Rosacea is common skin disorder that affects many adults between the ages of thirty to fifty years. Even though the causes of rosacea are still unclear, many factors are suspected including vitamin deficiencies and digestive disorders. As we get older our bodies are put under a great deal of stress. The result can be poor absorption of vitamins and minerals and a reduced stomach acid. This could account for why rosacea is common in mature adults. Here I will look at the possible causes in more detail and offer solutions to help improve and possibly cure your rosacea.
Are vitamin supplements the answer to rosacea?
Back in 1947, Louis Tulipan, MD, believed that most cases of rosacea were due to a vitamin B complex deficiency. This fact has largely been ignored by the medical community, but it seems that more and more doctors and dermatologists are recommending topical vitamins to treat rosacea.
Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, has been found to have both anti-inflammatory and oil-reducing properties which make it great for treating skin conditions such as rosacea and acne. A recent study found that using a facial moisturizer containing niacinamide, applied twice daily, reduced inflammation and improved the skin’s moisture level.
Vitamin B complex is important for skin because it is an essential component for cell reproduction. Our skin cells are constantly renewing and Vitamin B is needed to ensure the skin’s good health. Deficiencies of Vitamin B can lead to dry, wrinkled and inflamed skin.
Other vitamins which have been found to be helpful for rosacea are vitamins A, C and E. All these vitamins can be applied topically and are found in many pharmaceutical preparations. In fact, there is substantial data to suggest that topical vitamins have beneficial effects on the skin. They have anti-aging, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and protect from UV light.
Topical vitamins have been found to beneficial for treating rosacea, but what about taking them orally? There are mixed reports about taking oral supplements. One study found that taking zinc supplements (23mg three times per day for three months) decreased the symptoms of rosacea significantly, whilst very little improvement occurred in the control group taking placebo.
If you are interested in taking oral supplements, then it may be beneficial to take a good multi-vitamin tablet containing vitamins B complex, A, C and E.
Is low stomach acid the culprit?
It has been found that 90% of rosacea sufferers have reduced stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) and reduced levels of pancreatic lipase. A preliminary trial supplemented hydrochloric acid, along with vitamin B complex and found that rosacea symptoms improved in some people. Similarly, supplementing digestive enzymes has been found to improve digestive upsets as well as rosacea. If you have digestive problems along with your rosacea, it may be worth consulting your doctor to find out whether you have a deficiency of stomach acid and digestive enzymes.
Using topical vitamins to treat your rosacea has been proved to be of benefit, but the jury is still out about taking them orally. Many people have benefited from taking supplements, but it might be advisable to talk to your doctor, dermatologist or a nutritionist before doing so.
