S-MSM (silymarin and methylsulfonylmethane). Silymarin is a flavonoid extracted from milk thistle which, associated with a sulfur compound, MSM, has been tested topically on 46 patients with rosacea⁵. This study, which dates from 2008 and was carried out in parallel with a placebo, showed that S-MSM significantly reduced symptoms after one month, including redness and papules. Other trials integrating a larger number of patients are however necessary to confirm this finding.

 Oregano. Oregano oil is traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties against rosacea, either internally or externally. However, no clinical trial has proven its effectiveness.

 Specialized make-up. The use of specialized makeup can significantly camouflage the manifestations of rosacea. Some dermatology clinics offer information sessions on what products to use and how to apply them. In Quebec, you can contact the Association québécoise des dermatologues to find out which clinics offer this service.

 Naturopathy. According to the naturopath JE Pizzorno, rosacea is often the consequence of a problem of food or digestive origin.⁶. Among the expected factors are too low acidity in the stomach, a lack of digestive enzymes as well as food allergies or intolerances. The basis of naturopathic treatment is to act on these factors and observe their effect on the symptoms of rosacea. For example, in the event of gastric hypoacidity, it will be recommended to take supplements of hydrochloric acid, on a temporary basis. Worries and chronic stress would make the stomach less acidic⁶. Taking pancreatic enzymes before meals can also be considered.

Pizzorno has also observed improvements in people who no longer eat foods with refined sugar and foods with high sugar content. He also recommends eliminating trans fats (milk, dairy products, margarine, fried foods, etc.), as they would contribute to inflammation. He also suggests avoiding very salty foods. However, no scientific study has confirmed the effectiveness of these measures on the symptoms of rosacea.

 Stress reduction techniques. Emotional stress is one of the main triggers for episodes of rosacea. As shown in a survey conducted in the United States by the National Rosacea Society, the use of stress reduction techniques can be very effective in reducing the effect of negative emotions on rosacea.⁷. The National Rosacea Society offers the following techniques⁸ :

• Ensure their general well-being (eat well, exercise regularly, get enough sleep).
• In a stressful situation, try to fix your attention on your breathing. You can inhale, count to 10, then exhale and recount to 10. Repeat this exercise several times.
• Use a visualization technique. Sit in a quiet place, close your eyes and visualize a peaceful and relaxing scene, an enjoyable activity, etc. Continue the visualization for a few minutes in order to soak up the peace and beauty that emanates from it. See our Visualization sheet.
• Do stretching and muscle relaxation exercises. Go through all the muscle groups in the body starting with the head and ending with the feet.

Consult our Stress and Anxiety file to learn more.

 Chinese Pharmacopoeia. It seems that the Chinese preparation Chibixiao may help reduce the symptoms of rosacea. In a clinical trial conducted on 68 women, this Chinese herb was shown to be effective in combination with oral antibiotic treatment (minocycline and spironolactone)⁹, but no testing has been done on this product alone. It is necessary to consult a practitioner trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).