Key takeaways
- Some natural remedies for rosacea include aloe vera and chamomile, which are present in some moisturizers. They can help soothe inflamed skin and reduce scaling and itching.
- Certain lifestyle adjustments can help manage rosacea flare-ups and reduce their frequency. Examples include stress management, identifying trigger foods, and using sunscreen.
- Other possible home remedies for rosacea include green tea, oatmeal, and honey.
Managing rosacea can be a daily challenge, especially when flare-ups are unpredictable. While medical treatments are often necessary, many people find additional relief by incorporating natural remedies into their routines.
Always talk with your doctor about changes to your skin. Skin changes may indicate a more serious underlying condition that needs medical treatment.
If your doctor has diagnosed you with rosacea, and you’d like to try natural remedies before using a prescription, discuss this with your doctor to determine if this is the right choice for you.
Gel from the inner leaf of the aloe vera plant is emollient and moisturizing.
Many moisturizers contain aloe. You can use these and follow package directions. Or, harvest a leaf from a live aloe plant and apply its inner gel directly to your skin. It’s possible to be sensitive or allergic to aloe vera, so do a patch test before you apply it to larger areas. Do not apply aloe vera to any open scrapes or cuts.
Like aloe, chamomile is common in moisturizing skin products. It’s often used topically in herbal treatment for inflamed skin.
Recent studies have shown that topical application of chamomile can be beneficial for atopic dermatitis and skin irritation. Symptoms of rosacea, such as itching, erythema, and scaling, which are also seen in rosacea, were found to be reduced.
You can also make chamomile tea, wait for it to cool, and apply as a skin wash or compress. You may want to do a test patch on your skin first, as chamomile may sometimes induce allergic contact dermatitis.
Comfrey is a plant that produces a compound called allantoin. This compound has drawn attention for alleviating skin reactions.
A 2025 study on a product containing quercetin noted that allantoin contributes to improved local circulation and alleviates congestion and edema.
Find products such as creams, lotions, or salves that contain natural comfrey or allantoin and follow label directions.
Feverfew is another plant frequently named as a natural rosacea remedy, and has antioxidant qualities. It’s also known to protect against UV exposure, somewhat like a mild sunscreen. UV exposure is sometimes known to worsen rosacea.
A 2024 review acknowledged that use of feverfew extract improved facial flushing, blotchiness, and tactile roughness. The purified extract contained no parthenolides, which may increase sensitivity.
Be sure to use topical feverfew products that are parthenolide-free.
Green tea is very rich in antioxidants and is available as a tea and herbal supplement.
Antioxidants and polyphenols, both in green tea, are helpful for inflammation. This includes skin conditions. As such, green tea is a popular ingredient in skin products and creams for rosacea.
There are a number of studies that show the ability of green tea extract to absorb UV radiation. This makes green tea extract particularly useful in the treatment of rosacea, because UV radiation is one of the triggers of the disease. The application of topical green tea formulations has been shown to decrease UV-induced erythema and to reduce DNA damage.
Cooled green tea may also be used as a compress and you can drink the tea for numerous health benefits, too.
Niacinamide is a B vitamin found in foods. It’s not to be confused with niacin or vitamin B3.
It’s extracted into creams and lotions for topical skin conditions. Niacinamide may be helpful for rosacea.
A 2021 review noted that a facial moisturizer containing 2% nicotinamide improved skin barriers in patients with rosacea.
Purchase creams containing niacinamide from reliable companies and follow label directions.
Oatmeal is a long-existing home remedy for rosacea. It’s known as a soothing agent to relieve itch and irritation.
Some skin products, like face masks, include oatmeal as an ingredient — these are great options.
You can also mix a couple tablespoons of oatmeal with water and apply directly to your skin.
Some types of honey, especially raw honey, may be effective and easy relievers for rosacea.
This may be because honey helps skin retain moisture and dryness worsens rosacea. In a 2015 study, a type of honey called kanuka honey was shown to be very effective against rosacea.
Purchase a high quality, raw honey. Kanuka or manuka honey is recommended. Apply a small amount directly to your skin.
Turmeric is a famous anti-inflammatory herb. It may be recommended to
Some creams and lotions contain turmeric. You can also mix turmeric powder with water and apply it to your skin as a poultice.
In addition to home remedies, certain lifestyle changes may be effective for managing your rosacea and avoiding common triggers:
- Create a routine to manage your stress and anxiety that may trigger rosacea flare-ups.
- Keep a food diary to determine and remove allergens or trigger foods from your diet.
- Eat more anti-inflammatory foods such as kale, ginger, and avocados. They’re high in antioxidants and contain B vitamins such as niacinamide.
- Wear sunscreen regularly, or whenever you go outside, to prevent rosacea flare-ups from sun exposure and UV rays.
- Vasodilators, topical steroids, and beta blockers may worsen rosacea or cause flushing, so be sure to discuss them with your doctor if you have rosacea.
Talk with your doctor before stopping any prescribed medication and ask about alternatives.
If rosacea interferes with your daily life or gets too painful, talk with your doctor about medication and a treatment plan.
You may also want to talk with your doctor about these at-home remedies. Some may be effective enough to help reduce your symptoms.