty acids can all provide relief from rosacea. Certain essential oils, such as citron or tea tree oil, may also help address symptoms.

Each case of rosacea is unique. Supplements may work better for some individuals than others. A person can consult a healthcare professional for more information about supplements for rosacea.