Is Rosacea a Problem? How Does It Affect Us As We Age? How Important is Diet?

Discover Natural Relief for Redness and Irritation

Rosacea (pronounced roe-ZAY-she-uh) can cause not only physical discomfort but emotional distress. Characterised by redness on the cheeks, chin, and forehead—often accompanied by acne-like bumps—it can be itchy, sore, and inflamed. Without effective treatment, rosacea can worsen over time, potentially leading to permanent skin changes.

At Pure Peony, we offer natural, steroid-free solutions that visibly reduce redness, calm inflammation, and support healing—fast. Many users report visible improvements in just days.

Learn more here:  Treat Rosacea Naturally

Rosacea and Skincare Trends: Why Less is More

From “glass skin” to 10-step routines, social media is full of trending skincare techniques. But for those with rosacea, not all trends are safe. Experts warn that the complex, exfoliant-heavy routines often promoted—such as in Korean beauty (K-beauty)—can easily irritate rosacea-prone skin.

Dr. Estee Williams, a dermatologist at Mount Sinai Medical Center, advises that rosacea skin is hypersensitive and constantly inflamed. For that reason, elaborate skincare routines can do more harm than good.

Instead, rosacea sufferers should focus on gentle, minimal routines that protect the skin’s barrier and reduce inflammation. That’s why at Pure Peony, we advocate for simplicity: natural ingredients, no fragrances, no harsh chemicals.

Always patch-test any new product before applying widely—and when in doubt, skip the trend. Healthy skin isn’t about perfection—it’s about comfort, clarity, and consistency.

Top Products for Rosacea Relief:

• Peony Cleanser: A gentle, soap-free option ideal for sensitive, red-prone skin.
• Peony and Calendula Skin Remedy: A rich cream that targets redness and soothes inflamed skin.
• High Factor Peony Root Skin Remedy: A lighter formulation, ideal for daily use and facial application.

How to Use:

1. Cleanse with the Peony Cleanser daily.
2. Apply either the Peony & Calendula or High Factor cream to affected areas twice daily.
3. Use consistently for best results.

Customer Reviews:

“The cleanser is great to use in the shower. It is economical & feels good on my Rosacea.” – Christine Burr
“Very impressed with the improvement in my rosacea since using the Pure Peony. Would definitely recommend this product.” – Ann Davies
“I have tried many products and while searching in frustration came across Peony. I am super impressed with how my skin looks and feels.” – Loretta Adams

Holistic Rosacea Management: More Than Just Skincare

Leading dermatologists agree: managing rosacea successfully requires a holistic approach. This means combining gentle, barrier-supporting skincare with lifestyle adjustments and, when needed, medical treatment.

Research shows that even seemingly gentle products can trigger rosacea if they contain ingredients like alcohol, fragrance, witch hazel, or menthol. The National Rosacea Society found that over 80% of sufferers reported flare-ups linked to skincare and cosmetics.

We recommend avoiding these common irritants and focusing on natural formulations—like Pure Peony’s—made without sulfates, preservatives, or synthetic fragrance.

In addition to skincare, knowing and avoiding your personal triggers is key. These often include:

• Sun exposure
• Hot weather and wind
• Stress and emotional tension
• Alcohol and spicy foods

Keeping a skin diary and incorporating stress-reducing practices like meditation or yoga may help reduce flare-up frequency and severity.

How Important is Diet?

Gut Health and Rosacea: The Skin-Gut Connection Explained

Emerging research confirms: your gut health is closely linked to your skin health, especially when it comes to conditions like rosacea. Recent studies from Johns Hopkins University found that people with rosacea are significantly more likely to also suffer from inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis.

Understanding the Gut-Skin Axis

The gut microbiome—the community of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in your intestines—plays a crucial role in regulating immunity and inflammation. A healthy gut helps maintain balanced skin, while disruptions can contribute to dryness, breakouts, inflammation, and rosacea.

With 70% of your immune system located in the gut, keeping this internal ecosystem balanced is essential for reducing flare-ups and improving skin resilience.

How to Support Gut Health for Calmer Skin:

• Eat probiotic-rich foods: Include fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, and kefir to introduce beneficial bacteria.
• Incorporate prebiotics: Foods like bananas, asparagus, garlic, and oats help nourish your healthy gut bacteria.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking 6–8 glasses of water daily supports digestion and bacterial diversity.
• Prioritise sleep and stress relief: Poor sleep and high stress disrupt your gut and your skin. Practices like yoga, walking, and mindfulness make a meaningful difference.
• Avoid inflammatory foods: Highly processed foods, sugar, and known food intolerances (like dairy or gluten) can aggravate both gut and skin symptoms.

