Over the past eight years here at the Pulse Light Clinic we have seen that following a rosacea diet has produced mixed results. Most of our clients are City workers who are time pressured to say the least and have very little time to adhere to strict dietary demands. Consequently we have devoted considerable resources to supplementary research for Rosacea and have worked closely with nutritionists to find the most applicable supplementation to be used in conjunction with IPL for the control of the condition. We now incorporate supplements into our treatment programme with great success. It is also extremely important to add vitamin and mineral supplements to help control flare-ups, especially the “red face” blush. Rosacea is not curable and there are a number of things that can trigger the appearance of acne rosacea patient’s experience. Certain minerals and vitamins have been proven effective in reducing these alarming symptoms.

Hydrochloric Acid

Research on the effects of Hydrochloric acid deficiency in a number of skin disorders have been going on since the early 1920's. It is now believed that there is a link between a deficiency in Hydrochloric acid (Hypocloridia) secretion in the stomach and an onset of redness in Rosacea sufferers. A study from 1945 "The relation of hydrochloric acid and vitamin B complex in certain skin diseases" by Dr J.R. Allison (Southern Medical Journal) concluded that there seems to be a relationship between Hypocloridia, B vitamin deficiency and Rosacea, where treatment with Hydrochloric acid and B vitamins in conjunction seem to give far better results than Hydrochloric acid or B vitamin complex on its own.

B Vitamins

There is evidence to suggest that when there is low production of Hydrochloric acid in the stomach, there is also low absorption of Riboflavin (B₂) in the  liver. B vitamins are essential in the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It has also been observed that skin mites are unable to live is people with high Riboflavin intake.

Essential Fatty Acids

Omega-3, Omega-6, Omega-9 and flaxseed are all known to reduce outbreaks of Rosacea by their anti-inflammatory properties. Flaxseed can be added in seed form to cereals, and salads. Omega-3, -6, -9 can all be found in the shape of supplement tablets. Reduce inflammation, they play an important part in the production of prostaglandins which term stimulate the contraction of the blood vessels. You can find these fatty acids in fish such as sardine, salmon, black cod, mackerel. It is also recommended to intake of garlic capsules for their anti-inflammatory properties, though they might give you garlic breath.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Rosacea sufferers can also suffer stomach imbalance where there is low production of acids. Apple cider vinegar taken in the form of capsules can be beneficial at helping restore some of the acid imbalance and as a consequence the flare-ups.

Vitamin A

Taking supplements with beta-carotene may cause fewer flare-up and a milder rosacea. You can find vitamin A in foods such as carrots, eggs, fish, etc.

Foods

There is anecdotal evidence that certain food can bring flare-ups of red faces. Not everyone will react to all the food triggers so it is up to the patient to investigate and discover what their specific triggers are. It is recommended to make a dietary diary where the patient will write down all the food that has been eaten. With this information and buy a process of subtraction of certain foods and deduction the patient will be able to find which are their likely triggers. You can read more on this triggers on:

• Triggers

The professional and social depilating symptom of the condition is the facial flushing. This is the chronic “red face” or extreme blushing experienced by rosacea sufferers. A highly successful treatment adopted by the Pulse Light Clinic has been the two tier approach to this debilitating condition.

Our IPL experts specialize in the treatment of rosacea and are able to achieve good to excellent clearance of telangiectasia (Broken blood vessels) and the chronic red face, as well as a significant decrease in the intensity and duration of the facial flush, by simultaneously addressing the underlying condition with the use of natural supplementation.