By following a gut-supportive lifestyle, many people report not just improved digestion but calmer, clearer skin too.

Foods to Favour and Avoid for Rosacea-Prone Skin

Your skin reflects what you eat. For those living with rosacea, diet plays a critical role in preventing flare-ups and maintaining a calm, balanced complexion.

Common rosacea triggers to avoid include:

• Spicy foods, thermally hot foods
• Alcohol (especially red wine, beer, and spirits)
• Chocolate, vinegar, soy sauce, sour cream, yoghurt (except Greek yoghurt)
• Histamine-rich foods: aged cheese, yeast extracts
• Citrus fruits, bananas, avocados, tomatoes, raisins
• Greasy, fried, or overly sugary foods

Rosacea-friendly dietary suggestions:

• Cooling foods: Celery, cucumber, watermelon, apple, lemon
• High-fibre foods: Oats, legumes, fruit, vegetables, nuts
• Anti-inflammatory ingredients: Fatty fish, flaxseed, walnuts
• Alkaline-promoting foods: Kale, spinach, broccoli, melon, grapes, tofu
• Symbiotic meals: Combine prebiotics (like bananas) with probiotics (like kefir or plain yoghurt)

Keeping a food diary to track personal triggers can be a helpful step. And while some foods are broadly beneficial, remember that every individual’s skin and gut react differently. Tailoring your approach is key.

Managing Rosacea During Menopause: Understanding Hormonal Impact and Skin Solutions

For many women, menopause brings significant changes—not just emotionally and physically, but also in the skin. One increasingly recognised concern is the onset or worsening of rosacea symptoms during menopause. Hot flushes, fluctuating hormones, and increased skin sensitivity can all contribute to flare-ups, redness, and irritation.

During menopause, declining estrogen levels reduce skin hydration and collagen, leaving skin more prone to inflammation and visible redness.

While the precise connection between menopause and rosacea isn’t fully understood, it’s clear that hormonal shifts can increase skin sensitivity and trigger rosacea symptoms—particularly flushing, broken capillaries, and facial redness. Added emotional stress and anxiety, common during this life stage, can also intensify flare-ups.

Tips for Managing Rosacea Through Menopause:

• Identify and avoid personal triggers such as hot beverages, spicy food, alcohol, or extreme heat.
• Stay cool—use fans, wear light clothing, and avoid overheating to help minimise hot flushes.
• Hydrate and moisturise—as skin loses water-retention capability, use rich, oil-based products to lock in moisture. 
• Protect your skin daily with sunscreen (SPF 30+), preferably mineral-based with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
• Consider medical support—options such as hormone therapy, antihistamines, or stress-reducing antidepressants may support skin and emotional wellbeing.
• Practice self-care—a balanced diet, gentle exercise, and stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga can help regulate internal triggers.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Does Rosacea Improve With Age?  A. Recent studies offer two different perspectives. One found that rosacea symptoms may lessen with age due to a slower immune response, which might mean less inflammation in older skin. Another study showed that rosacea is likely underdiagnosed in older adults, especially by general practitioners who may confuse it with normal signs of aging.

What does this mean for you? If you’re noticing persistent redness, irritation, or changes in your skin—even later in life—it’s still worth seeking a proper diagnosis and using targeted skincare. Rosacea doesn’t always fade with time, and effective natural care can make a lasting difference.

Q: Can my diet really affect my rosacea?
A: Yes—gut health and skin are closely linked. Many people see improvements in rosacea when they adopt a more gut-friendly diet.

Q: How long does it take to see results from gut health changes?
A: Many individuals notice changes within a few weeks, but consistent habits over time yield the best results.

Q: Should I stop using skincare if I’m changing my diet?
A: No—an integrative approach works best. Pairing Pure Peony’s gentle topicals with internal care supports healing on all levels.

Q. Can I use Pure Peony for rosacea on my face? A: Yes, our products are gentle enough for facial skin. The Peony & Calendula remedy is especially soothing for rosacea.

Q: Is it safe for babies and children? A: Absolutely. The High Factor Peony Root Skin Remedy and Moisturiser are baby-safe.

Q: Do your products contain steroids or perfumes? A: No. All formulas are steroid-free, fragrance-free, and naturally farmed in New Zealand.

Q: Will it help during flare-ups? A: Yes. Our Skin Remedy creams are designed for daily use to help reduce inflammation and restore balance.